2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata
In recent discussions about the 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata there are mixed opinions. On the one hand, some would maintain that the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is slightly bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. To be specific, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata offers 104.4 cubic-feet of passenger volume and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra offers 99.4 cubic-feet of passenger volume. In addition to that the new Hyundai Sonata comes standard with 15.6 cubic-feet of cargo volume and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra comes standard with 14.2 cubic-feet of cargo volume.
On the other hand, some would argue that the the 2026 Hyundai Sonata packs more power than he 2026 Hyundai Elantra. To demonstrate, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 191 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque, and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra comes standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that can get up to 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque.
Looking at it from another perspective, the new 2026 Hyundai Elantra has a slight edge over the 2026 Hyundai Sonata whenever it comes down to fuel-efficiency. To be specific, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has an EPA estimated fuel-economy of 32 mpg in the city, and 41 mpg on the highway and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata has an estimated EPA mileage mileage rating of 28 mpg in the city, and 38 mpg on the highway.
Last but not least, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra typically cost less than the 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
So which Hyundai vehicle is the best for you? Find out with our in-depth 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata comparison review below. Then, once you've narrowed down your options, call, apply online, visit us today and schedule a test drive. Are you ready? Let's get started!
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra SE | VS | 2026 Hyundai Sonata SE |
| 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder Engine | Engine | 2.4L Inline 4-Cylinder Engine |
| 147 hp @ 6200 | Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 |
| 132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 | Torque | 181 lb.-ft. @ 4000 |
| Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission | Transmission | 8-speed automatic transmission |
| 31/41/35 | Fuel Economy | 28 city /38m hwy /32 combined |
| 12.4 gallons | Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.9 gallons |
| 5 | Seats | 5 |
| 99.4 cu.-ft. | Passenger Volume | 104.4 cu.-ft. |
| 14.2 cu.-ft. | Cargo Volume | 120 cu.-ft. |
| 6-Speaker Audio System | Speakers | 6-Speaker Audio System |
| 8-inch touchscreen | Touchscreen | 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Standard | Rearview Camera with Dynamic Gridlines | Standard |
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata: Exterior Design
At first glance, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and 2026 Hyundai Sonata exterior design are both semi-similar. However, if you take a close look you'll quickly notice that the 2026 Hyundai Sonata has a wheelbase of 111.8-inches and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has a wheelbase of 107.1-inches. As you continue to compare both vehicles you'll quickly notice that the Hyundai Sonata extends 193.3-inches long and the Hyundai Elantra extends 184.1-inches long. Come to think of it, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata's max width is 73.2-inches and the Hyundai Elantra's max width is 71.9-inches. Another key aspect is the 2026 Hyundai Sonata's max height is 56.9-inches and the Hyundai Elantra's max height is 55.7-inches. Taking this into account, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is slightly bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra.When it comes down to the exterior features, the Hyundai Sonata comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, and the Hyundai Elantra comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels. In terms of lighting, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata comes standard with LED headlights and taillights and with the 2026 Hyundai Elantra you get LED Dual Projector headlights, and bulb type tailights.
With this in mind the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata: Performance & Road Handling
In terms of performance, both the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata come available with three engine options. The 2026 Hyundai Sonata comes available with 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 2.0 4-cylinder Hybrid Engine, and 2.5-liter Turbo engine. With the 2026 Hyundai Elantra you get a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, a 1.6-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine, and an Inline 4-cylinder Hybrid engine. Here's a quick breakdown on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata Engine specs:
2026 Hyundai Elantra Engine Specs
- 2.0-liter Inline 4-cylinder Engine : 147 hp @ 6200, 132 lb.-ft. @ 4500, Smartstream® Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), 32 mpg in the city , 41mpg on the highway, and 36mpg combined,
- 1.6-liter Inline 4-cylinder Hybrid Engine:104 hp @ 5,700, and 109 lb.-ft. @ 4,000, 6-speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission, 51 mpg in the city, 58 mpg on the highway, and 54 combined,
- 1.6 Inline 4-cylinder Engine: 201 hp @ 6000, 195 lb.-ft. @ 1500~4500 , 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission w/ SHIFTRONIC®, 28 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined
- 2.0 Turbocharged 4-Cylinder: 276 hp @ 5500 ~ 6000, 289 lb.-ft. @ 2100~4700, 6-speed manual transmission, 21 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 24 mpg combined.
