Choosing the right compact sedan can feel overwhelming, especially with two of the top contenders—the 2025 Nissan Sentra and Hyundai Elantra. Both models bring impressive styling, fuel efficiency, and advanced technology to the table, making them excellent choices for daily commuters and weekend adventurers alike. But when it comes down to the details, which one truly stands out?
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down everything from performance and fuel economy to safety features, interior comfort, and overall value. Whether you're looking for a smooth, reliable ride or a tech-savvy sedan with a sporty edge, we’ll help you determine which vehicle best suits your needs.
If you're in Loma Linda, Mentone, or Crafton, there's no better place to experience the 2025 Nissan Sentra than at Nissan of Redlands. Our team is ready to answer your questions, walk you through key features, and set you up with a test drive. Stop by or contact us today to find out why the Sentra could be the perfect sedan for you.
Performance & Engine Options: Powering Your Drive
The right engine can make all the difference in your daily drive. Whether you're commuting through the city, taking weekend road trips, or simply looking for a smooth and fuel-efficient ride, both of these compact sedans offer solid performance. However, key differences in power, available upgrades, and driving dynamics set them apart.
The Nissan Sentra is designed for comfort and efficiency, delivering a balanced ride with smooth handling and impressive fuel economy. Its 2.0L four-cylinder engine provides enough power for daily driving while keeping fuel costs low. The Hyundai Elantra, on the other hand, offers a range of engine options, including sportier trims with turbocharged performance for those who want extra speed and responsiveness.
Base Engine & Horsepower
Both models come with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, but one delivers slightly more power.
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Nissan Sentra | 149 hp | 146 lb-ft |
| Hyundai Elantra | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft |
The extra torque in the Sentra gives it a bit more strength for merging and passing.
Transmission & Drivetrain
Each sedan uses a front-wheel-drive layout, but transmission options vary.
- Sentra: Comes standard with an Xtronic CVT for smooth acceleration.
- Elantra: Offers a CVT as standard, but a 6-speed manual is available on the base trim for those who prefer more control.
Sportier Options
For those who want extra power, one model stands out.
| Performance Trim | Trim Engine | Horsepower | Torque |
| Nissan Sentra | No sport trim available | N/A | N/A |
| Hyundai Elantra N Line | 1.6L Turbo | 201 hp | 195 lb-ft |
| Hyundai Elantra N | 2.0L Turbo | 276 hp | 289 lb-ft |
Key Takeaway
If you’re looking for a dependable and comfortable ride with predictable handling, the Sentra is a great choice. If you prefer a sportier drive with more performance options, the Elantra might be the better fit. No matter which you choose, both sedans offer efficiency and reliability to keep up with your daily routine.
Fuel Economy: Maximizing Every Mile
A fuel-efficient car can save you money in the long run. Both of these compact sedans deliver strong gas mileage, making them great options for daily driving and long trips.
The Nissan Sentra is designed for balance, offering solid fuel economy without sacrificing comfort. Its 2.0L four-cylinder engine helps maximize efficiency, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious drivers. The Hyundai Elantra, however, takes efficiency a step further with multiple engine options, including a hybrid variant that offers even better gas mileage.
City, Highway, and Combined MPG
Both models provide excellent efficiency, but one has a slight advantage.
| Vehicle | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| Nissan Sentra | ~30 MPG | ~40 MPG | ~34 MPG |
| Hyundai Elantra | ~31 MPG | ~41 MPG | ~35 MPG |
The difference is small, but it may add up over time—especially for drivers with long commutes.
Which Sedan Saves More on Gas?
If maximum fuel savings is your top priority, the Elantra Hybrid offers the best numbers. However, if you're looking for a balance of efficiency and comfort, the Sentra remains a strong contender, especially for drivers who don’t want to pay extra for a hybrid model.
Interior & Comfort: Cabin Space and Features
A car’s interior should be more than just a place to sit—it should feel like a space designed for comfort and convenience. Both of these compact sedans offer roomy cabins, modern tech, and thoughtful features.
Passenger and Cargo Space
Both models provide generous seating and storage, but their strengths differ slightly.
| Feature | Nissan Sentra | Hyundai Elantra |
| Passenger Volume | ~96 cu. ft. | ~99 cu. ft. |
| Trunk Space | ~14.3 cu. ft. | ~14.2 cu. ft. |
| Rear Legroom | Slightly less than Elantra | More space for back-seat passengers |
| Cabin Noise | Quieter ride | More road noise |
Cabin Space & Comfort
- Nissan Sentra: Features supportive Zero Gravity front seats, designed to reduce fatigue on long drives. The cabin layout focuses on simplicity and ease of use, with physical buttons for climate and audio controls. Rear passengers also get ample legroom and headroom, making it a great choice for families or commuters.
- Hyundai Elantra: Takes a sportier, driver-focused approach, with an available digital gauge cluster and a more modern dashboard layout. While it offers a roomy cabin, some reviewers note that its low-slung design makes rear seating slightly less
The Sentra offers a more refined and peaceful drive, while the Elantra provides extra space for passengers in the back.
Technology & Infotainment
From touchscreen size to connectivity, both vehicles offer modern features.
