2020 Hyundai ELANTRA vs. 2020 Nissan Sentra
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA and 2020 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 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA and the 2020 Nissan Sentra.
When we compare the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2020 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. The 2020 Nissan Sentra has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2020 Nissan Sentra's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Nissan Sentra is a better car than the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA.
Pricing: A used 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $12,995 to $20,000 while a used 2020 Nissan Sentra is priced between $14,994 to $21,992.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 33.4 percent of its value and the 2020 Nissan Sentra loses 38.2 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA retains 4.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 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 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2020 Nissan Sentra base engine makes 149 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 574 miles. The Sentra is rated to deliver an average of 33 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 484 miles. This gives the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Nissan Sentra. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2020 Nissan Sentra has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room and rear leg room. The 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of rear head room, rear shoulder room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Nissan Sentra, with an average rating of 4.64 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.55 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$19,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,870
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,995 - $28,595
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$19,310
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$20,870
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$14,995 - $28,595
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,621
Price Range:
$12,995 - $20,000
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$20,060
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$12,327 - $29,211
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,193
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
66,042
# Good or Great Deals:
478
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$18,448
Price Range:
$14,994 - $21,992
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$20,060
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$12,327 - $29,211
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
514
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,612
# Good or Great Deals:
231
Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.6 / 10
Nissan Sentra Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.1 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Hyundai ELANTRA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
6.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
6.6%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Nissan Sentra
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
6.1 - 9.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.7%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.6 - 17.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
3.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
0.6 - 17.8
Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
3 out of / 43Ranking
4 out of / 43Ranking
5 out of / 5Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 24Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
17 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
26 out of / 43Ranking
28 out of / 43Nissan Sentra Rankings
Ranking
6 out of / 43Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
20 out of / 43Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
28 out of / 43Ranking
40 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels
Eco, Limited, SE, SEL, Sport, Value Edition
2020 Nissan Sentra Trim Levels
S, SR, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.64 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.55 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
149 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
31 / 41 / 35
Range (city/hwy):
434 / 574 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 39 / 33
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 484 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
14.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.8 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
44 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
14.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2844 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
181.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3047 lbs
Width:
71.5 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
106.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
15.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P195/65R15
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P205/55R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Phantom Black
Blue
Lakeside Blue
Gray
Fluid Metal / Machine Gray / Portofino Gray
Red
Calypso Red / Scarlet Red Pearl
Silver
Steller Silver / Symphony Silver
White
Quartz White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Super Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gun Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Fresh Powder
Interior Colors
Beige
Beige
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Gray
Not available