2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The primary disparity between the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N (car2) and the 2025 Subaru BRZ (car1) lies in power delivery, where car2 boasts an additional 48 horsepower, producing 276 hp compared to the BRZ's 228 hp, and significantly more torque at 289 lb-ft versus 184 lb-ft. Despite this performance gap, the Elantra N maintains a slight efficiency edge, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the BRZ's 22 combined MPG, although both require premium fuel. The Elantra N is also considerably larger, measuring 185.4 inches in length compared to the BRZ's 167.9 inches, which directly translates to a substantial difference in practicality: the Elantra N offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, nearly double the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft. Priced at $35,100 compared to the BRZ's $33,210, the Elantra N demands a $1,890 premium for its increased performance and utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N provides better combined fuel economy at 24 MPG and superior passenger comfort due to its sedan body style.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
With 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Elantra N offers more than double the storage volume of the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft, making it far more practical.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N delivers superior measurable performance with 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque compared to the BRZ's 228 hp and 184 lb-ft.
2025 Subaru BRZ
The 2025 Subaru BRZ offers a highly engaging RWD, manual sports coupe experience for a lower entry price of $33,210.
Choose the Subaru BRZ if...
- A dedicated focus on RWD driving dynamics is preferred over the FWD layout of the Elantra N.
- The lowest possible MSRP of $33,210 is a primary purchasing constraint.
- A compact, nimble vehicle measuring only 69.9 inches in width is necessary for tighter storage or driving environments.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- Maximum available power, specifically 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, is essential for driving engagement.
- The buyer requires functional sedan utility with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- A slightly higher combined fuel economy of 24 MPG is desirable while still using a 6-speed manual transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru BRZ | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 167.9" | 185.4" |
| Width | 69.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 51.6" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 101.4" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 7000 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 3700 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 | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/27 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 264.0/356.4 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Premium Speaker Brand | — | Bose |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 37.0 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 53.6 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.4 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 33.5 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 29.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.7 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.2 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 215/45R | 245/35R |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which car offers better acceleration based on the provided specifications?
Based on the higher output figures, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N should offer significantly quicker acceleration, producing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru BRZ is rated at 228 hp and 184 lb-ft, indicating the Elantra N has a substantial advantage in power-to-weight situations.
How do the driving dynamics differ fundamentally between the BRZ and the Elantra N?
The fundamental difference lies in the drive wheels: the BRZ is rear-wheel drive (RWD), traditionally favored for balanced handling, while the Elantra N utilizes front-wheel drive (FWD). Both feature a 6-speed manual transmission for driver control.
Is the 2025 Subaru BRZ significantly smaller than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N?
Yes, the BRZ is notably smaller; it is 17.5 inches shorter in length (167.9 in vs 185.4 in) and 2.0 inches narrower (69.9 in vs 71.9 in). This reduction in size directly impacts cargo utility.
Which vehicle provides better daily running costs besides the initial purchase price?
The Hyundai Elantra N offers marginally better efficiency at 24 combined MPG compared to the BRZ’s 22 combined MPG, though both mandate the use of premium unleaded fuel.
Is the $1,890 price difference between the cars justified by the features?
The price difference dictates that the Elantra N costs $35,100 versus the BRZ's $33,210. Buyers paying extra for the Elantra N gain 48 hp, 105 lb-ft more torque, and more than double the cargo space (14.2 vs 6.3 cu ft).
Do these vehicles offer any difference in seating configuration or body style?
The Subaru BRZ is strictly a two-door coupe designed for minimal practicality. In contrast, the Hyundai Elantra N is a four-door sedan, inherently offering easier access and superior rear passenger space, complementing its larger cargo area.
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