2026 Hyundai Elantra N vs. 2026 Honda Civic Si: Performance Sedan Value in the Inland Empire
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2026 Honda Civic Si land on the same shopping list for the same reason. Both are front-wheel-drive sport sedans. Both come standard with a six-speed manual and rev-matching. Both run a limited-slip differential and a multi-link rear suspension.
What separates them is scale and price. The Elantra N is a track-developed car. It makes 276 horsepower and rides on adaptive dampers and summer tires. The Civic Si is lighter and more efficient, with 200 horsepower and all-season rubber. The Elantra N is the more expensive of the two, and the pricing section below shows by how much.
Here is how they compare, category by category, using published manufacturer specifications.
Which Car Wins Each Category?
| Category | Advantage | The Margin |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Honda Civic Si | $3,855 less MSRP* |
| Peak horsepower | Hyundai Elantra N | 276 hp vs. 200 hp |
| Peak torque | Hyundai Elantra N | 289 lb-ft vs. 192 lb-ft |
| Transmission choice | Hyundai Elantra N | Manual or dual-clutch vs. manual only |
| EPA-Estimated combined MPG | Honda Civic Si | 31 MPG vs. 24 MPG |
| Limited-slip differential | Hyundai Elantra N | Electronically controlled vs. mechanical helical |
| Adaptive damping | Hyundai Elantra N | Standard vs. not offered |
| Tires | Hyundai Elantra N | 245/35R19 summer vs. 235/40R18 all-season |
| Adaptive cruise control | Honda Civic Si | Standard vs. not offered |
| Smartphone integration | Honda Civic Si | Wireless vs. wired |
| Premium audio | Honda Civic Si | Bose 12 speakers vs. Bose 8 speakers |
| Curb weight | Honda Civic Si | 2,952 lbs vs. 3,186 lbs |
| Powertrain warranty | Hyundai Elantra N | 10 yr / 100,000 mi vs. 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
How Much Power Does Each Sport Sedan Make?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N makes 276 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm. Torque peaks at 289 lb-ft across a wide band from 2,100 to 4,700 rpm. The 2026 Honda Civic Si makes 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. That is 76 more horsepower and 97 more lb-ft for the Elantra N. Its torque also arrives lower and stays available longer.
One figure needs a caveat that often gets dropped. Elantra N models fitted with the N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission can engage N Grin Shift. It raises output to 286 horsepower for 20 seconds. That function is dual-clutch only. If you buy the six-speed manual, 276 horsepower is the number.
Chassis Hardware
The Elantra N’s advantage is less the engine than what surrounds it. Standard equipment includes the N Corner Carving Differential, an electronically controlled limited-slip unit. It also brings Electronically Controlled Suspension with adaptive damping, N Launch Control, a variable exhaust valve system, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires on 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Hyundai lists all of it as standard on its 2026 Elantra N specifications page.
The Civic Si answers with a mechanical helical limited-slip differential, a sport-tuned suspension with fixed dampers, and all-season tires. Both cars use a MacPherson strut front and a multi-link rear. That layout is exclusive to neither. Both also offer selectable drive modes, and the Civic Si carries a 234-pound weight advantage, per Honda’s 2026 Civic Si specifications.
For the engineering background on Hyundai’s performance division, our Hyundai N Performance overview covers how the N badge is developed.
Fuel Economy and Range
This is where the Civic Si collects its clearest win. It returns an EPA-Estimated 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG. The Elantra N returns an EPA-Estimated 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG with the manual. The dual-clutch returns 20 / 27 / 23. Both cars carry a 12.4-gallon tank. That gives the Civic Si roughly 384 miles of combined range, against about 298 for the manual Elantra N.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
On an Inland Empire commute, that gap is real. Both cars run regular unleaded. Honda recommends premium, and Hyundai notes that premium is required to reach the full 276-horsepower rating.
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Elantra N | 2026 Honda Civic Si |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve | 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder, DOHC VTEC |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5,500–6,000 rpm (286 hp with N Grin Shift, dual-clutch only) | 200 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2,100–4,700 rpm | 192 lb-ft @ 1,800–5,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual with rev-matching (standard); N 8-speed wet dual-clutch (optional) | 6-speed manual with Rev-Match Control (only transmission offered) |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Limited-slip differential | N Corner Carving Differential (eLSD), electronically controlled | Helical mechanical limited-slip differential |
| Front / rear suspension | MacPherson strut / multi-link | MacPherson strut / multi-link |
| Adaptive damping | Electronically Controlled Suspension, standard | Not offered |
| Wheels and tires | 19-inch forged alloy, 245/35R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer | 18-inch matte black alloy, 235/40R18 all-season |
| Curb weight | 3,186 lbs (manual) / 3,296 lbs (dual-clutch) | 2,952 lbs |
| EPA-Estimated fuel economy | 21/29/24 MPG (manual); 20/27/23 MPG (dual-clutch) | 27/37/31 MPG |
| Fuel tank / required fuel | 12.4 gal / regular unleaded (premium required for full 276 hp) | 12.4 gal / regular unleaded (premium recommended) |
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
What Does Each Sport Sedan Cost?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N starts at $36,545 MSRP* with the six-speed manual. The 2026 Honda Civic Si starts at $32,690 MSRP*. The MSRP difference is $3,855, and it is the number this comparison turns on.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
What You Get for the Difference
Hyundai builds the Elantra N as a single fully equipped specification. There are no performance packages to unlock. The electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, launch control, summer tires, and dual displays are all standard. The N 8-speed wet dual-clutch is the one powertrain option.
