2025 Nissan Z vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N

$42,970 · Coupe

$35,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Nissan Z bursts onto the scene, channeling heritage with its pure RWD coupe form and a potent 400 hp from its twin-turbo heart. It’s an unapologetic driver's machine focused squarely on fun. Contrasting this raw spirit is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N, a fiery FWD sport sedan that perfectly balances track readiness with everyday usability, offering 276 hp and superior economy. The Z demands premium fuel for its performance peak, whereas the Elantra N, though needing premium, returns a better 24 combined MPG compared to the Z's 20 combined MPG. The price gulf is significant: the Elantra N starts at just $35,100, significantly undercutting the Nissan Z's $42,970 MSRP. While the Z boasts 124 more horsepower, the Elantra N's sedan practicality and $7,870 lower entry point make it a sharp proposition for speed demons on a budget.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Nissan Z's 20 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

As a sedan with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Elantra N is inherently more practical for family duties than the dedicated two-seater coupe.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z appeals more to driving purists with its higher output of 400 hp and dedicated rear-wheel-drive sports car architecture.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N offers substantially more usable power per dollar, starting $7,870 cheaper than the Nissan Z.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You prioritize raw horsepower, benefiting from the Nissan Z's 400 hp engine.
You demand the traditional sports car experience provided by a rear-wheel-drive coupe layout.
You prefer the slightly smaller, more compact dimensions of the Z at 172.4 inches long.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

Saving money is paramount, as the Elantra N has a $7,870 lower starting MSRP.
You need better fuel efficiency, averaging 24 combined MPG versus the Z’s 20 MPG.
Daily usability matters, thanks to its sedan body style and 14.2 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Z	Hyundai Elantra N
Length	172.4"	185.4"
Width	72.6"	71.9"
Height	51.8"	55.7"
Wheelbase	100.4"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	3.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	400 hp @ 6400 rpm	276 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	20 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	260.4/359.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	—	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Subwoofer Count	—	1
USB Port	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.2 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.2 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

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

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 9.0 in.	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	245/45R	245/35R

Suspension

Feature	Nissan	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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 Z and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.

Is the 2025 Nissan Z much faster than the 2026 Elantra N?

Yes, the Nissan Z holds a significant power advantage with 400 hp compared to the Elantra N's 276 hp, translating to faster straight-line performance. However, both utilize a 6-speed manual transmission.

Which car is better for long highway commutes?

The 2026 Elantra N is the better choice for commuting, boasting highway mileage of 29 MPG versus the Z's 24 MPG highway rating. Furthermore, its sedan body is generally more compliant.

How much more expensive is the Nissan Z?

The 2025 Nissan Z has an MSRP of $42,970, which is $7,870 more than the 2026 Elantra N starting price of $35,100.

Do both cars require the same type of gasoline?

Both vehicles mandate premium unleaded fuel for optimal performance. The Nissan Z recommends it, while the Elantra N strictly requires it.

Which vehicle offers better packaging for passengers and cargo?

The Hyundai Elantra N wins on packaging; being a sedan, it offers a conventional layout and 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Z is a strict two-seater coupe.

What is the main difference in driving dynamics between the two?

The Nissan Z is rear-wheel drive, offering classic sports car handling dynamics, while the Elantra N drives the front wheels, channeling its 276 hp through the front axle.