Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | 2.5 SV |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,825 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 30 MPG |
| City MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG (best) | 36 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 16.2 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 188 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,868 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 185.4 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.9 in | 72.9 in (best) |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 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 pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| 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 | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $23,950 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport Plus $24,450 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL Sport Plus $27,300 MSRP | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP | — |
| 6 | Blue $25,650 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 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.
- 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).