Compare the2026 Hyundai ElantraVS 2026 Nissan Sentra

Both the Elantra and Sentra have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Elantra has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Sentra’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Elantra and the Sentra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

The Hyundai Elantra (Built after October 2024) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sentra has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

The Elantra comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Sentra’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Elantra 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Sentra. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Sentra ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Elantra’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Sentra’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Elantra for 1 year and 12000 miles longer than Nissan pays for maintenance for the Sentra (3/36,000 vs. 2/24,000).

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Elantra third among compact cars in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Sentra isn’t in the top three in its category.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 2 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

On the EPA test cycle the Elantra gets better mileage than the Sentra:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Hyundai Elantra as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Nissan Sentra is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

For better traction, the Elantra SEL/Limited’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sentra (225/45R17 vs. 215/50R17).

The Elantra has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Sentra; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Elantra has standard rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Sentra’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Hyundai Elantra may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 350 pounds less than the Nissan Sentra.

The Elantra has 3.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Sentra (99.4 vs. 96.1).

The Elantra has 1.7 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.2 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the Sentra.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Elantra SEL Sport/Limited’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Sentra doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Compared to traditional radio, the Hyundai Elantra’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Sentra.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Hyundai Elantra, based on reliability, safety and performance.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Elantra as the 2021 North American Car of the Year. The Sentra has never been chosen.