Hyundai vs Nissan

Hyundai vs Nissan

Hyundai or Nissan - which is better?


If you're currently looking for a car or SUV that stands out, you've probably come across Hyundai and Nissan as great options. With fresh takes on how cars can be designed, both Hyundai and Nissan do a good job of offering models that look fun, perform great, and have plenty of tech and comfort features. From sedans like the Elantra and Sentra to SUVs like the Tucson and Rogue, these two popular automakers have offerings in most vehicle classes, making them great options if you're not entirely sure what you want. However, for all the similarities that exist, there are plenty of differences between the two manufacturers, and depending on what you are looking for in a new vehicle, it could make a world of difference to know where each brand shines. That's where we come in. Let's take a look at each of the most popular models from Hyundai and Nissan and see how they stack up. We'll give you the advantages of buying each vehicle of the same class along with the similarities. If you want a more thorough comparison, check out full reviews for each model.

Honda or Hyundai - which is better?

Hyundai vs. Nissan | Design

Nissan and Hyundai both have a diverse lineup of vehicles that are sure to stand out from the competition. While we prefer the slightly more unique styling of Hyundai, Nissan has recently updated several of their models, creating some sharp models. For instance, compare the Palisade to the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder is a dynamically styled vehicle that has some rugged accents. We can't say that you would be making a bad choice getting one. Having said that, we do think that the Palisade is the better choice. There aren't many midsize SUVs on the road today that can match the Palisade's elegant dynamic style. So, while Nissan has plenty of good designs, we feel Hyundai has great ones.

Hyundai vs. Nissan | Interior and Technology

If you take a look inside a Nissan or Hyundai, you'll see a well-crafted, quality interior. Both offer good comfort options at reasonable prices. On looks alone there isn't a huge difference. Where Hyundai makes a strong move is on its standard and available technology. Most Hyundai models now come standard with 12.3-in infotainment, whereas most Nissans require you to pay extra for larger screens. Hyundai seating offers more diverse seating options as well, including ventilation and power passenger seating for most models. Hyundai also has a more robust package of driver safety features. Simply put, Nissan interiors look plenty nice but lack the overall upside that Hyundai interiors have.

Honda vs Hyundai
Honda vs Hyundai

Hyundai vs. Nissan | Performance

There are a couple of factors to consider for the overall performance of Hyundai and Nissan models. If you're looking for the sportiest model possible, then Nissan has some strong options like the Z and the GT-R. They also generally like to gear their vehicles towards having more aggressive acceleration than Hyundai does. Beyond that, the models offer similar performance on average. If you go on a model-by-model basis, some Hyundai models are more powerful with better gas mileage, and the same goes for Nissan. Where Hyundai does separate itself is the availability of hybrid engines. Most Hyundai models offer gas and either a hybrid or EV powertrain, whereas Nissan is considerably more limited. There was also a large stretch of time where Nissan models had issues with their CVT transmissions, which could be something to consider as well. Overall, Nissan has Hyundai beat for high-end performance, but if you just need a daily driver, Hyundai is probably the better choice.

Hyundai vs. Nissan | Warranty & Cost

When it comes to the overall cost of a new Hyundai model vs a new Nissan, a simple way of looking at it is, you get what you pay for. On average, a new Nissan does come in at a slightly lower price point for several models; however, if you plan on staying in your new vehicle for any length of time, Hyundai is the choice. The warranty for Hyundai is significantly better for the new vehicle powertrain warranty. Additionally, Hyundai offers 3 years or 36,000 miles of limited maintenance included. On top of that, the overall reliability of Hyundai models is generally rated higher than that of Nissan. Overall, if you're looking for a car to stick with, choose Hyundai.


