2025 Subaru WRX vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru WRX arrives with its rally-bred legacy, distinguished by standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 271 hp, making it an all-weather weapon ready to tackle any road surface. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N boasts a torque advantage with a whopping 289 lb-ft versus the WRX’s 258 lb-ft, paired with a lighter FWD setup and an aggressive stance only 55.7 inches high. While the WRX is slightly shorter at 183.8 inches, the Elantra N offers more usable space with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Subaru's 12.5 cu ft. The Elantra N also edges out in efficiency, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the WRX's 22 combined MPG, despite both demanding premium fuel. These two hot sedans represent a fascinating clash between AWD stability and raw FWD grunt.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N offers better fuel economy at 24 combined MPG and a slightly lower starting MSRP of $35,100.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides superior practicality with a larger 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity than the WRX's 12.5 cu ft.
2025 Subaru WRX
The WRX's standard All-Wheel Drive system provides unparalleled traction and dynamic stability compared to the Elantra N's Front-Wheel Drive.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N delivers more peak torque (289 lb-ft vs. 271 hp) for a $2,650 lower starting price.
Choose the Subaru WRX if...
- You prioritize absolute year-round grip thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer the traditional, tactile engagement of the WRX's 6-speed manual transmission mated to AWD.
- You want a slightly smaller vehicle footprint for navigating tight urban environments (183.8 inches long).
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You seek maximum engine pulling power, evidenced by its class-leading 289 lb-ft of torque.
- You want to save money upfront with a starting MSRP of $35,100, significantly lower than Car 1.
- You value efficiency in a performance model, as Car 2 achieves 29 highway MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru WRX | Hyundai Elantra N |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.8" | 185.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 57.8" | 55.7" |
| Wheelbase | 105.2" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
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 | 271 hp @ 5600 rpm | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 2000 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 | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Front Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 21/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 315.4/431.6 mi. | 260.4/359.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| 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 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 36.7 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 49.3 in. | 50.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 8.5 in | 19 x 8.0 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/40R | 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 WRX and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.
Which car has the superior driving dynamics for spirited driving?
This is subjective: the WRX offers the inherent stability and traction advantages of its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, excellent for mixed conditions. The Elantra N compensates with significantly more torque (289 lb-ft) delivered through the front wheels, resulting in an incredibly sharp, eager front-end feel.
How significant is the difference in horsepower and torque?
The Elantra N officially has 276 hp compared to the WRX's 271 hp, a marginal difference, but the Elantra N pulls ahead substantially in torque, delivering 289 lb-ft against the WRX's 258 lb-ft.
Is the required fuel type a major factor in ownership costs?
Both vehicles require premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more than regular gasoline. While the Elantra N is slightly more efficient at 24 combined MPG, this difference will slightly offset the higher per-gallon fuel cost over time compared to the WRX's 22 combined MPG.
Which sedan offers more utility for daily errands?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N wins on utility, offering 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, which is noticeably more generous than the 12.5 cu ft found in the 2025 Subaru WRX.
How do their physical sizes compare, especially for parking?
They are nearly identical in width (71.9 inches for both), but the WRX is marginally shorter in length at 183.8 inches versus the Elantra N’s 185.4 inches. The Elantra N is also significantly lower in height at 55.7 inches, giving it a sleeker profile.
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