2025 Lexus IS vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N

$40,535 · Sedan

$35,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between premium reliability and raw performance often leaves buyers stuck, especially when comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N. The Lexus IS starts at a higher MSRP of $40,535, offering 241 hp and RWD in a slightly wider stance (72.4 inches). Conversely, the Elantra N undercuts it significantly at $35,100 while packing a punch with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, making it the stronger performer outright. While both require premium fuel, the IS achieves a slightly better combined MPG of 25 versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG. Furthermore, the Hyundai offers a much more usable space with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus's meager 10.8 cu ft, a crucial factor for daily usability that helps balance the performance gap despite the Lexus’s sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission against the Elantra N's standard 6-speed manual.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS offers slightly better fuel economy at 31 highway MPG and uses a smoother 8-speed automatic transmission ideal for stop-and-go traffic.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N provides significantly more practical space with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N delivers superior straight-line performance thanks to its 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired standard with an engaging 6-speed manual.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N saves buyers $5,435 on the sticker price while offering 35 more horsepower, representing a much better performance bargain.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

You prioritize the smoother, refined driving experience offered by the standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
You prefer the slightly better highway cruising efficiency, achieving 31 MPG compared to the Elantra N's 29 MPG.
You desire the traditionally balanced handling characteristics associated with its rear-wheel drive layout.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

Your budget is firm and you want to save $5,435 on the initial purchase price.
Maximum performance is key, as the 276 hp output easily beats the IS's 241 hp.
You need more usable trunk space, as 14.2 cu ft is substantially better than the IS's 10.8 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus IS	Hyundai Elantra N
Length	185.4"	185.4"
Width	72.4"	71.9"
Height	56.5"	55.7"
Wheelbase	110.2"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	241 hp @ 5200 rpm	276 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm	289 lb-ft @ 2100 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	Lexus	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/31 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	365.4/539.4 mi.	260.4/359.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.8 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.9 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	53.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	—	6-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	32.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.4 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.0 in.	50.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	235/45R18	245/35R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus IS and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.

Is the difference in handling significant between the RWD Lexus IS and the FWD Elantra N?

Yes, the RWD setup of the Lexus IS generally offers a more balanced weight distribution and distinct handling feel favored by some driving enthusiasts. However, the Elantra N's FWD layout is paired with high power (276 hp), which can lead to torque steer under hard acceleration.

Since both require premium fuel, which one will cost less to run daily?

The Lexus IS holds a slight advantage in fuel economy, achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 combined MPG. Over a year, this small difference in MPG might translate to minor savings at the pump for the Lexus.

How does the standard transmission choice impact daily driving?

The Lexus IS comes standard with an 8-speed automatic, which provides effortless shifts for commuting comfort. The Elantra N is defined by its standard 6-speed manual, which demands more driver engagement but is often preferred by performance purists.

If I often carry luggage or gear, is the difference in cargo capacity a major issue?

The Elantra N offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, which is about 31% larger than the Lexus IS's 10.8 cu ft. For families or frequent travelers, the Elantra N is much more practical in terms of storage volume.

The Lexus IS is wider than the Elantra N; does that mean more shoulder room inside?

The Lexus IS is 72.4 inches wide compared to the Elantra N's 71.9 inches. While the 0.5-inch difference is small, the slightly larger exterior dimensions of the IS might translate to marginally better interior width, though cabin layouts are the true determinant.

Why is the Lexus IS so much more expensive if the Elantra N has more horsepower?

The $5,435 price premium for the Lexus IS reflects its luxury brand positioning, higher base MSRP of $40,535, and engineering focus on comfort and premium refinement rather than raw power figures like the Elantra N's 276 hp.