2025 Volvo S60 vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N

$42,600 · Sedan

$35,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Volvo S60 captivates with its serene, sophisticated Swedish design, offering a refined 247 hp and excellent efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N electrifies the senses with a potent 276 hp and aggressive tuning, though its efficiency dips to 24 MPG combined. This comparison pits elegant composure against raw, track-ready aggression. The S60 boasts a higher MSRP of $42,600, while the Elantra N undercuts it substantially at $35,100, representing a $7,500 difference. Furthermore, the S60 provides an extra 7 MPG advantage on the highway (36 MPG vs. 29 MPG). While the Elantra N is shorter by nearly three inches (185.4 inches vs. 188.1 inches), it surprisingly offers more practical space, boasting 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Volvo's 11.6 cu ft, signaling a choice between quiet luxury and thrilling, affordable performance.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 is the clear choice for commuting due to its superior combined fuel economy of 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Hyundai Elantra N provides significantly more usable space with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the S60's 11.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N delivers superior power output with 276 hp and comes standard with an engaging 6-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Elantra N offers significantly more performance for $7,500 less than the S60's starting price.

Choose the Volvo S60 if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, achieving 36 Highway MPG for long daily drives.
You seek a quieter, more composed driving experience typical of luxury sedans.
A slightly larger overall footprint (188.1 inches long) and 247 hp are sufficient for your needs.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

You demand maximum power, utilizing the 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque.
You insist on driver engagement provided by the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Maximizing cargo space (14.2 cu ft) and saving $7,500 upfront are top priorities.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Volvo S60	Hyundai Elantra N
Length	188.1"	185.4"
Width	72.8"	71.9"
Height	56.6"	55.7"
Wheelbase	113.1"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	—
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	247 hp @ 5400 rpm	276 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft @ 1800 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	Volvo	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/36 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	429.3/572.4 mi.	260.4/359.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.9 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Volvo	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leatherette Steering Wheel	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	220W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
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
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Front Head Room	37.4 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.3 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.1 in.	56.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.3 in.	53.4 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
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	Volvo	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.2 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.5 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	50.5 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 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	—

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Volvo	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 30000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.

How does the difference in horsepower translate to real-world driving between the S60 and Elantra N?

The 2026 Elantra N has a clear advantage with 276 hp compared to the S60's 247 hp, suggesting the Hyundai will feel significantly quicker during acceleration and spirited driving moments. While both are FWD, the Elantra N’s superior power output paired with required premium fuel points towards aggressive tuning.

Is the Volvo S60 or the Hyundai Elantra N better for saving money at the pump?

The Volvo S60 is the clear efficiency champion, achieving a combined 30 MPG versus the Elantra N's 24 MPG combined rating. This 6 MPG difference translates to substantial savings over a year, especially since the S60 only recommends premium fuel, whereas the Elantra N requires it.

Which sedan offers more practical cargo space for errands and trips?

Despite being the smaller car externally, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N provides 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, substantially more than the 2025 Volvo S60's 11.6 cubic feet. This extra capacity makes the Elantra N more accommodating for groceries or luggage.

Does the $7,500 price gap ($42,600 vs $35,100) reflect a massive difference in size?

Not entirely; the S60 is slightly longer at 188.1 inches compared to the Elantra N's 185.4 inches, but the core dimensions are comparable. The majority of the price differential is attributed to the Volvo's luxury branding and inherently different powertrain focus.

If I enjoy shifting gears myself, which vehicle meets my needs?

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is the only option here for manual transmission lovers, coming equipped with a dedicated 6-speed manual gearbox. The 2025 Volvo S60 exclusively utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How do the dimensions affect maneuverability in tight urban settings?

Both cars are quite close, but the Elantra N is narrower (71.9 inches vs. 72.8 inches) and shorter, which might offer marginal benefits when navigating extremely tight parking garages or crowded city streets.