2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 Cadillac CT5

$34,350 · Sedan

$48,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Torn between thrilling performance on a budget and accessible luxury with proven efficiency? That's the core dilemma when weighing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N against the 2026 Cadillac CT5. The Elantra N is the clear performance bargain, packing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque for an MSRP of just $34,350, appealing directly to the driving enthusiast seeking maximum power per dollar. Conversely, the slightly larger CT5 (193.8 inches long) offers superior fuel economy at 26 combined MPG, even though its base engine produces a lower 237 hp. While the Elantra N demands premium fuel every time, the CT5 only recommends it. The $14,250 starting price gap is significant, positioning the Hyundai as the aggressive, driver-focused choice, while the Cadillac leans toward a more refined, economical premium experience despite having slightly less cargo space at 11.9 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Cadillac CT5

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy rating of 26 combined MPG and slightly softer ride characteristics implied by its luxury branding.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N offers more usability for families with a larger 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CT5's 11.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2025 Hyundai Elantra N is the superior performance machine, boasting 276 hp and a standard 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N delivers significantly more power (276 hp vs. 237 hp) for a massive $14,250 lower starting MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

Your top priority is raw performance metrics, utilizing its 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer the absolute control and engagement offered by a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
You need the maximum possible trunk space, as the Elantra N offers 14.2 cu ft versus the CT5's 11.9 cu ft.

Choose the Cadillac CT5 if...

You appreciate the refinement of Rear Wheel Drive and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel efficiency matters for your daily drive, evidenced by its 26 combined MPG rating.
You desire a more upscale presence, reflected in its significantly higher starting price of $48,600.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Elantra N	Cadillac CT5
Length	185.4"	193.8"
Width	71.9"	74.1"
Height	55.7"	57.2"
Wheelbase	107.1"	116.0"

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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
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	10-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	23/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	260.4/359.6 mi.	391.0/544.0 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	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front View Camera	—	✓
Side View Camera	—	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Cadillac
Infotainment Display	10.3 in	33.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Premium Stereo System	Bose	—
Premium Speaker Brand	Bose	AKG
Speaker System	8	15
Subwoofer Count	1	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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Surround Audio	—	Discrete
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Cadillac
Front Head Room	40.6 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	56.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.7 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	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	—	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Passenger Seat Ventilation	—	✓
Seat Massage Function	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Cadillac
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	36.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	37.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.5 in.	53.7 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	245/45R18
Wheel Diameter	—	18 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 CT5.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N cheaper to run than the 2026 Cadillac CT5?

No, while the Elantra N is vastly cheaper to buy ($34,350 vs $48,600), it requires mandatory premium unleaded fuel and achieves only 24 combined MPG, which is slightly less efficient than the CT5's 26 combined MPG.

Which sedan is physically bigger: the Elantra N or the CT5?

The 2026 Cadillac CT5 is physically larger overall, measuring 193.8 inches long and 74.1 inches wide, compared to the Elantra N's length of 185.4 inches and width of 71.9 inches.

If I want RWD, which car should I choose?

You must choose the 2026 Cadillac CT5 if Rear Wheel Drive is a requirement, as the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N comes exclusively in a Front Wheel Drive configuration.

Which car offers better handling dynamics for spirited driving?

The Elantra N is tuned for enthusiasts, offering higher output (276 hp) and a direct 6-speed manual transmission, whereas the CT5 focuses more on luxury cruising with its 237 hp and 10-speed automatic.

Does the price difference justify the horsepower gap?

The Elantra N delivers 39 more horsepower than the CT5 base model while costing $14,250 less, making the Elantra N the significantly better bargain for sheer straight-line speed potential.

Is the base Cadillac CT5 underpowered compared to the Elantra N?

Yes, the CT5's 237 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque are considerably lower than the Elantra N's 276 hp and 289 lb-ft, meaning the Hyundai is notably quicker in acceleration tests.