2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 Cadillac CT4
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N unleashes raw, front-wheel-drive fury, distinguished by its potent 276 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission that begs for driver engagement. In stark contrast, the 2026 Cadillac CT4 offers a smoother, rear-wheel-drive refinement, boasting a superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG, though its 237 hp output trails the Hyundai. The Elantra N packs a stronger punch with 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the Cadillac's 258 lb-ft, making it the undeniable performance bruiser straight off the line, despite its slightly smaller 14.2 cu ft cargo hold versus the CT4's 10.7 cu ft. While the Elantra N starts lower at an MSRP of $34,350, the Cadillac positions itself slightly more upscale. This battle pits accessible track excitement against premium, efficiency-minded RWD dynamics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Cadillac CT4
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 wins for commuters due to its better combined MPG rating of 26 compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N provides more utility for families with a larger cargo capacity of 14.2 cubic feet compared to the CT4's 10.7 cubic feet.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
Enthusiasts will favor the Elantra N for its superior 276 hp and standard 6-speed manual transmission offering a more visceral driving experience.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N offers significantly more horsepower (276 hp vs 237 hp) for a lower starting MSRP of $34,350.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You demand maximum engagement and prefer the tactile control of a 6-speed manual transmission.
- You prioritize raw power, benefiting from 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the slightly larger trunk space available, measuring 14.2 cubic feet.
Choose the Cadillac CT4 if...
- You prefer the balanced handling characteristics inherent to a rear-wheel-drive platform.
- You commute longer distances and value the better efficiency achieving 32 MPG highway.
- You prefer an automatic gearbox, as the CT4 comes equipped with a smooth 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Cadillac CT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 187.2" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.4" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.0" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 109.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 237 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 22/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 374.0/544.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 17.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Heated Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 33.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 52.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | — | ✓ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | Performance | ✓ |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | P225/45R17 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Cadillac |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2026 Cadillac CT4.
Which car offers a better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Cadillac CT4 is the winner for fuel efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined (22 city/32 highway). The Hyundai Elantra N trails slightly at 24 MPG combined, partially due to its FWD layout and aggressive tuning.
Is the required premium fuel in the Elantra N a major drawback compared to the CT4?
Yes, the Elantra N requires premium unleaded, potentially increasing running costs significantly compared to the CT4, which only recommends premium unleaded fuel.
How does the RWD setup of the CT4 compare to the FWD of the Elantra N in spirited driving?
The CT4's rear-wheel-drive offers traditional sports sedan balance and dynamics, whereas the Elantra N's front-wheel-drive setup channels its higher 276 hp through the front wheels, resulting in a unique, torque-steering character favored by N enthusiasts.
Which sedan provides more utility for trips and errands?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N is more practical for cargo, offering 14.2 cubic feet of storage space. The 2026 Cadillac CT4 offers only 10.7 cubic feet, sacrificing capacity for its sleek profile.
For track day use, which car is theoretically better equipped out of the box?
The Elantra N is purpose-built for this, delivering 39 more horsepower and featuring a driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission that many enthusiasts prefer for precise control over the CT4's 8-speed automatic.
Are the two sedans significantly different in physical size?
The Cadillac CT4 is marginally longer at 187.2 inches versus the Elantra N's 185.4 inches, though they are nearly identical in width and height, making maneuverability comparable.
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