Above the standard car sits the limited-production Elantra N TCR Edition. It adds four-piston monobloc front calipers and two-piece front rotors. It also brings an adjustable carbon-fiber swan-neck wing, lightweight 19-inch TCR forged alloy wheels, and Alcantara cabin touchpoints. Hyundai announced its pricing in an official TCR Edition release.
The Civic Si is the top of Honda’s gas Civic sedan range. It is offered in one specification with one gearbox.
| Configuration | Starting MSRP |
|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra N — 6-speed manual | $36,545 MSRP* |
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra N — N 8-speed wet dual-clutch | $37,845 MSRP* |
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra N TCR Edition — 6-speed manual | $40,495 MSRP* |
| 2026 Honda Civic Si — 6-speed manual | $32,690 MSRP* |
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Shopping a higher tier? Our 2026 Elantra N vs. Honda Civic Type R comparison covers the next step up in the segment.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Elantra N’s clearest cabin advantage is front headroom. It offers 40.6 inches against 37.6 in the Civic Si, a full three inches. Front legroom is identical at 42.3 inches. Rear legroom runs 38.0 inches in the Elantra N versus 37.4 in the Civic Si.
Cargo volume is effectively a tie at 14.2 cubic feet against 14.1. The Civic Si does offer the more flexible rear seat. It uses a 60/40 split fold-down bench, where the Elantra N uses a one-piece folding seatback.
Both cars seat five, and both come with heated front seats as standard equipment. The Elantra N uses N Light Sport bucket seats, leather-trimmed with Alcantara inserts and an illuminated N logo. It adds dual automatic temperature control. The Civic Si uses black-and-red sport seats with contrast stitching and automatic climate control.
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Elantra N | 2026 Honda Civic Si |
|---|---|---|
| Seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front headroom | 40.6 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear headroom | 38.7 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Front legroom | 42.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Rear legroom | 38.0 in. | 37.4 in. |
| Cargo volume | 14.2 cu. ft. | 14.1 cu. ft. |
| Rear seatback | 1-piece folding bench | 60/40 split fold-down |
| Front seats | N Light Sport buckets, leather-trimmed with Alcantara | Sport seats, black and red with contrast stitching |
| Climate control | Dual automatic temperature control | Automatic climate control |
Technology and Infotainment
The Elantra N runs a twin-screen cockpit. A 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation sits beside a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. The cluster carries N-specific content, including a shift indicator, lap timer, and N track map. The Civic Si pairs a 10.2-inch digital cluster with a 9-inch touchscreen. It adds Google built-in with a three-year data plan, plus Alexa Built-In.
Audio and phone integration go to Honda. The Civic Si carries a Bose 12-speaker system with subwoofer, and its Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly. The Elantra N carries an 8-speaker Bose system with center channel and subwoofer. Its smartphone connection is wired rather than wireless. Both include wireless device charging and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Elantra N | 2026 Honda Civic Si |
|---|---|---|
| Touchscreen | 10.25-inch with navigation | 9-inch |
| Digital gauge cluster | 10.25-inch with N performance content | 10.2-inch |
| Smartphone integration | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wired | Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless |
| Premium audio | Bose, 8 speakers with subwoofer | Bose, 12 speakers with subwoofer |
| Connected services | Bluelink+ | Google built-in, Alexa Built-In |
| Wireless device charging | Standard | Standard |
Driver Assistance and Safety
| System Type | 2026 Hyundai Elantra N (SmartSense) | 2026 Honda Civic Si (Honda Sensing) |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision | Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection | Collision Mitigation Braking System; Forward Collision Warning |
| Lane support | Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist | Lane Keeping Assist System; Lane Departure Warning; Road Departure Mitigation |
| Blind spot | Blind-Spot Collision Warning | Blind Spot Information System |
| Rear cross-traffic | Collision-Avoidance Assist (alerts and may brake) | Monitor (alerts only) |
| Adaptive cruise control | Not offered | Standard |
| Driver monitoring | Driver Attention Warning | Not listed |
| Speed and signage | Intelligent Speed Limit Assist | Traffic Sign Recognition |
| Airbags | 6 | 10, including knee and rear-side |
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Two differences are worth naming. Hyundai’s rear cross-traffic system can apply braking, while Honda’s monitor only alerts. The Civic Si also includes Adaptive Cruise Control as standard equipment. Hyundai does not offer adaptive cruise on the Elantra N with either transmission.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
How Does Warranty Coverage Compare?
