If you're looking for a comfortable and affordable vehicle, a compact sedan can be a great option. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra and the 2024 Nissan Versa showcase this by offering roomy interiors, smart designs, and plenty of tech features at competitive prices. Our team at Huffines Hyundai Plano has put together this comprehensive guide comparing the key aspects of each car to help you make an informed choice.
Standard Features
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Versa offer plenty of useful and attractive elements, even in their base versions. The entry-level Elantra SE trim comes with alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and LED headlights. It has all the infotainment features you'd expect from a modern vehicle, such as an 8-inch touch-screen interface, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and a six-speaker sound system.
Standard features on the Nissan include a push-button ignition system and a height-adjustable driver's seat. However, the base Versa model comes with steel wheels. The car's standard infotainment features are adequate, but they don't match the Elantra's. It has a smaller, 7-inch touch screen, includes a four-speaker sound system, and only offers smartphone connectivity via Bluetooth. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is available on higher trims, the Versa lacks a wireless option. Overall, the well-equipped standard Elantra significantly outshines its Nissan counterpart.
Power and Performance
All 2024 Nissan Versa trims feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. The base model has a standard five-speed manual transmission, while higher trims get a continuously variable automatic transmission. With this configuration, the Versa accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 10.4 seconds, which is slow for its class.
The Elantra's standard engine is a robust 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission. Hyundai offers a sportier version consisting of a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This upgraded powertrain delivers 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. If you're looking to save on gas, there's also a hybrid option, which combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for 139 horsepower. The performance-oriented Elantra N trim comes with a turbocharged 276-horsepower 2.0-liter engine.
Even in its base configuration, the 2024 Elantra can go from zero to 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, which is significantly better than the Versa's 10.4 seconds. Its upgraded 201-horsepower engine can reach 60 mph from a standstill in an impressive 8.1 seconds, while the hybrid model does it in 8.4 seconds. If high performance and quick acceleration times are what you're after, the Elantra N variant will surely deliver. It goes from zero to 60 mph in a remarkable 5.5 seconds.
Interior Comfort
Many sedan buyers prioritize interior comfort. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra certainly delivers in this category. Its expertly balanced suspension provides competent handling without compromising ride quality, absorbing minor road bumps to deliver a smooth ride. The sedan offers exceptional noise insulation, and the dual-zone climate control system is effective and easy to use. There's plenty of cabin space, even for your rear-seat passengers.
The 2024 Nissan Versa has a relatively spacious interior, with enough legroom and headroom for all passengers. While the ride quality is adequate on normal roads, it tends to get a little uncomfortable on bumpier ones. A significant amount of wind and road noise enters the cabin, which may get uncomfortable on extended journeys. The Versa is fairly roomy and comfortable, but the Elantra's superior ride quality and noise insulation provide a more pleasant and upscale experience, especially on longer drives.
Safety Features
The importance of vehicle safety is undeniable and should be your priority when choosing a new car. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration awarded the Elantra and Versa a maximum five-star safety rating. While this certifies that their bodies and air bag systems provide excellent protection in collisions, drivers typically expect modern vehicles to have multiple tech features to help avoid these situations. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Versa have multiple advanced driver aids to help prevent accidents, including the following:
- Forward collision mitigation: This advanced safety system uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions with vehicles or objects and can brake automatically in certain situations. Both vehicles offer this feature as standard.
- Lane-keeping assistance: The Nissan Versa's system warns you if your vehicle starts to drift out of its lane without the use of the turn signal. On the Elantra, this safety feature also gently steers your car back into its original position.
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning: If another vehicle enters your blind spot while you're changing lanes or reversing, this technology will alert you. It's standard on the 2024 Hyundai Elantra and an available option on the Nissan Versa.
- Driver attention warning: This innovative feature can detect signs of distraction or fatigue and will alert you to take action. This system is only available on the 2024 Hyundai Elantra.
- Adaptive cruise control: When driving on highways, this feature automatically adjusts your vehicle's speed to maintain a safe distance from the car in front. It's optional on the 2024 Elantra and Versa.
Test-Drive the 2024 Hyundai Elantra at Huffines Hyundai Plano Today
While the 2024 Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Versa are suitable for compact sedan buyers, the Elantra is arguably the superior option. Better standard features and performance, superior interior comfort, and more active safety features are just some of the arguments in its favor. We invite you to visit our Plano, Texas, dealership and explore this impressive car. If you want to trade in your current vehicle, we'll assess it and offer a fair market price. Contact us today to schedule your test drive.
