Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,825 (best) | $32,495 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 35 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 31 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 40 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu ft (best) | 12.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 2,868 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 185.4 in (best) | 183.8 in |
| Width | 71.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai ElantraSE | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 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 | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $22,825 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL Sport $23,950 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | SEL Sport Plus $24,450 MSRP | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | SEL Sport Plus $27,300 MSRP | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | SEL Sport Premium $25,275 MSRP | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | Blue $25,650 MSRP | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | Limited $27,375 MSRP | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
| 8 | SEL Sport $27,625 MSRP | — |
| 9 | N Line $29,600 MSRP | — |
| 10 | Limited $30,000 MSRP | — |
Hyundai Elantra vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Subaru WRX 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 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra starts lower at $22,825.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (22,825).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Hyundai Elantra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (54).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Hyundai Elantra or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Elantra (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).