Compare the2024 Hyundai Elantra NVS 2023 Kia Stinger

Both the Elantra N and the Stinger have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Hyundai Elantra N is safer than the Kia Stinger:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Hyundai Elantra N is safer than the Kia Stinger:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Hyundai Elantra N achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Stinger has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

The Elantra N’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the Stinger’s (7/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Elantra N for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Stinger.

On the EPA test cycle the Elantra N gets better mileage than the Stinger:

The Elantra N offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and fuel economy. The Stinger doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Elantra N offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The Stinger doesn’t offer an SMG.

For better stopping power the Elantra N’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Stinger:

The Elantra N’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the Stinger GT-Line are solid, not vented.

The Elantra N stops much shorter than the Stinger:

For better traction, the Elantra N has larger tires than the Stinger (245/35R19 vs. 225/45R18). The Elantra N’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Stinger (245/35R19 vs. 225/40R19).

The Elantra N’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Stinger GT-Line’s standard 45 series tires. The Elantra N’s tires are lower profile than the Stinger GT2’s 40 series front tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Elantra N has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the Stinger GT-Line.

The Elantra N handles at .99 G’s, while the Stinger AWD pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Hyundai Elantra N may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 900 pounds less than the Kia Stinger.

The Elantra N is 6.1 inches shorter than the Stinger, making the Elantra N easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To minimize engine movement during hard acceleration and transmission shifts, the Elantra N has solid engine mounts. The Stinger uses conventional rubber.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the Elantra N is quieter than the Stinger GT2 (79 vs. 84 dB).

The Elantra N has 5.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Stinger (99.4 vs. 93.8).

The Elantra N has 1.6 inches more front headroom, .1 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 1.6 inches more rear legroom and .8 inches more rear shoulder room than the Stinger.

The Elantra N will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Elantra N will retain 52.19% to 53.5% of its original price after five years, while the Stinger only retains 48.43% to 51.17%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Hyundai Elantra N will be $3475 to $26562 less than for the Kia Stinger.

A group of representative automotive journalists from North America selected the Elantra as the 2021 North American Car of the Year. The Stinger has never been chosen.

The Hyundai Elantra outsold the Kia Stinger by almost 25 to one during 2023.