2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2025 Nissan Altima
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra leaps onto the scene with its sharp, futuristic styling and an aggressive starting MSRP of $22,125, aiming squarely at efficiency champions. Its lean chassis delivers a commendable 36 MPG combined, drawing on its 147 hp engine. Contrast this with the robust 2025 Nissan Altima, which arrives with a punchier 188 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, offering more dynamic road presence despite its higher $27,000 price tag. The Altima boasts superior size, clocking in at 192.9 inches long versus the Elantra’s 185.4 inches, which translates to slightly more passenger and cargo room (15.4 cu ft vs. 14.2 cu ft). While the Altima sacrifices 4 MPG efficiency for its extra 41 horsepower advantage, both utilize FWD and CVTs. The choice hinges on whether supreme efficiency and affordability, or greater outright power and size, drives your decision.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 36 MPG.
2025 Nissan Altima
The larger Altima provides more comfort with greater length (192.9 inches) and superior cargo capacity at 15.4 cubic feet.
2025 Nissan Altima
The Altima appeals more to enthusiasts with its significantly higher output of 188 horsepower compared to the Elantra's 147 hp.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra offers better overall value by having an MSRP $4,875 lower than the Altima while maintaining high efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- Your absolute priority is minimizing fuel stops, leveraging its 41 MPG highway rating.
- You need the lowest initial cost, as its MSRP starts at just $22,125.
- You prefer a slightly nimbler footprint with a shorter length of 185.4 inches for urban maneuverability.
Choose the Nissan Altima if...
- You demand quicker acceleration enabled by the 188 hp engine.
- You require more utility, as it offers 15.4 cu ft of cargo space versus 14.2 cu ft.
- You appreciate a more muscular on-road presence, highlighted by its superior torque rating of 180 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 192.9" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.9" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 111.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 188 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 180 lb-ft @ 3600 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 | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 32/41 MPG | 27/39 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.8/508.4 mi. | 437.4/631.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 16.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 35.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 15 x 6.0 in | 16 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 195/65R15 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and 2025 Nissan Altima.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Altima compared to the Elantra?
The 2025 Nissan Altima holds a noticeable advantage in power, boasting 188 horsepower compared to the 2025 Hyundai Elantra's 147 horsepower. This 41 hp difference means the Altima delivers a more spirited acceleration experience.
What is the exact price gap between these two sedans?
There is a significant $4,875 difference in the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The Elantra begins at $22,125, while the Altima commands a higher entry price of $27,000.
Is the fuel economy difference substantial for a long commuter?
Yes, the Elantra saves notable fuel costs, achieving 36 MPG combined versus the Altima's 32 MPG combined. Over the course of a year, that 4 MPG difference will translate into fewer trips to the pump for Elantra drivers.
Which car is physically larger and offers more space?
The 2025 Nissan Altima is the larger vehicle across the board, measuring 192.9 inches long compared to the Elantra's 185.4 inches. This results in a slightly greater cargo volume of 15.4 cubic feet for the Altima.
Do the transmission or drive types differ between these models?
No, both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2025 Nissan Altima rely on a front-wheel-drive configuration paired with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). They are mechanically similar in terms of how power is sent to the road.
Can I use regular unleaded fuel in both vehicles?
Fortunately, both the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Altima specify that they run perfectly well on regular unleaded gasoline. This helps keep long-term running costs predictable for owners of either sedan.
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