- Touchscreen Options
- Sentra: Standard 8-inch, Optional 9-inch
- Elantra: Standard 8-inch, Optional 10.25-inch
- Digital Gauge Cluster & Connectivity
- Sentra: No digital gauge cluster
- Elantra: Available 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
Key Takeaway
If you prefer a simple, comfortable ride with user-friendly features, the Sentra delivers. If you're drawn to high-tech displays and a sportier feel, the Elantra may be the better match.
Safety & Driver Assistance: Which Sedan Keeps You Safer?
Safety is a top priority when choosing a car. Both of these compact sedans come equipped with advanced driver assistance features to help prevent accidents and keep passengers protected. However, there are some key differences in what each model offers as standard and optional safety technology.
Shared Safety Features
Both models include essential safety technology to enhance driver awareness and reaction times.
- Forward Collision Warning – Alerts you to possible front-end collisions.
- Automatic Emergency Braking – Helps prevent or reduce the impact of a crash.
- Blind Spot Monitoring – Warns you if another vehicle is in your blind spot.
- Lane Departure Warning – Alerts you if you start drifting out of your lane.
Advanced Safety Additions
While both vehicles come with similar standard features, their advanced safety options differ.
| Feature | Nissan Sentra | Hyundai Elantra |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional | Standard on higher trims |
| Highway Driving Assist | Not Available | Available on Limited trim |
Which One Wins?
Both models provide impressive safety features, ensuring confidence on the road. However, for drivers who spend a lot of time on highways, the Elantra’s Highway Driving Assist offers an added layer of convenience and security.
Pricing & Value: Which Sedan Gives You More for Your Money?
Price matters when choosing a new car. Both models offer competitive pricing, but their value depends on what features and performance you prioritize. Whether you're looking for an affordable base model or a fully loaded trim, it's important to compare what you get for the price.
Base and Mid-Level Trim Prices
The entry-level and mid-range trims are closely priced, with only slight differences.
| Trim Level | Nissan Sentra | Hyundai Elantra |
| Base Model | ~$21,500 | ~$21,700 |
| Mid-Level Trim | ~$23,000 | ~$23,500 |
Top Trim & Performance Models
Higher trims and sportier versions show a wider price gap.
| Trim Level | Nissan Sentra | Hyundai Elantra |
| Top Trim | ~$25,500 | ~$27,000 (Limited) |
| Sporty Models | Not Available | ~$28,000+ (N Line), $33,000+ (Elantra N) |
Which Is the Better Value?
For budget-conscious buyers, the Sentra offers better pricing across its trim lineup. Drivers in Loma Linda who want an affordable and reliable compact sedan will find strong value in the Sentra’s standard features and competitive price. However, if you’re looking for a performance-focused option, the Elantra N Line and Elantra N deliver sportier handling and power upgrades—but at a higher price.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing between these two sedans, buyers often have questions about performance, technology, comfort, pricing, and warranty coverage. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make an informed decision.
What are the key differences in powertrain and fuel economy between the Sentra and Elantra?
The Sentra comes with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 149 hp. The Elantra has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine with 147 hp.
The Sentra gets around 30 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, while the Elantra achieves 31 MPG city and 41 MPG highway.
Which model offers more advanced tech and safety features as standard?
Both models include features like Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning.
The Elantra has a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.25-inch display. The Sentra offers a standard 8-inch and an optional 9-inch screen.
A digital gauge cluster is available in the Elantra but not in the Sentra.
How do the interior materials and comfort levels compare in both sedans?
The Sentra has a quieter, more refined cabin, while the Elantra offers more rear legroom.
Both vehicles feature soft-touch materials, but higher trims of the Sentra include quilted leather seats for added comfort.
Are there noticeable differences in pricing and trim levels between the two?
The Sentra starts at around $21,500, while the Elantra starts at $21,700.
The top Sentra trim is priced at about $25,500, while the highest Elantra trims range from $27,000 to over $33,000 for performance models.
Which sedan has a better warranty or maintenance program?
Hyundai offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, compared to Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.
Hyundai also includes 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance, while Nissan does not provide a standard maintenance plan.
Both sedans offer strong features, but the right choice depends on what matters most to you—whether it’s affordability, advanced tech, or long-term value.
Find the Right Sedan for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right vehicle is an important decision. Whether you’re focused on price, comfort, or advanced technology, both of these sedans have something to offer. At Nissan of Redlands, we’re here to help you find the best fit for your needs.
Why Choose the 2025 Nissan Sentra?
- More affordable at base and mid-level trims
- Comfortable, quiet ride for city and highway driving
- Strong standard safety features to protect you and your passengers
Why Choose the 2025 Hyundai Elantra?
- Slightly better fuel efficiency for long commutes
- More advanced technology, including a digital gauge cluster
- Sporty trims available for performance-focused drivers
Which One is Right for You?
If you want a fuel-efficient, tech-savvy compact sedan with performance-driven options, the Elantra is a solid choice. However, if affordability, comfort, and reliability are your top priorities, the Nissan Sentra is a standout option for drivers in Loma Linda, Mentone, and Crafton.
Explore More at Nissan of Redlands
Still comparing your options? Take a look at how the 2025 Nissan Sentra stacks up against the Honda Civic. Want to learn about the latest Nissan models? Check out our guide to the newest 2025 Nissan cars and SUVs available near Moreno Valley. If you’re considering leasing, we also offer great Nissan lease deals near San Bernardino, Redlands, and Moreno Valley.
No matter what you're looking for, we have a wide selection of vehicles to explore. Visit Nissan of Redlands today to find your perfect sedan!