Hyundai Warranty

  • Powertrain Limited Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
  • New Vehicle (Bumper-to-Bumper) Limited Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
  • Anti-Perforation (rust-through) Warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles
  • Roadside Assistance: 5 years / unlimited miles

Nissan Warranty

  • Powertrain Limited Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles (Bumper-to-Bumper).
  • Corrosion Coverage: 5 years/unlimited miles.
  • Roadside Assistance: 3 years/36,000 miles

Nissan or Hyundai sedans-which is better?

While the SUV market has absolutely blown up over the past 15 years, some people prefer the tight handling and great gas mileage a sedan offers. If you're in the market for a sedan, should you be considering Hyundai or Nissan? While Nissan does technically have the most affordable sedan in the Versa, it is also quite small and may only suit a smaller section of buyers. More than likely you are either looking for a compact sedan like the Elantra and Sentra or a midsize sedan like the Sonata or Altima. We'll take a look at the advantages of Hyundai vs. Nissan sedans below. Hyundai does not have a vehicle comparable to the ultra-compact Versa, and Nissan doesn't have a model comparable to the full EV midsize Hyundai Ioniq 6, so we will not be doing comparisons on those models.

Compact Sedans - Hyundai Elantra vs. Nissan Sentra

Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan SentraSentra vs Elantra

Hyundai Elantra Advantages

  • Better gas mileage
  • Larger standard infotainment screen and more tech
  • Available performance model and hybrid. Elantra N
  • More rear legroom

Similarities

  • Similar starting price
  • Roughly the same trunk space

Nissan Sentra Advantages

  • More Front Legroom
  • Slightly more standard horsepower and torque

Midsize Sedans - Hyundai Sonata vs. Nissan Altima

Hyundai Sonata vs Nissan AltimaAltima vs Sonata

Hyundai Sonata Advantages

  • More driver legroom
  • Available performance model with Sonata N-Line
  • Larger standard infotainment screen and more tech-forward
  • Hybrid options are available.

Similarities

  • Base engines produce nearly identical horsepower and torque.
  • Similar gas mileage
  • Similar trunk space

Nissan Altima Advantages

  • More rear legroom
  • All-wheel drive is available for all trims.

Nissan or Hyundai SUVs-which is better?

While there are plenty of reasons to want an SUV, from style to off-road performance, most people make their SUV choices based on how comfortable they will be inside the vehicle. Both Hyundai and Nissan make some stylish SUVs, so a major deciding factor between the two is comfort. Hyundai consistently outclasses Nissan in relation to an important metric, legroom. Having space for your legs can make or break the comfort for rear passengers, and on average Hyundai does a better job of creating that space. It is true that Nissan does make a full-size SUV, while the largest Hyundai SUV is only a midsize, so if you needed a lot of space, you would go with the Nissan, right? Well surprisingly, even though the full-size Armada is a longer, larger vehicle, the midsize Palisade actually has more overall legroom and equal amounts of third-row legroom. The Armada does have a more powerful engine, but the Palisade is still capable of 5,000 lbs of towing. Unless you have specific needs over that, you probably would go with the more affordable Hyundai option. All of this is to say, if you prioritize the overall comfort of you and your passengers, Hyundai SUVs are probably going to be the way to go. Take a look below at how the most popular models compare.

Subcompact SUVs - Hyundai Kona vs. Nissan Kicks

Hyundai Kona vs Nissan KicksKicks vs Kona

Hyundai Kona Advantages

  • More engine options, including an EV version
  • More rear legroom (+3.7 in)

Similarities

  • Standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen
  • Passenger space is similar.

Nissan Kicks Advantages

  • Lower starting price
  • More front legroom
  • More cargo with rear seats up (+4.5 cu. ft.)

