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Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Hyundai logo

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Nissan logo

2026 Nissan Altima

Overview

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
Selected trimSESV
Body styleSedanSedan
Drivetrainfront wheel drivefront wheel drive
Fuel typeregular unleadedregular unleaded
Transmissioncontinuously variable-speed automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262026

Pricing & market

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
MSRP$22,825 (best)$27,580
Lowest listing price$9,399 (best)$10,995
Median listing price$23,934$19,772 (best)
Highest listing price$28,874 (best)$30,470
For sale now506 (best)60

Fuel economy & range

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
Combined MPG35 MPG (best)32 MPG
City MPG31 MPG (best)27 MPG
Highway MPG40 MPG (best)39 MPG
Fuel tank12.4 gal16 gal (best)

Performance

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
Horsepower147 hp188 hp (best)
Torque132 lb-ft180 lb-ft (best)
Engine size2 L2.5 L (best)
CylindersI4I4

Size & capability

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
Seating5 seats5 seats
Doors44
Cargo volume14.2 cu ft (best)
Curb weight2,868 lbs (best)3,281 lbs
Ground clearance5.3 in (best)5 in
Wheelbase107.1 in111 in (best)
Length185.4 in193 in (best)
Width71.9 in73 in (best)
Height55.7 in57 in (best)

Safety & recalls

SpecHyundai ElantraSENissan AltimaSV
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Frontal crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★4 / 5 ★
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)4 / 5 ★
Side crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Side pole5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Rollover5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)1None 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.

TrimHyundai ElantraNissan Altima
1

SE

$22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing)

SV

$27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

SEL Sport

$23,950 MSRP

SV

$29,080 MSRP

3

SEL Sport Plus

$24,450 MSRP

SR

$28,980 MSRP

4

SEL Sport Plus

$27,100 MSRP

SR AWD

$30,480 MSRP

5

SEL Sport Premium

$25,275 MSRP

6

Blue

$25,450 MSRP

7

Limited

$27,375 MSRP

8

SEL Sport

$27,425 MSRP

9

N Line

$29,600 MSRP

10

Limited

$29,800 MSRP

Live inventory

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Nissan Altima?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Nissan Altima 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 2026 Nissan Altima?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra starts lower at $22,825. Live Hyundai Elantra listings start at $9,399. Live Nissan Altima listings start at $10,995.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,825).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on horsepower in this comparison (201).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall); Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).