Compare the 2024 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2024 Nissan Sentra: Performance, Safety, and More

The 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA stands out as a true gem in the compact car segment, showcasing Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to high standards. This vehicle seamlessly blends practicality with advanced technology and efficiency, demonstrating Hyundai’s dedication to refining every aspect of the driving experience. But how does it stack up against the competition, specifically the 2024 Nissan Sentra, another top contender in the same class?

Let’s dive deeper into how these sedans compare in the categories that matter most. If, by the end of this comparison, you’re convinced that the 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA is the vehicle for you, we invite you to visit Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola, Florida, where we pride ourselves on maintaining the same high standards that Hyundai is known for.

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2024 Hyundai ELANTRA vs. 2024 Nissan Sentra

Comparing the 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA and the 2024 Nissan Sentra is like comparing two stalwarts of the compact segment. Both models have unique strengths underpinned by years of automotive innovation, but only one can claim the top spot. Read on as we provide you with the details about what sets the 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA apart from its rival, the 2024 Nissan Sentra.

Technology

Tech-wise, both the Hyundai ELANTRA and Nissan Sentra offerings are quite competitive. However, the ELANTRA takes the lead with its richer set of standard features. Its intuitive infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, precedes the Sentra’s. The ELANTRA further distinguishes itself among higher trims with a larger 10.3-inch display and the addition of an eight-speaker Bose system in the top-tier Limited model. While both cars offer USB charging and smartphone integration, the ELANTRA steps it up with two USB-C ports in the rear and a wireless charging pad up front.

The Sentra, although featuring a comparable speed-sensitive audio system and push-button start, offers you a smaller 7-inch standard touch screen and an optional upgrade to an 8-inch display, which is still smaller than the ELANTRA’s. Despite its commendable efforts, the Sentra still needs to catch up in the audio department, offering a standard four-speaker sound system compared to the ELANTRA’s six-speaker system in its base model. However, higher trims of the Sentra provide options for six- and eight-speaker systems, bringing it on par with the ELANTRA Limited’s eight-speaker Bose system.

Performance

While the Hyundai ELANTRA and Nissan Sentra offer efficient four-cylinder engines and comfortable rides, the ELANTRA stands out with its broader powertrain range and superior fuel efficiency. Its sporty N Line variant, equipped with a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, delivers a more engaging driving experience. Moreover, the ELANTRA’s 2024 model retains its previous engine lineup, which includes the entry-level 147 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine and an optional 139 horsepower 1.6-liter four-pot hybrid setup.

The Sentra’s sole powertrain option is a 149-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Both cars offer front-wheel drive and continuously variable transmission (CVT), but where the ELANTRA’s N Line variant comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, the Sentra offers only a standard CVT. This gives the ELANTRA an edge in terms of performance and driving dynamics.

Fuel economy-wise, you’ll be impressed by the ELANTRA’s hybrid model combined rating of 54 mpg, beating the most efficient Sentra’s 34 mpg combined rating. The ELANTRA N Line’s fuel economy does suffer a bit, returning 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, but its performance upgrade makes it worth the trade-off.

Safety

The 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA and Nissan Sentra are both equipped with a litany of active safety features. However, the ELANTRA pulls ahead in terms of accolades. With a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a 2022 Top Safety Pick award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the ELANTRA establishes itself as a secure choice. It has automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert as standard features.

The 2023 Sentra did receive good scores in IIHS’s crashworthiness categories, but it fell short in the side impact test, and its headlights were rated poor. The 2024 Sentra may fare better with its new headlight design and the inclusion of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite with standard features similar to the ELANTRA’s. However, the ELANTRA’s commendable safety track record speaks volumes about its commitment to safety.

Exterior Design

Both vehicles sport striking exterior designs, with the ELANTRA’s bold lines reminiscent of a sports car and the Sentra’s more conservative body shape. The ELANTRA, with its wider wheelbase and longer hood, has a more solid presence on the road. It’s further complemented by angular lines and a prominent cascading grille, giving it a distinct and modern look.

The Sentra is also no slouch in design; it features an aggressive front fascia, flowing character lines, and a prominent V-motion grille. However, the ELANTRA’s design has aged more gracefully over the years, making it the more attractive option in this category.

Interior Design

Stepping inside, the 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA and Nissan Sentra offer comfortable, well-equipped spaces. The ELANTRA impresses with its user-friendly, high-quality, tech-filled cabin, while the Sentra emphasizes straightforward functionality and practicality. The decision between the two ultimately comes down to your preferences for interior design, technology amenities, and the overall driving experience.

Pricing and Trim Levels

The ELANTRA starts at a slightly higher MSRP of $21,475, while a similarly equipped Sentra begins at $20,790 MSRP. However, the ELANTRA offers more trim levels and powertrain options, giving you a more comprehensive range of choices. This gives the ELANTRA an edge in terms of customization and value for money.

Test-Drive a 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA for Sale at Allen Turner Hyundai

Hyundai and Nissan brought their A-games to the fiercely competitive compact sedan segment, meeting differing consumer needs with distinct design philosophies. The balance between comfort, practicality, technology integration, and performance tips the scale in favor of the ELANTRA. But ultimately, the final decision rests on individual preferences and budget constraints. Visit Allen Turner Hyundai in Pensacola, Florida, to test-drive a 2024 Hyundai ELANTRA and see why it’s worth considering as your next car purchase. Contact us today to schedule a test drive, or explore our online inventory of new and pre-owned vehicles.