2026 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N attacks the compact segment with raw, track-ready aggression, boasting a potent 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque delivered through a visceral 6-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA captivates with its swooping, coupe-like design and superior efficiency, sipping fuel to achieve 30 combined MPG, significantly more than the Elantra N’s 24 combined MPG. This battle pits brute force against refined efficiency; the Elantra N offers substantially more performance for $7,650 less than the CLA’s $42,750 MSRP. While the CLA's power output of 221 hp trails the Hyundai by 55 hp, its focus leans toward luxury touring, contrasting sharply with the Elantra N's dedicated focus on the pure, engaging experience of its front-wheel-drive platform.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the clear commuter choice due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 30 combined MPG compared to the Elantra N's 24 MPG.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Despite being the enthusiast choice, the Elantra N offers more practical cargo space at 14.2 cubic feet compared to the CLA's 11.6 cubic feet.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N dominates performance metrics with 276 hp and the highly desirable engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N provides superior horsepower for $7,650 less, making it the significantly better performance bargain.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You demand maximum outright performance, benefitting from the Elantra N's 276 hp.
- You prioritize driver involvement above all else and insist on controlling shifts via the 6-speed manual.
- You need slightly more utility, as the Elantra N provides 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the CLA's 11.6 cu ft.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz CLA if...
- You want to spend less time at the pump, capitalizing on the CLA's excellent 36 MPG highway rating.
- You prefer the visual elegance and luxury aesthetic associated with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
- You value an 8-speed automated manual transmission for smoother, high-speed cruising efficiency.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 184.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.7" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 107.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 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 | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 26/36 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 351.0/486.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Driver Assisted Parking Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 10.25 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | — |
| Speaker System | 8 | — |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| 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 Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass Extended |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 41.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Memory Settings | — | 3 |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 33.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | — |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 225/45R18 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Run Flat Tires | — | ✓ |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 6 yr./ 62000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N and 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
How significant is the performance difference between the 2026 Elantra N and CLA?
The difference is substantial; the Elantra N boasts 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, while the CLA delivers 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, giving the Hyundai a 55 hp advantage.
Which sedan is cheaper to run daily regarding fuel?
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is substantially more economical, achieving 30 combined MPG on premium fuel, whereas the Elantra N is rated for only 24 combined MPG.
Does the transmission choice affect the driving dynamics greatly?
Yes, the Elantra N features a traditional 6-speed manual for purists, while the CLA uses an 8-speed automated manual, offering quicker, more seamless shifts at the expense of driver engagement.
What is the price gap between these two FWD performance sedans?
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has an MSRP of $42,750, making it $7,650 more expensive than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N, which starts at $35,100.
If I have frequent passengers, which car has more usable trunk space?
The Hyundai Elantra N provides 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is measurably larger than the 11.6 cubic feet offered in the style-focused Mercedes-Benz CLA.
Are both cars mandated to use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA explicitly require premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.
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