2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 BMW 3 Series

$34,350 · Sedan

$47,500 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between raw fun and refined luxury can be tough when buying a new sport sedan. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N starts at a much friendlier $34,350, compared to the 2026 BMW 3 Series' $47,500, creating a significant $13,150 barrier to entry in favor of the Elantra N. While the Elantra N boasts more horsepower at 276 hp versus the BMW's 255 hp, the 3 Series counters with superior efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Hyundai's 24 MPG combined. Furthermore, the BMW offers slightly more usable space, sporting 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft. Ultimately, this choice boils down to prioritizing aggressive, accessible performance or efficient, upscale daily usability in a very tight footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 31 MPG combined against the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 3 Series

Families will benefit from the 3 Series' slightly larger 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N appeals more to enthusiasts with its higher 276 hp output and engaging 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

The Hyundai Elantra N is the clear value winner, costing $13,150 less than the BMW 3 Series while offering 21 more horsepower.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

You prioritize maximum power per dollar, as the Elantra N delivers 276 hp for only $34,350.
You strongly prefer engaging with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission for driving purity.
You want a sportier look and feel without the significant upfront cost of the German rival.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

Fuel economy is critical, as the 3 Series offers significantly better efficiency at 35 highway MPG.
You need a touch more utility, benefiting from the 16.9 cu ft of cargo space over Car 1's 14.2 cu ft.
You prefer the smooth, quick shifts provided by the standard 8-speed automatic transmission and RWD setup.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Elantra N	BMW 3 Series
Length	185.4"	185.9"
Width	71.9"	71.9"
Height	55.7"	56.8"
Wheelbase	107.1"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Integrated Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	mild hybrid
Horsepower	276 hp @ 5500 rpm	255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque	289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Front Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/29 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	260.4/359.6 mi.	436.8/546.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	15.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Stereo System	Bose	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	—
Speaker System	8	10
Subwoofer Count	1	2
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	205W
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	38.7 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.4 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	2-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	2-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	10-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	37.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.5 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	Performance	—
Tire Size	245/35R	225/45R18
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	BMW
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2026 BMW 3 Series.

Is the Hyundai Elantra N significantly quicker than the BMW 3 Series?

The Elantra N technically produces more peak power with 276 horsepower compared to the 3 Series' 255 horsepower. However, the BMW counters with 295 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the Hyundai's 289 lb-ft, and uses an 8-speed automatic which might lead to quicker 0-60 times despite having less raw horsepower.

How much more will the BMW 3 Series cost me annually in fuel expenses?

The 3 Series saves about 7 MPG combined (31 MPG vs 24 MPG). Given the requirement for premium fuel in both, this 7 MPG difference means the Elantra N owner will spend noticeably more on gas over the course of a year, especially with frequent driving.

Which car is better suited for fitting into tight city parking spots?

Both cars are similarly sized, with the Elantra N being slightly shorter in length at 185.4 inches versus the BMW's 185.9 inches. However, the Elantra N is slightly shorter in height at 55.7 inches, which might offer a psychological advantage in low-clearance garages.

Does the $13,150 price difference reflect different standard features?

While specific feature sets aren't provided, the MSRP difference strongly suggests the BMW 3 Series includes more standard luxury and technology appointments inherently expected at the near-$48,000 price point, whereas the Elantra N prioritizes high-performance hardware for its lower cost.

What is the difference in driving dynamics based on their drivetrains?

The Elantra N uses a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup paired with a manual, focusing on front-end grip and driver involvement via clutch pedal use. The 3 Series utilizes a traditional rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout managed by an automatic transmission, favoring balanced handling characteristics.

Which car offers more practical hauling capacity for groceries or luggage?

The 2026 BMW 3 Series is more practical for cargo, offering 16.9 cubic feet, which is a measurable improvement over the Elantra N's 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space.