2021 Hyundai ELANTRA vs. 2021 Nissan Versa

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA and 2021 Nissan Versa 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 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA and the 2021 Nissan Versa.

When we compare the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2021 Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Nissan Versa has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA's and the 2021 Nissan Versa's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA is a better car than the 2021 Nissan Versa.

Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA ranges from $12,988 to $21,794 while a used 2021 Nissan Versa is priced between $10,900 to $18,995.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA loses 40.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Nissan Versa loses 37.4 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Nissan Versa retains 3.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 8.2 out of 10 while the Nissan Versa's quality rating is 7.9 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai ELANTRA being ranked 5 out of 31 Best Small Cars and the Nissan Versa being ranked 18 out of 31.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai ELANTRA is 7.5 out of 10. For the Nissan Versa the reliability rating is 7.1 out of 10. This gives the Hyundai ELANTRA a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Nissan Versa.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2021 Nissan Versa base engine makes 122 horsepower. The ELANTRA is rated to deliver an average of 35 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 508 miles. The Versa is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 378 miles. This gives the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Nissan Versa. Both models use regular unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2021 Nissan Versa, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front leg room cargo space.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Nissan Versa has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.81 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
2021 Hyundai ELANTRA
2021 Nissan Versa

2021 Hyundai ELANTRA
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2021 Hyundai ELANTRA for Sale

2021 Nissan Versa
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2021 Nissan Versa for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

19650

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)

21197

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)

15295 - 28695

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

-

Starting MSRP:

14980

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact Cars)

18860

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

13600 - 29900

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

17284

Price Range:

12988 - 21794

Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)

19841

Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)

11819 - 28783

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

491

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

69464

# Good or Great Deals:

209

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

14746

Price Range:

10900 - 18995

Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact Cars)

17419

Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

12215 - 26233

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

288

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

82837

# Good or Great Deals:

109

Hyundai ELANTRA Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.2 / 10

Reliability:

7.5 / 10

Retained Value:

8.4 / 10

Safety:

8.8 / 10

Nissan Versa Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

7.9 / 10

Reliability:

7.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.6 / 10

Safety:

8.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Hyundai ELANTRA

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

6.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)

7.8

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)

4.8 - 13.1

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.09

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Nissan Versa

Remaining Life Expectancy (years):

4.1

Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact Cars)

6.7

Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact Cars)

3.9 - 11.5

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.025



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

7.242282767549024

Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

2.7

Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)

1.1 - 12.4

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

3.0477753892994808

Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)

1.8

Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact Cars)

1.0 - 5.1

Hyundai ELANTRA Rankings

Best Small Cars for Tall People

1 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

1 / 31

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

2 / 31

Best Family Small Cars

3 / 31

Most Affordable Small Cars

3 / 21

Best Small Cars Under $25k

3 / 10

Safest Small Cars

4 / 31

Best Small Cars for Teens

4 / 7

Best Small Cars

5 / 31

Most Comfortable Small Cars

5 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $25k

7 / 10

Best Small Cars for the Money

9 / 21

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

12 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars

18 / 31

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

21 / 31

Nissan Versa Rankings

Most Comfortable Small Cars

1 / 31

Most Affordable Small Cars

1 / 21

Best Gas Mileage Small Cars

3 / 31

Best Small Cars for Tall People

6 / 31

Best Small Cars Under $20k

6 / 10

Best Small Cars for the Money

8 / 21

Most Reliable Small Cars Under $20k

8 / 10

Best Manual Transmission Small Cars

9 / 13

Best Family Small Cars

10 / 31

Safest Small Cars

15 / 31

Best Small Cars

18 / 31

Most Reliable Small Cars

21 / 31

Small Cars with Best Resale Value

24 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Legroom

24 / 31

Small Cars with the Most Horsepower

25 / 31

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Body Styles

Sedan

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

2021 Hyundai ELANTRA Trim Levels

Limited, N Line, SE, SEL

2021 Nissan Versa 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):

4.81 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 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):

0.054 hp per pound

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

122 hp @ 6300 rpm

Torque:

114 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.047 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):

384 / 508 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.6 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Manual

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


27 / 35 / 30

Range (city/hwy):

292 / 378 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Standard/Optional Features

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Available

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

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

Paddle Shifters:

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

Alloy wheels:

Available

Android Auto:

Available

Apple CarPlay:

Available

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

N/A

Navigation System:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

N/A

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

N/A

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:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Quad Seats:

N/A

Roof Rack:

N/A

Trailer Hitch:

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

N/A

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Available

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Available

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

N/A

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Available

360-Degree Camera:

N/A

Rear Seat Reminder:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.6 inches

Front Leg Room:

42.3 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

56.5 inches

Rear Head Room:

37.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

55.6 inches

Cargo Space:

14.2 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

99.4 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

39.5 inches

Front Leg Room:

44.5 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

53.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

36.3 inches

Rear Leg Room:

31 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

53.6 inches

Cargo Space:

14.7 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

88.9 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2725 lbs

Width:

71.9 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Length:

184.1 inches

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

5.3 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

2599 lbs

Width:

68.5 inches

Height:

57.3 inches

Length:

177 inches

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P195/65R15

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

15.0 x 6.5 inches

Wheel Type:

steel

Tire Size:

195/65R15

Exterior Colors

Black

Phantom Black

Blue

Intense Blue

Gray

Electric Shadow / Fluid Metal / Portofino Gray

Red

Calypso Red / Scarlet Red Pearl

Silver

Shimmering Silver Pearl

White

Quartz White

Exterior Colors

Black

Super Black

Blue

Electric Blue Metallic

Gray

Gun Metallic

Red

Not available

Silver

Brilliant Silver Metallic

White

Fresh Powder

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Charcoal

Gray

Not available

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