2026 Hyundai Sonata Engine Specs
- 2.5-liter Inline 4-cylinder Engine : 191 hp @ 6100, 181 lb.-ft. @ 4000, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission , 28 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined.
- 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Hybrid Engine:192 hp Combined ,151 lb.-ft. @ 0-1800 electric torque, 6-Speed Transmission, 47 mpg in the city, 56 mpg on the highway, and 51 mpg combined.
- 2.5-liter Turbo 4-cylinder: 290 hp @ 5800 , 311 lb.-ft. @ 1650-4000 , N 8-speed Wet Dual Clutch Transmission, 23 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata Interior Dimensions
When it comes down to the interior, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is slightly bigger than the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. To be specific, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata offers 46.1-inches of legroom in the front row and 34.8-inches of legroom in the second row. With the 2026 Hyundai Elantra you get 42.3-inches of legroom in the front and 38.0-inches of legroom in the rear. As far as cargo room, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata offers 15.6 cubic-feet of cargo volume, and the Hyundai Elantra offers 14.2 cubic-feet of cargo volume.
| 2026 Hyundai Sonata | 2026 Hyundai Elantra | |
| First Row Legroom | 46.1-inches | 42.3-inches |
| Second Row Legroom | 34.8-inches | 38.0-inches |
| Cargo Volume | 15.6 cubic-feet | 14.2 cubic-feet |
| Passenger Volume | 104.4 cubic-feet | 99.4 cubic-feet |
| Total Interior Volume | 120 cubic-feet. | 113.6 cubic-feet |
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata Interior Features
One of the key differences between the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is the touchscreen size display. For instance, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has an 8-inch touchscreen display.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata Safety Features
If you're looking for reliable four-door sedan, both the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata are IIHS Top Safety Picks. And for good reasons. To be specific, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata both come standard with an extensive list of Driving Safety, Parking Safety, and Active & Passive Safety features. Here's a quick breakdown on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and 2026 Hyundai Sonata Safety features.
| 2026 Hyundai Sonata | 2026 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian/Cyclist/Junction Turning Detection | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | Standard | Standard |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go | Standard | Standard |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCWRear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | Standard | Standard |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | StandardStandard | Standard |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | Standard | Standard |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with 4-wheel disc brakes | Standard | Standard |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | Standard | Standard |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control Support (TCS) and Brake Assist (BA) | Standard | Standard |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | Standard | Standard |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tire indicator | Standard | Standard |
2026 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Hyundai Sonata: Bottom Line
All in all, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Hyundai Sonata are both fantastic vehicles. Therefore it all comes down to your preferences and priorities. For instance, if you're looking for a conveniently compact sedan that offers an impressive fuel-economy, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the upper choice. However, if you're looking for a comfortable spacious four-door sedan with more tech, power, and room, the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is for you. To get a better look at the 2026 Hyundai Sonata and the 2026 Hyundai Elantra for sale, call (708) 232-0766, apply online, visit us today and schedule a test drive.
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Dealer not responsible for typographical errors. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. All vehicles subject to prior sales. See dealer for details. MSRP may not be price at which vehicle is sold in trade area. New car prices include applicable manufacturer incentives in lieu of special financing. Plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. For In-Transit Inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Contact dealer for additional information. New vehicle MPGs are EPA’s estimated highway MPG’s. New vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating. See dealer for copy of limited warranty. Used car prices plus tax, title, license & $367.70 doc fee. Used car MPG claims are based on EPA estimated city and highway ratings when vehicle was new. Used vehicle MPGe/EPA Range Rating are based on EPA Range Rating when vehicle was new. Consumers actual mileage will vary. The value of used vehicles varies with mileage, usage and condition. Book values should be considered estimates only.
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