2026 Hyundai Elantra vs Sonata: Which Sedan Should You Choose?

Should You Buy the Elantra or Go Bigger with the Sonata?

Shopping for a Hyundai sedan can feel like a riddle. The Elantra offers compact car perks, while the Sonata provides midsize comfort. Both nail the basics, both fit most budgets, and both pack enough tech to make your daily drive easier. So which one actually fits your life? Let's cut through the specs and talk about what matters when you're deciding between these two. 

• The Elantra starts at $23,870 and delivers up to 36 mpg combined, while the Sonata begins at $28,545 with 32 mpg combined for those who need extra room.
• Both sedans offer turbocharged N Line variants for drivers who want more punch, with the Sonata N Line pushing 290 horsepower compared to the Elantra N Line's 201 horsepower.
• Hybrid versions of each sedan bring impressive fuel economy, with the Elantra Hybrid hitting 54 mpg combined and the Sonata Hybrid reaching 47 mpg combined.

Quick Reference Chart

Specification	2026 Elantra	2026 Sonata
Starting Price	$23,870	$28,545
Base Power	147 hp	191 hp
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy/Combined)	32 / 41 / 36 mpg	28 / 38 / 32 mpg
Passenger Space	99.4 cubic feet	104.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space	14.2 cubic feet	15.6 cubic feet
Best For	Budget-minded buyers, solo commuters, city parking	Family hauling, highway comfort, backseat passengers

The Size Question Actually Matters

Walk around both sedans in a parking lot, and you'll spot the difference right away. The Sonata stretches 193.3 inches long while the Elantra measures 184.1 inches. That nine-inch gap translates to real space inside. The Sonata offers 104.4 cubic feet of passenger room, compared to the Elantra's 99.4 cubic feet. Backseat passengers notice this immediately. The Sonata offers 34.8 inches of rear legroom, but the Elantra actually beats it with 38 inches. Sounds backwards, right? The Sonata sacrifices some rear legroom for a roomier overall cabin and improved front-seat space, offering 46.1 inches of legroom up front.

Trunk space follows the same pattern. The Elantra offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Sonata increases that to 15.6 cubic feet. Not a massive difference, but enough to matter when you're hauling groceries, sports gear, or luggage for a weekend trip.

Power and Performance Tell Different Stories

The base Elantra runs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower. It gets you where you need to go without drama, though it won't win any stoplight contests. The Sonata's base 2.5-liter four-cylinder pumps out 191 horsepower, giving you noticeably more passing power on the highway.

Want something sportier? Both sedans offer N Line trims. The Elantra N Line features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 201 horsepower and achieves 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds. The Sonata N Line cranks things up with a turbocharged 2.5-liter making 290 horsepower. That's serious power for a family sedan, and it shows in the numbers with 0-60 mph runs around 5.3 seconds.

Hybrid Options Change the Math

Both sedans come in hybrid flavors if fuel economy tops your priority list. The Elantra Hybrid combines a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 139 horsepower and achieving an EPA-estimated 54 mpg combined fuel economy. The Sonata Hybrid pairs a 2.0-liter engine with electric assistance to produce 192 horsepower and achieve 47 mpg combined. You give up some fuel economy in the Sonata Hybrid, but you gain more power and interior space.

Tech and Safety Features Run Parallel

Both sedans come loaded with similar tech. The base Elantra comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, while the Sonata features a larger 12.3-inch screen. Both include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims on each model add features like navigation, wireless charging, and digital gauge clusters.

Safety equipment matches across both lineups. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are standard features. Both earned Top Safety Pick+ ratings from the IIHS and five-star overall scores from NHTSA.

Price Difference Hits Your Wallet

The Elantra's $23,870 starting price undercuts the Sonata's $28,545 base by nearly $5,000. That gap stays consistent as you move up trim levels. If you're shopping on a tight budget, the Elantra makes more sense. But the Sonata's extra space and power might justify the upcharge if you regularly carry passengers or want more highway comfort.

Which One Actually Fits Your Needs?

Pick the Elantra if you want the best fuel economy, tighter city parking, lower payments, and mostly drive solo or with one passenger. Pick the Sonata if you haul kids or friends regularly, spend lots of time on highways, or just want a more planted feel at speed. The Hyundai Elantra vs. Sonata debate really comes down to whether you value efficiency and affordability over space and power. Both are solid choices. Your daily driving habits should make the decision clear.