Elantra vs Sentra
It’s Hyundai against Nissan in the compact car class, and the Elantra and the Sentra are the models carrying each flag. These two are nearly level on the spec sheet, which means the right pick depends more on you than on them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Sentra wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Elantra wins
- Space & Practicality Elantra wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance0.4
- Fuel Economy & Range5.9
- Space & Practicality3.5
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
You may not notice this one every day, but the Elantra’s 36 mpg is a step ahead of the Sentra’s 34 mpg. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold.
-
The Sentra has 14 lb-ft more torque
Slight advantage to the Sentra: 146 lb-ft compared with 132 lb-ft. The Sentra’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Elantra has 3.10 in more rear legroom
On rear legroom, the Elantra edges out the Sentra, 38 in to 34.90 in. The Elantra gives rear passengers more space to stretch out, and rear-facing child seats fit more easily.
-
The Elantra has better city fuel economy
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 32 mpg against 30 mpg is a small but genuine lead for the Elantra. Hybrids often shine in the city, and the Elantra has the better rating here.
Design & Size
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
- Sentra 182.9 in × 71.5 in × 56.9 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 106.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,036 lb |
Engine & Performance
Sentra leads
This area is close, with the Sentra just ahead of the Elantra. The Sentra has the edge with 14 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. For anyone who cares most about engine & performance, the Sentra is the safer choice.
Torque
Elantra: 132 lb-ft Sentra: 146 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Fuel Economy & Range
Elantra leads
Here the Elantra opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Elantra scores with better fuel economy. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: the Elantra has the edge.
Fuel economy (combined)
Elantra: 36 mpg Sentra: 34 mpg The Elantra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Elantra: 32 mpg Sentra: 30 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Elantra leads
The Elantra has the slight upper hand on space & practicality. In its favor, the Elantra has 3.10 in more rear legroom. If you rarely carry passengers in the back, this matters less; for families, it matters a lot. The space & practicality verdict goes to the Elantra.
Rear legroom
Elantra: 38 in Sentra: 34.90 in More rear legroom makes long trips more comfortable for adults in the back.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
On paper, the off-road & towing comparison ends all square. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 147 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 146 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | IVT (CVT) | CVT (Xtronic) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 12.4 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.2 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38 in (winner) | 34.90 in |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Sentra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 182.9 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 106.6 in |
| Curb weight (from) | N/A (not specified) | 3,036 lb |
“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 want more rear legroom (38 in vs 34.90 in)
- you want better city fuel economy (32 mpg vs 30 mpg)
Choose the Sentra if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (146 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how Nissan does things
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Elantra or the Sentra?
The Elantra wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you care more about 14 lb-ft more torque than anything else.
Which is larger, the Elantra or the Sentra?
Neither by much. The Elantra and the Sentra have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
If you’ve narrowed it down to the Elantra and the Sentra, you’ve already done the hard part. Let me help with the rest. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is better fuel economy, and that goes to the Elantra. I also like that the Elantra brings 3.10 in more rear legroom. That said, the Sentra answers with 14 lb-ft more torque, which some people will value more.
The Elantra is built for people who weigh fuel economy & range heavily, and the Sentra for people who weigh engine & performance.
My pick: the Elantra, unless having 14 lb-ft more torque matters more to you than the rest.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.