2025 Nissan Versa vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra

$17,390 · Sedan

$22,625 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The biggest hurdle for budget-conscious buyers is deciding where to compromise: should you save money upfront or invest in better efficiency and power down the road? The 2025 Nissan Versa enters at a compelling $17,390 MSRP, making it over $5,235 cheaper than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra's starting price of $22,625. While the Versa's 122 hp offers adequate motivation, the Elantra pulls ahead with a zestier 147 hp, translating to a more confident drive. However, fuel economy is a clear win for Hyundai; the Elantra achieves 35 MPG combined versus the Versa's 30 MPG combined. Though the Elantra is slightly larger, measuring 185.4 inches long compared to the Versa’s 177.0 inches, the practical differences in cargo space are negligible (14.2 cu ft vs. 14.7 cu ft). Ultimately, this battle pits rock-bottom entry cost against long-term running refinement.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra wins for commuters due to its superior 35 MPG combined fuel economy, leading to lower long-term operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Versa

Despite slightly less highway cruising refinement, the Versa wins for families needing the absolute lowest initial purchase price of $17,390.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 25 more horsepower, resulting in 147 hp total.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Versa

The Versa offers unbeatable foundational value because its MSRP is $5,235 less than the Elantra.

Choose the Nissan Versa if...

Your absolute priority is minimizing the initial outlay, as the Versa starts at just $17,390.
You prefer the traditional engagement of a 5-speed manual transmission over an automatic.
You can manage with 27 MPG in the city, as its lower cost offsets less frequent fueling.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...

You drive frequently and want to save money over time with 35 MPG combined efficiency.
You value slightly more power for merging, thanks to the Elantra's 147 hp output.
You need the marginally larger cabin space provided by its 185.4-inch length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Versa	Hyundai Elantra
Length	177.0"	185.4"
Width	68.5"	71.9"
Height	57.3"	55.7"
Wheelbase	103.1"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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 Drum Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	122 hp @ 6300 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	114 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Transmission Type	5-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/35 MPG	31/40 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	35 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	291.6/378.0 mi.	384.4/496.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	10.8 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.5 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.1 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	50.9 in.	53.4 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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	36.3 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	31.0 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	50.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Steel	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Dimensions	15 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P195/65R15	195/65R15
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	15 x 6.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	2 yr./ 24000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Nissan Versa and 2026 Hyundai Elantra.

How significant is the difference in highway fuel economy?

The 2026 Elantra is noticeably thriftier on the highway, achieving 40 MPG compared to the Versa's 35 MPG. This 5 MPG advantage will translate to fewer stops at the pump over the course of a year for high-mileage drivers.

Is the Elantra substantially larger than the Versa?

The Elantra is longer, measuring 185.4 inches compared to the Versa's 177.0 inches, giving it a slightly more substantial presence. However, cargo capacity is nearly identical, with the Versa offering 14.7 cu ft versus the Elantra's 14.2 cu ft.

Which car offers better straight-line acceleration?

The 2026 Elantra is expected to be quicker, boasting 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Versa's 122 hp and 114 lb-ft.

Why does the Versa come with a manual transmission standard?

Nissan equips the base Versa with a 5-speed manual transmission, which is one factor helping it achieve the lowest possible MSRP of $17,390. The Elantra includes a standard CVT automatic.