Elantra vs K4
In the compact car class, the Elantra and the K4 are natural rivals. The gap between the Elantra and the K4 is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Fuel Economy & Range Elantra wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Elantra has better fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Elantra (36 mpg versus 34 mpg). Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Elantra has better city fuel economy
The Elantra gets a small bonus on fuel economy (city), with 32 mpg against the K4’s 30 mpg. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Elantra and the K4 are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 55.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 107.1 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
This area ends level; whatever separates these two, it isn’t engine & performance. Treat engine & performance as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Fuel Economy & Range
Elantra leads
No contest in fuel economy & range: the Elantra is the stronger of the two. The Elantra has the edge with better fuel economy. The Elantra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot. For fuel economy & range, the Elantra is the one to beat.
Fuel economy (combined)
Elantra: 36 mpg K4: 34 mpg Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
Fuel economy (city)
Elantra: 32 mpg K4: 30 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Elantra has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The differences on space & practicality are small enough to ignore in daily use. Both cover space & practicality well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Elantra and the K4 land in almost the same place. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Elantra and the K4 each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | IVT (CVT) | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 36 mpg (winner) | 34 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 32 mpg (winner) | 30 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.2 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear legroom | 38 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 12.3 in Biggest touchscreen |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | K4 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 185.8 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 55.7 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 107.1 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Elantra if…
- you want better combined fuel economy (36 mpg vs 34 mpg)
- you mostly drive in town (32 mpg vs 30 mpg in the city)
- you’re loyal to Hyundai and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Elantra or the K4?
On the specs compared here, the Elantra makes more sense for most buyers; the K4 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Elantra or the K4?
Neither by much. The Elantra and the K4 have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Whenever Hyundai and Kia go head to head, I learn something about what each one cares about, and the Elantra and the K4 are no exception. Here’s what matters most to me: the Elantra offers better fuel economy.
The way I see it, people who prioritize fuel economy & range will be happier with the Elantra, and those who prioritize the things a spec sheet can’t capture with the K4.
My pick: the Elantra.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.