Hyundai Elantra 83·Hyundai Sonata 84on the MotiveGrid Score·Hyundai Elantra about $6,694 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the cheaper one to own — roughly $6,694 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The Hyundai Sonata counters with more power (191 vs 147 hp).
Go with the Hyundai Elantra for the better long-term value; consider the Hyundai Sonata if you prioritize stronger acceleration.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Elantra vs. Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Elantra versus 2026 Hyundai Sonata.
Metric
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Sonata
MotiveGrid Score
83
84
Cost of Ownership
90
83
Powertrain
73
67
Driver Assistance
32
32
Livability
70
60
Safety
79
99
5-Year Cost to Own
$36,472
$43,167
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,367
$12,952
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$10,526
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,370
$11,210
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,415
$1,915
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,404
$4,164
Registration (5-yr)
$745
$850
Starting Price
$22,625
$27,675
Horsepower
147 hp
191 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
32 mpg
Cargo volume
14.2 cu ft
15.6 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$22,625
MSRP
$22,625
Mo · 5yr
$608
$36,472 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
Gas
2026$27,675
MSRP
$27,675
Mo · 5yr
$719
$43,167 / 5 years
Best for families
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Hyundai Sonata scores higher overall.
Hyundai Elantra
0
/ 100
Hyundai Sonata
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Elantra
90
Sonata
83
Winner: Elantra
$6,694 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
Low maintenance cost▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Elantra
73
Sonata
67
Winner: Elantra
+6 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Elantra
32
Sonata
32
Evenly matched
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Elantra
70
Sonata
60
Winner: Elantra
+10 pts
Easy to maneuver and park▲
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Hyundai Elantra is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $6,694 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Sonata still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Elantra
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Hyundai Elantra
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Hyundai Sonata
Much stronger safety with marginally more cargo space
Highway driver
Hyundai Elantra
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Hyundai Elantra
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Elantra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$608
$36,472 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$608/mo
Hyundai Sonata
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$719
$43,167 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$719/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Hyundai Elantra comes out about $6,694 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
