Battle of the compacts: hyundai elantra vs. nissan sentra: which reigns supreme?

The compact sedan segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for dominance. Two contenders that stand out are the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra. Both offer a compelling blend of style, performance, and value. But which one emerges as the superior choice? In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Hyundai Elantra against the Nissan Sentra to determine which compact sedan reigns supreme.

Performance and Power

Engine Options and Capabilities

The Hyundai Elantra offers a range of engine options, including a standard 2.0-liter inline-4 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, there’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that generates 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, comes with a single engine option: a 2.0-liter inline-4 that delivers 149 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. While its horsepower output is slightly higher than the Elantra’s base engine, it falls short of the turbocharged Elantra’s performance.

Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra takes the lead. Its base engine achieves an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine, while more powerful, still manages to deliver an impressive 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The Nissan Sentra, with its single engine option, offers slightly lower fuel economy. It achieves an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway.

Interior and Comfort

Spaciousness and Comfort

Both the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra offer spacious and comfortable interiors. The Elantra boasts a roomy cabin with ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. Its seats provide good support and are designed for long-distance comfort.

The Sentra offers a similarly spacious interior, although its rear legroom is slightly less than the Elantra’s. Its seats are comfortable and supportive, but the overall interior design feels less premium compared to the Elantra.

Features and Technology

The Hyundai Elantra comes well-equipped with a range of features, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also offers a variety of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

The Nissan Sentra also offers a user-friendly infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. However, its safety features are less comprehensive than the Elantra’s, with some advanced systems only available as optional upgrades.

Exterior Design and Styling

Sleek and Modern

The Hyundai Elantra features a sleek and modern exterior design. Its sharp lines and aggressive front fascia give it a sporty and dynamic appearance. The Sentra, on the other hand, has a more conservative design with a rounded front end and flowing character lines.

Lighting and Accents

Both the Elantra and the Sentra offer stylish lighting features. The Elantra’s LED headlights and taillights add a touch of sophistication, while the Sentra’s boomerang-shaped taillights are a unique and eye-catching design element.

Safety and Reliability

Safety Features

As mentioned earlier, the Hyundai Elantra comes with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard. This includes lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Sentra offers similar safety features, but some of them are only available as optional upgrades.

Reliability

Both the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra have a good reputation for reliability. The Elantra has consistently received high ratings from J.D. Power and Associates, while the Sentra has been praised for its durability and low maintenance costs.

Value and Pricing

Starting Prices and Trim Levels

The Hyundai Elantra has a starting price of $19,850 for the base SE trim. The Nissan Sentra, on the other hand, has a slightly lower starting price of $19,460 for the base S trim. However, the Elantra offers a wider range of trim levels and options, allowing for a more customized driving experience.

Features and Value

When comparing features and value, the Hyundai Elantra stands out. It offers a more generous list of standard features, including a larger touchscreen infotainment system, more advanced safety features, and a more premium interior.

Key Points: The Ultimate Verdict

After a thorough examination of both the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Sentra, the Hyundai Elantra emerges as the superior choice. It offers a more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, a more spacious and comfortable interior, a wider range of features and technology, and a more comprehensive suite of safety features. While the Nissan Sentra is a capable compact sedan, its conservative design, lower fuel economy, and less impressive safety features make it the runner-up in this comparison.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Which car has a better fuel economy?

The Hyundai Elantra offers better fuel economy than the Nissan Sentra, with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway compared to 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for the Sentra.

Which car has more horsepower?

The Hyundai Elantra with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine offers more horsepower than the Nissan Sentra, with 201 horsepower compared to 149 horsepower.

Which car has a more spacious interior?

Both cars offer spacious interiors, but the Hyundai Elantra has slightly more headroom and legroom for rear passengers.

Which car has more advanced safety features?

The Hyundai Elantra comes with a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features as standard, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Which car has a lower starting price?

The Nissan Sentra has a slightly lower starting price than the Hyundai Elantra, with a base price of $19,460 compared to $19,850.