Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Sentra

For nearly 20 years over six generations, the Elantra established Hyundai as a provider of bottom-rung transportation. Not until the current seventh-generation model debuted in 2020 did the Elantra shed its cheap image and stand competitively with other compact sedans from Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. Hyundai always sold on low prices and long warranties. Now the Elantra is a genuinely sporty, well-constructed car that competes on actual substance—namely, how it drives and feels—and offers a wider range of trim levels. For 2024, a mild refresh brings more style and standard equipment.

Verdict: Get past the strange bodywork and plasticky interior, and you’ll find a well-mannered sedan that is equally adept at being comfortable and economical as it is sporty and truly entertaining.

If you’re hoping for a more powerful Sentra, the new 2026 model won’t bring you joy. However, if you have the need for speed, you’re likely not a typical Sentra buyer. Instead of focusing on what’s under the hood, Nissan has imbued the 2026 Sentra with tech and features that more and more shoppers are coming to value. Bright touchscreens, comfortable seats, and a stylish design make this the most appealing Sentra in recent memory.

Verdict: The 2026 Nissan Sentra is a stylish and safe compact sedan that delivers impressive technology at an attractive, affordable price. It’s not the most thrilling car in its segment (look to the Honda Civic or Mazda3 for that honor), but it nevertheless delivers premium, in-demand features.