Compare the2025 Nissan VersaVS 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The Nissan Versa has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer knee airbags.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The Versa has standard Rear Automatic Braking that uses rear sensors to monitor for objects to the rear and automatically applies the brakes to prevent a collision. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer automatic braking for stationary objects directly to the rear.

Both the Versa and the Elantra Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, 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 Nissan Versa is safer than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid:

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 Nissan Versa is safer than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid:

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

There are over 28 percent more Nissan dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Versa’s warranty.

The Versa offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Versa has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Elantra Hybrid doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

The Versa has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the Elantra Hybrid; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better maneuverability, the Versa’s turning circle is .6 feet tighter than the Elantra Hybrid’s (34.8 feet vs. 35.4 feet).

The Nissan Versa may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 pounds less than the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.

The Versa is 8.4 inches shorter than the Elantra Hybrid, making the Versa easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Versa has a larger trunk than the Elantra Hybrid Sedan (14.7 vs. 14.2 cubic feet).

The Versa’s optional folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Elantra Hybrid’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The Versa Manual can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Versa can be unhitched and driven around locally. The Elantra Hybrid can’t be towed flat on the ground.

The Versa SV/SR’s standard wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Elantra Hybrid’s manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Versa will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Versa will retain 56.98% to 64.4% of its original price after five years, while the Elantra Hybrid only retains 50.34% to 50.7%.