2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2025 Nissan Sentra
Comparison Overview
The 2025 automotive landscape sees two valiant compact contenders: the Hyundai Elantra, championing efficiency, and the Nissan Sentra, flexing a slight muscle advantage. The Elantra commands attention with its spirited fuel economy, achieving 36 MPG combined from its 147 hp engine, perfectly mated to a smooth FWD setup. Conversely, the Sentra ignites the segment with superior low-end punch, boasting 146 lb-ft of torque—significantly more than the Elantra’s 132 lb-ft—and hitting 149 hp. While both are remarkably compact, the Sentra offers marginally more headroom at 56.9 inches tall compared to the Elantra’s 55.7 inches, though the Elantra squeezes out a fraction more length at 185.4 inches. The Sentra also secures a slightly larger trunk at 14.3 cu ft versus the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft, demonstrating these decisions often come down to fractions of an inch or pound-feet.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 36 MPG.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra edges out slightly due to its marginally larger 14.3 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra is the enthusiast choice, delivering higher torque at 146 lb-ft compared to the Elantra's 132 lb-ft.
2025 Nissan Sentra
The 2025 Nissan Sentra offers better initial value by having a lower base MSRP of $21,590.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- You prioritize maximizing mileage, as the Elantra achieves 32 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle footprint at 185.4 inches for perceived road stability.
- You desire the lowest entry point for ownership, with an MSRP of $22,125 that fits budgets prioritizing efficiency.
Choose the Nissan Sentra if...
- You want more responsiveness off the line thanks to its 146 lb-ft of torque output.
- You need the absolute maximum utility, as the Sentra offers 14.3 cu ft of cargo space.
- You are looking for a more commanding posture, as the Sentra stands slightly taller at 56.9 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra | Nissan Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 182.7" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.9" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 106.6" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Rear Drum Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 149 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 146 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | 30/40 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 34 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.8/508.4 mi. | 372.0/496.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 12.4 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 | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| 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) | — | ✓ |
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. | 38.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 44.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 56.4 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.5 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. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 34.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 15 x 6.0 in | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 195/65R15 | P205/60R H |
| 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 Sentra.
Which car is better on gas for daily driving between the 2025 Elantra and Sentra?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the clear efficiency leader, boasting a combined 36 MPG rating, while the Sentra trails slightly at 34 MPG combined. This means fewer stops at the pump for the Elantra driver over the course of a year.
Does the Sentra or Elantra have more power available to the driver?
The 2025 Nissan Sentra offers a tangible advantage in pulling power, generating 146 lb-ft of torque compared to the Elantra's 132 lb-ft. Although both have similar horsepower figures (149 hp vs 147 hp), the Sentra’s superior torque translates to stronger acceleration feel.
How do their base prices compare for entry-level buyers?
The 2025 Nissan Sentra starts slightly lower on the price ladder with an MSRP of $21,590. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is priced just above that at $22,125, making the Sentra the more budget-friendly entry point.
Are there significant differences in interior space or cargo hauling?
The differences are minimal, but the 2025 Sentra has a slight edge in trunk volume at 14.3 cu ft versus the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft. The Sentra is also slightly taller at 56.9 inches, potentially offering better headroom.
What type of fuel and transmission do both sedans utilize?
Both the 2025 Elantra and Sentra run on regular unleaded gasoline and employ front-wheel drive systems paired with continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions for smooth operation.
Which sedan has a longer exterior presence on the road?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the longer vehicle, measuring 185.4 inches in length, compared to the Sentra's 182.7 inches. They are nearly identical in width, with the Elantra being 71.9 inches wide.
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