Compact SUVs - Hyundai Tucson vs. Nissan Rogue

Hyundai Tucson vs Nissan RogueRogue vs Tucson

Hyundai Tucson Advantages

  • Larger standard infotainment screen and more tech-forward
  • More Cargo Space
  • More Legroom
  • Available standard hybrid

Similarities

  • Similar starting price
  • Offer plug-in hybrids

Nissan Rogue Advantages

  • Better standard gas mileage
  • More standard horsepower and torque

Midsize SUVs - Hyundai Santa Fe vs. Nissan Murano

Hyundai Santa Fe vs Nissan MuranoMurano vs Santa Fe

Hyundai Santa Fe Advantages

  • Higher passenger capacity (7 vs 5)
  • Higher horsepower & torque
  • Offers Hybrid Version
  • Considerably Lower Starting Price

Similarities

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen comes standard
  • Great standard safety features
  • Available Bose System

Nissan Murano Advantages

  • Better Gas Mileage
  • Standard all-wheel drive

Larger Midsize SUVs - Hyundai Palisade vs. Nissan Pathfinder

Hyundai Palisade vs Nissan PathfinderPilot vs Palisade

Hyundai Palisade Advantages

  • More tech-forward
  • More legroom in the second and third rows
  • Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen (only 8 inches for Pathfinder)

Similarities

  • 7 or 8 seating layout
  • Similar Horsepower and Torque
  • Front-wheel or all-wheel drive available

Nissan Pathfinder Advantages

  • Better gas mileage (2 mpg difference)
  • 4x4 capability available

Nissan or Hyundai trucks, EVs, and other specialty vehicles-which is better?

Hyundai and Nissan each only offer 1 truck model. Nissan has the more traditional truck with the Frontier, while Hyundai has a truck-SUV crossover in the Santa Cruz. We'll take a look at how those two stack up as well as compare some of the EVs available. While Nissan only has the Leaf, which is comparable to the Kona Electric, Hyundai actually has 4 total EV models: the subcompact Kona Electric, the compact SUV Ioniq 5, the midsize sedan Ioniq 6, and the midsize SUV Ioniq 9. For this article, we will only focus on the comparable vehicles, but you can learn more about these exciting EVs on our Hyundai model hub page. Finally, as far as high-performance sports cars go, Hyundai does have the Elantra N and some other N-line performance models, but if you need a pure sports car like the Nissan Z or the GT-R, then Hyundai might not be the right maker for you.

Trucks - Hyundai Santa Cruz vs. Nissan Frontier

Hyundai Santa Cruz vs Nissan FrontierFrontier vs Santa Cruz

Hyundai Santa Cruz Advantages

  • Larger standard infotainment screen and more tech-forward
  • Better Gas Mileage
  • SUV comfort in a truck package

Similarities

  • Similar passenger volume

Nissan Frontier Advantages

  • Longer bed length
  • More horsepower and torque
  • Higher max towing capacity

Trucks - Hyundai Kona Electric vs. Nissan Leaf

Hyundai Kona Electric vs Nissan LeafLeaf vs Kona Electric

Hyundai Kona Electric Advantages

  • More cargo space
  • More Rear legroom (+4.6 inches)
  • Available N-line sport motor

Similarities

  • Dual 12.3-inch screens
  • Similar MPGe

Nissan Leaf Advantages

  • Lower starting price
  • Longer Range

So, should you visit a Nissan dealership or a Hyundai dealership?

If you compare individually, you can see that both manufacturers make plenty of vehicles worth buying. However, when you boil down the key points, you will find that a new Hyundai model is better suited for most of your day-to-day driving. With most models offering better standard tech, more passenger space, and a stronger warranty, Hyundai is going to fit the needs of most customers. Now the more important question becomes, which Hyundai model should you buy? If you already have a good idea of which vehicle you would like, continue to our new Hyundai inventory to get up-to-date pricing on all our models. If you're still a little on the fence on what great Hyundai model you will be buying, check out our Hyundai comparison page now.

Napleton North Palm Hyundai is a Hyundai dealer serving West Palm Beach, Lake Park, Treasure Coast, Hobe Sound, Fort Pierce, and surrounding areas. Find out what Napleton can do for you. Visit us today at 3703 Northlake Blvd, Lake Park, FL.


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