Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Spectra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2009 Kia Spectra
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | LX |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2009 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,825 | $13,550 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| City MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 23 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 14 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp (best) | 138 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft (best) | 12.2 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,868 lbs | 2,701 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 6.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in (best) | 102.8 in |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 177.2 in |
| Width | 71.9 in (best) | 68.3 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 57.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Hyundai Elantra | Kia Spectra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $13,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $23,950 MSRP | LX $14,550 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport Plus $24,450 MSRP | EX $15,550 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL Sport Plus $27,300 MSRP | EX $16,550 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP | SX $16,450 MSRP |
| 6 | Blue $25,650 MSRP | SX $17,450 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited $27,375 MSRP | — |
| 8 | SEL Sport $27,625 MSRP | — |
| 9 | N Line $29,600 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Limited $30,000 MSRP | — |
Hyundai Elantra vs Kia Spectra FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2009 Kia Spectra on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2009 Kia Spectra starts lower at $13,550.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,550).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2009 Kia Spectra?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall).