2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2024 Nissan Sentra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra presented a diverse lineup catering to a wide range of preferences, from the budget-friendly SE to the upscale Limited trim. The Elantra Hybrid models offered impressive fuel efficiency, achieving between 50 mpg and 54 mpg, while maintaining the same aesthetic as the standard Elantra. For driving enthusiasts, the turbocharged Elantra N Line and the performance-tuned Elantra N provided sportier options. The Elantra's exterior design was polarizing, but its interior, especially in the Limited trim, was praised for its stylish and high-tech features, despite some hard plastic elements.

In contrast, the 2024 Nissan Sentra underwent a styling update, featuring a wider grille and new chrome trim, giving it a more pronounced presence. The Sentra's design avoided the eccentricity of some competitors while maintaining a distinctive flair. The interior boasted large air vents inspired by the Z sports car and a dashboard that framed the central touchscreen. The Sentra SR models included red-orange accent stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel, adding to its sporty appeal. While the material quality was typical for an entry-level car, the Sentra's design elements provided a unique touch.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, was not a powerhouse but offered a surprisingly peppy drive. The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) was noted as one of the best in its class, contributing to an average of 33 mpg during testing. The Elantra Limited's handling was commendable, with a communicative ride and quiet highway performance. While not as fun as the Elantra N Line or N, it provided consistent handling and a stable ride, though the steering lacked sharpness and the brakes showed some heat-induced shuddering.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra, equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 149 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, focused more on efficiency than performance. The reengineered CVT aimed to improve fuel efficiency and smoothness, complemented by an engine start-stop system. The Sentra's steering offered good feedback and precision, while the suspension provided a comfortable ride without excessive body roll. However, the CVT exhibited an unexpected surge of acceleration at around 45 mph, though this might have been due to the pre-production status of the test car.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra offered a spacious interior, suitable for a family of four. The Limited model featured a comfortable leather-wrapped, six-way power driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by a reclined backrest and lack of air vents and USB ports. The Elantra's trunk provided 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding back seat for added utility.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra provided decent interior space, particularly in the front, with Zero Gravity seats offering exceptional comfort. While front-seat legroom was competitive, rear-seat legroom lagged behind rivals. The Sentra's interior design allowed for good forward visibility, and the center console accommodated two large cupholders and a phone slot. The Sentra's trunk offered 14.3 cubic feet of space, slightly more than the Elantra, with a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for flexibility.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra impressed with its 10.25-inch digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, available in the SEL Convenience package and standard in the N Line trim. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and more, though only Bluetooth supported wireless connections. The voice recognition system had mixed results, and the Bose audio system fell short compared to competitors. The Elantra also featured Digital Key technology and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra's tech offerings felt a bit dated. The base model included a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system, with an optional Bose system available. While the Sentra's screens were functional, the graphics appeared outdated compared to rivals, though the presence of physical knobs for volume and tuning was appreciated.

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra excelled in safety, with a comprehensive suite of standard features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim added cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Elantra received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet updated its rating for 2023.

The 2024 Nissan Sentra's safety ratings were mixed, with the IIHS awarding it "Good" in the original side-impact test but only "Acceptable" in the updated version. The Sentra's headlights received a "Poor" rating, and its front crash prevention scored "Advanced" during the day but "Basic" at night. The NHTSA provided five stars for rollover and side crash tests, but other ratings were unavailable. The Sentra included standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 features, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims.