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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2026 Hyundai Sonata Comparison

See how the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and 2026 Hyundai Sonata performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

Elantra 2026

Small sedans/hatchbacks

2026 Hyundai Elantra

$22,625 - $40,750

All Test Results

Sonata 2026

Midsized cars

2026 Hyundai Sonata

$27,450 - $36,050

All Test Results
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About
About
The Elantra is one of the better small sedans. It has a sleek and easy-to-use infotainment system, a well-tuned transmission, and a relatively roomy interior for the class. The hybrid version is the best choice, not only for its superb 48 mpg overall...
 
The Sonata's recent freshening brought all-new exterior styling, a more comfortable ride, a modern infotainment screen, and an easier-to-use column-mounted twist-action gear selector instead of the former model's flush buttons. The standard 191-hp, 2...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Fuel economy
Green Checkmark Icon Secure handling
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Controls
 
Green Checkmark Icon Short stopping distances
Green Checkmark Icon Comfortable ride
Green Checkmark Icon User-friendly controls
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Engine noise (except hybrid)
Red 'X' Icon Ride (except hybrid)
Red 'X' Icon Access
 
Red 'X' Icon Low stance makes it difficult to get in and out
Red 'X' Icon Unintuitive gear selector
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

SEL Sport Premium, SEL Sport, Limited, Hybrid Limited, N TCR, Hybrid SEL Sport, SE, N, Hybrid Blue

 

SE, N Line, Hybrid Blue, Hybrid SEL, Hybrid Limited, SEL Sport

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$22,625 - $40,750

 

$27,450 - $36,050

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

FWD

 

AWD, FWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp); 1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp); 2-liter 4 (147 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (276 hp)

 

2.5-liter 4 (191 hp); 2.5-liter 4 turbo (290 hp); 2-liter 4 hybrid (192 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

7-speed Sequential, 6-speed Sequential, CVT, 8-speed Sequential, 6-speed Manual

 

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic, 8-speed Sequential

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.