Hyundai’s coverage is the longest in the comparison. The Elantra N carries 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for the original owner. Second and subsequent owners are covered under the 5-year / 60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Roadside assistance runs 5 years with unlimited mileage, and anti-perforation coverage runs 7 years with unlimited mileage.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Honda covers the Civic Si for 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain and 3 years or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper. Roadside assistance runs concurrent with the 3-year term. Corrosion perforation coverage runs 5 years with unlimited mileage.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
| Warranty Category | 2026 Hyundai Elantra N | 2026 Honda Civic Si |
|---|---|---|
| New vehicle limited | 5 years / 60,000 miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Powertrain limited | 10 years / 100,000 miles (original owner; 5 years / 60,000 miles for subsequent owners) | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | 5 years / unlimited miles | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
| Corrosion / anti-perforation | 7 years / unlimited miles | 5 years / unlimited miles |
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Terms are published by Hyundai Motor America and American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N have?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N produces 276 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 289 lb-ft of torque from 2,100 to 4,700 rpm. Models equipped with the N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission can engage N Grin Shift, which raises output to 286 horsepower for 20 seconds. N Grin Shift is not available on manual-transmission cars.
Is the Elantra N available with an automatic transmission?
Yes. The Elantra N comes standard with a six-speed manual with rev-matching, and an N 8-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters is available. The 2026 Honda Civic Si is sold exclusively with a six-speed manual.
How much more does the Elantra N cost than the Civic Si?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N starts at $36,545 MSRP with the six-speed manual and the 2026 Honda Civic Si starts at $32,690 MSRP. That is an MSRP difference of $3,855.
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
Which sport sedan gets better fuel economy?
The Honda Civic Si returns an EPA-Estimated 27 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG. The Hyundai Elantra N returns an EPA-Estimated 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined MPG with the manual transmission.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Does the 2026 Elantra N have adaptive cruise control?
No. Hyundai does not offer adaptive cruise control on the 2026 Elantra N with either transmission. The 2026 Honda Civic Si includes Adaptive Cruise Control as standard equipment.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
Which has better warranty coverage?
The Hyundai Elantra N carries 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for the original owner and 5 years or 60,000 miles of new vehicle limited warranty. The Honda Civic Si carries 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage and 3 years or 36,000 miles of new vehicle limited warranty.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Elantra N near Fontana?
You can view Elantra N inventory online or visit Ontario Hyundai at 1307 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA 91761. Call our sales team at 888-653-8231 to schedule a test drive.
Which Sport Sedan Belongs in Your Garage?
These two cars are built for different owners, and the MSRP gap shown above is the dividing line.
The Civic Si is the better commuter. It is lighter and returns seven more combined MPG. It goes roughly 86 miles further between fill-ups. It also includes adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone integration, and a 12-speaker Bose system, for less money. For a driver who wants a manual gearbox and a sharp chassis in a car that disappears into daily use, it is a complete answer.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.
The Elantra N is the better performance car, and the gap is not subtle. It brings 76 more horsepower and 97 more lb-ft arriving at 2,100 rpm. It adds an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, launch control, and summer tires on forged wheels. It also offers a dual-clutch gearbox the Civic Si does not sell at any price, and it doubles the powertrain warranty term. If you intend to use the car the way it was developed to be used, that is what the money buys.
Explore the full Hyundai sedan lineup or browse our Hyundai research hub to see how the models we carry compare.
Ontario Hyundai serves drivers from Ontario, Fontana, Corona, Rancho Cucamonga, Eastvale, and Puente Hills. Visit us at 1307 Kettering Dr, Ontario, CA 91761, or call 888-653-8231.
Disclaimers
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new vehicles includes manufacturer and distributor options and delivery, process and handling fees, which may be subject to change at any time. MSRP excludes taxes, title, license and dealer installed options, accessories, fees and charges. MSRP is not the dealer advertised price. Dealer price will vary. The dealer sets the final price.
EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Warranty coverage depends on the specific terms of your vehicle’s warranty agreement. Consult your owner’s manual or a qualified legal professional for guidance on your individual situation.
Driver-assistance and advanced safety systems are supplemental aids and are not substitutes for safe and attentive driving. Availability, operation, and effectiveness vary by trim and equipment and depend on factors including road, weather, traffic, and vehicle condition. Always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. See your owner’s manual for system limitations and details.