2026 BMW 3 Series vs 2026 Hyundai Elantra N

$47,500 · Sedan

$35,100 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 BMW 3 Series and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), where the Elantra N undercuts the BMW by a substantial $12,400, priced at $35,100 versus the 3 Series' $47,500. Despite the lower cost, the Elantra N boasts a higher peak output of 276 hp compared to the 3 Series' 255 hp, although the BMW counters with slightly higher torque at 295 lb-ft versus 289 lb-ft. Fuel economy is another major disparity; the BMW achieves a combined 31 MPG, significantly outpacing the Elantra N’s 24 combined MPG, translating to a 7 MPG advantage for the 3 Series. Dimensionally, the vehicles are nearly identical in length (185.9 in vs. 185.4 in) and width (71.9 inches), but the BMW offers greater cargo utility at 16.9 cu ft versus 14.2 cu ft. Performance orientation is reflected in the Elantra N's standard 6-speed manual transmission against the BMW's 8-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 BMW 3 Series

The 2026 BMW 3 Series offers a superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series provides a practical advantage for families with 16.9 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N appeals more to driving enthusiasts with a standard 6-speed manual transmission and a higher 276 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

The Hyundai Elantra N delivers superior power for $12,400 less than the base MSRP of the BMW 3 Series.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize fuel efficiency, as the BMW 3 Series achieves 31 combined MPG versus 24 MPG for the Elantra N.
You require slightly better longitudinal performance metrics, indicated by the 295 lb-ft of torque compared to 289 lb-ft.
Rear-wheel drive dynamics are preferred over the Elantra N's front-wheel drive layout.

Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...

Your budget is constrained, given the Elantra N's $35,100 MSRP compared to the 3 Series' $47,500.
A manual transmission engagement is desired, as the Elantra N comes standard with a 6-speed setup.
Maximum output is critical, as the Elantra N produces 276 hp versus the 3 Series' 255 hp.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Hyundai Elantra N
Length	185.9"	185.4"
Width	71.9"	71.9"
Height	56.8"	55.7"
Wheelbase	112.2"	107.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	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
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height 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	—	✓
Front Integrated Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	276 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 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	BMW	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive
Front Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	21/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	260.4/359.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Extended Cabin Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	8
Subwoofer Count	2	1
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	With Real Time Traffic
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bose
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	40.6 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	56.5 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	53.4 in.
Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	55.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	50.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	245/35R
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	Performance

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	BMW	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./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 BMW 3 Series and 2026 Hyundai Elantra N.

What is the primary financial difference between the 2026 BMW 3 Series and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N?

The most significant financial gap is the initial purchase price; the 2026 BMW 3 Series has an MSRP of $47,500, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is priced at $35,100, creating a $12,400 difference favoring the Hyundai.

How does the fuel economy compare between these two sedans?

The BMW 3 Series demonstrates a clear advantage in running costs, achieving 31 combined MPG, which is 7 MPG better than the Hyundai Elantra N's 24 combined MPG rating.

Which vehicle offers better performance metrics, horsepower versus torque?

The Hyundai Elantra N technically produces more peak horsepower at 276 hp compared to the BMW's 255 hp. However, the BMW 3 Series holds a slight edge in torque generation with 295 lb-ft versus the Elantra N's 289 lb-ft.

Are there significant differences in transmission options?

Yes, the comparison shows a fundamental difference in transmission philosophy: the BMW 3 Series is equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Hyundai Elantra N features a driver-focused 6-speed manual transmission.

Which sedan is dimensionally larger or offers more practicality?

While their external lengths (185.9 in vs. 185.4 in) and widths (71.9 inches) are virtually identical, the BMW 3 Series provides better utility with a 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Elantra N’s 14.2 cu ft.