2018 Hyundai ELANTRA vs. 2018 Nissan Sentra

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA and 2018 Nissan Sentra contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA and the 2018 Nissan Sentra.

In comparing the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2018 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. The 2018 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2018 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Nissan Sentra is a better car than the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA.

Pricing: A used 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $9,368 to $18,247 while a used 2018 Nissan Sentra is priced between $7,999 to $17,989.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value and the 2018 Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA retains 4.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Nissan Sentra.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.3 out of 10 while the Nissan Sentra's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 21 out of 43 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Sentra being ranked 20 out of 43.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.8 out of 10. For the Nissan Sentra the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Sentra a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai ELANTRA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2018 Nissan Sentra base engine makes 130 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 504 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 462 miles.This gives the 2018 Nissan Sentra the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2018 Nissan Sentra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear head room and rear shoulder room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Hyundai ELANTRA has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 4.64 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.