Compare the2026 Hyundai Elantra N LineVS 2026 Nissan Sentra

Both the Elantra N Line and Sentra have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Elantra N Line has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The Sentra’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Elantra N Line and the Sentra have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Hyundai Elantra N Line (Built after October 2024) has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sentra has not yet been evaluated by the IIHS for 2025.

The Elantra N Line comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Sentra’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Hyundai’s powertrain warranty covers the Elantra N Line 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Nissan covers the Sentra. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the Sentra ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The Elantra N Line’s corrosion warranty is 2 years longer than the Sentra’s (7 vs. 5 years).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Elantra N Line for 1 year and 12000 miles longer than Nissan pays for maintenance for the Sentra (3/36,000 vs. 2/24,000).

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Nissan vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 2 places higher in reliability than Nissan.

The Elantra N Line’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 52 more horsepower (201 vs. 149) and 49 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 146) than the Sentra’s 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

For better stopping power the Elantra N Line’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sentra:

For better traction, the Elantra N Line has larger tires than the Sentra (235/40R18 vs. 205/60R16). The Elantra N Line’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sentra (235/40R18 vs. 215/50R17).

The Elantra N Line’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sentra S/SV’s standard 60 series tires. The Elantra N Line’s tires are lower profile than the Sentra SR’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Elantra N Line has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the Sentra S/SV.

The Elantra N Line has standard rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The Sentra’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Elantra N Line has 3.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Sentra (99.4 vs. 96.1).

The Elantra N Line has 1.7 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front hip room, .3 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 3.2 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the Sentra.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Elantra N Line’s trunk can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Sentra doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The Elantra N Line’s standard Proximity Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, open the trunk, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Push Button Start standard on the Sentra only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the car. Push Button Start is not available on the Sentra SV/SR/SL.

The Elantra N Line’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Heated mirrors cost extra on the Sentra and aren’t offered on the Sentra S.

The Elantra N Line has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning costs extra on the Sentra and isn’t available on the Sentra S/SV.

Compared to traditional radio, the Hyundai Elantra N Line’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Sentra.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Hyundai Elantra N Line has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Sentra and isn’t available on the Sentra S.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Elantra as the 2021 North American Car of the Year. The Sentra has never been chosen.