Are you ready to learn about the Hyundai Elantra vs. Sonata comparison? Customers often visit our dealership wondering which of these two popular sedans is a better fit for their lifestyle. The Elantra offers unmatched all-gas efficiency, while the Sonata revels in the spacious interior provided by a midsize sedan. No matter which model you choose, you have a reliable and stellar car at your fingertips.
Get a more in-depth look at the difference between Elantra and Sonata sedans below, then contact or visit Jim Ellis Hyundai for a tour and test drive of your top pick.
When surveying the Hyundai Sonata vs. Hyundai Elantra specs, you’ll notice that these sedans prioritize efficiency to get you to your next location with smooth and consistent performance.
Let’s start with the Hyundai Elantra. There are two non-hybrid Hyundai Elantra engines to choose from. The first is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For a compact car, this is more than enough power to see you glide smoothly throughout town. If you opt for the N Line trim, you get a 1.6-liter inline-four engine with a higher output of 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. These powertrains make accelerating the 2025 Hyundai Elantra fun and easy.
Now, it’s time to look at the latter vehicle in our 2025 Hyundai Sonata vs. Elantra matchup. The Hyundai Sonata also offers two gasoline-only engines, both of which are more powerful than their Hyundai Elantra counterparts. The first is the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder powertrain that provides 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The other is the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which puts out 290 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, exclusive to the N Line trim. These choices are designed for the driver who wants a zippy, reactive powertrain rather than the most efficient one.
Since the Hyundai Elantra is the smaller vehicle in our Elantra vs. Sonata review, it’s no surprise that it’s more efficient when it comes to MPG ratings. That said, both sedans do get excellent fuel economy. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra earns up to an EPA-estimated 32/41/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the standard 2.0-liter engine.
Meanwhile, you can score up to an EPA-estimated 28/38/32 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)1 with the standard 2.5-liter engine in the Hyundai Sonata. Both vehicles come with FWD, but as a bonus, the Sonata has an HTRAC AWD system available in its second-level SEL trim.
The Elantra features a standard Intelligent Variable Transmission and an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – creating a smooth and intuitive ride or a more sporty, shifting experience. The Sonata offers a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and an available N eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. Whether you’re in the market for adrenaline-pumping acceleration or a quiet, efficient ride, these two sedans can meet your needs.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Elantra Dimensions Comparison
The Elantra vs. Sonata size is worth considering when deciding which one is better for you. For starters, the Sonata is a midsize sedan, and the Elantra is classified as compact, which means the Sonata is inherently larger.
The 2025 Elantra measures 184.1 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and up to 55.9 inches tall, with a 107.1-inch wheelbase. It has an excellent 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space to help you pack anything from suitcases to golf clubs. See the Elantra interior dimensions below:
Front headroom: 40.6 inches
Front legroom: 42.3 inches
Rear headroom: 37.3 inches
Rear legroom: 38 inches
Moving to the 2025 Sonata, this sedan is 193.3 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 56.9 inches tall. It has a 111.8-inch wheelbase and can hold up to 15.6 cubic feet of items in its trunk. Check out the Sonata interior dimensions below:
Front headroom: 40 inches
Front legroom: 46.1 inches
Rear headroom: 37.8 inches
Rear legroom: 34.8 inches
The headroom measurements for both sedans do not include a sunroof. Visit our Hyundai dealership today to tour the Elantra and Sonata inside and out and decide which one will fit into your day-to-day lifestyle.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Sonata Technology Comparison
As expected from Hyundai, the Elantra and Sonata are built with a high level of technology. These sedans both come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration, HD Radio™, USB-C charging ports, and Bluetooth®.
However, there are a few differences when you take a closer look at the amenities offered on the Elantra vs. Sonata. For touchscreens, the Hyundai Sonata features a 12.3-inch display in all four trims. The Hyundai Elantra comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and offers an available 10.25-inch display. If the convenience of wireless charging appeals to you, both sedans offer it as an upgrade on higher editions. Other available tech includes the Hyundai Digital Key 2 and a hands-free smart trunk release.
When it comes to music and tone, you can enjoy your favorite tunes with the available 12-speaker Bose® sound system in the Sonata or the optional eight-speaker Bose® audio setup in the Elantra.
Hyundai Sonata vs. Elantra Safety & Reliability Comparison
When exploring the Elantra vs. Sonata, it is clear that Hyundai has done an excellent job of ensuring a safe, confident ride no matter which vehicle you decide on.
Both models are equipped with the following driver assist systems as standard:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Safe Exit Warning
High Beam Assist
Various upgrades are available as you move up trim levels for both cars, including Highway Driving Assist. However, there are a handful of differences between the two. For instance, the Sonata offers a Surround View Monitor and Parking Distance Warning, which are important tools for a larger vehicle to have access to.
That’s not to say that drivers don’t find the Elantra very reliable – quite the opposite. The 2025 Sonata vs. Elantra reliability ratings are tilted toward the compact sedan, according to J.D. Power. While the Sonata received a “Great” score of 81 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability, the Elantra was given 86 out of 100.2 Both vehicles are notable by drivers like you for their durability and consistent driving experience.
Let the Experts at Jim Ellis Hyundai Help You
Whether you’ve already decided between the Hyundai Elantra vs. Sonata or still have questions, we invite you to visit our dealership in Atlanta, GA, to let our sales experts assist you. We know the ins and outs of both models and look forward to setting up test drives so you can leave more confident in your new ride.
At Jim Ellis Hyundai, we pride ourselves on having happy customers. We are here to give you knowledgeable, patient, and friendly service, and our finance team works hard to offer competitive financing packages to qualifying customers. Contact us today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the pricing difference for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2025 Hyundai Sonata?
The pricing for the Hyundai Elantra and Hyundai Sonata depends on the trim, packages, and other factors. That said, the base model of the Hyundai Elantra is less expensive than that of the Hyundai Sonata because it’s smaller and has fewer standard features. Both sedans offer excellent value for your hard-earned money, and the returning Sonata SE makes the midsize model more accessible than in 2024.
Is the Hyundai Elantra or Sonata bigger?
The Sonata, being a midsize car, is larger than the compact Elantra. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra has 99.4 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the 2025 Hyundai Sonata has 104.4 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Sonata boasts 15.6 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the Elantra features 14.2 cubic feet. Plus, the Sonata is larger in terms of length, width, height, and wheelbase dimensions.
Which has better gas mileage: the Hyundai Elantra or Sonata?
While gas mileage varies from engine to engine, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra gets better fuel economy ratings overall than the 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Since the Elantra is the smaller, lighter vehicle, this makes intuitive sense. It earns up to an impressive EPA-estimated 32/41/36 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while the Sonata renders up to a competitive EPA-estimated 28/38/32 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1
1All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle’s condition.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.jdpower.com/cars/
