2023 Hyundai Elantra

Overview

When it comes to daily driving duty, the Hyundai Elantra is a pragmatic choice thanks to its competitive fuel economy, abundance of standard safety tech, and available creature comforts—a choice that also comes with plenty of styling flair. The Korean compact sedan’s exterior design is something we can appreciate, as is the breadth of its model lineup. Hyundai has mixed and matched different mechanical bits—four-cylinder engines, turbochargers, electric motors, dual-clutch transmissions, and CVTs—to create six different offerings ranging from the entry-level SE model to the Limited Hybrid. The model mix includes the sporty N Line trim, but don’t confuse it with the drastically gutsier N model, which we cover separately. While the Elantra is both well equipped and generally pleasing it nonetheless lacks the driving verve of top-tier small cars like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

1

Honda Civic

STARTING AT: $24,545

2

Mazda Mazda 3

STARTING AT: $23,615

3

Toyota Prius

STARTING AT: $28,545

4

Volkswagen Jetta

STARTING AT: $21,750

5

Hyundai Elantra

STARTING AT: $22,065

6

Nissan Sentra

STARTING AT: $22,000

What's New for 2023?

The Hyundai Elantra sees several minor changes for the 2023 model year and one significant revision: the deletion of the manual transmission option for the N Line model, which is now only available with a DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Both the N Line and SELs equipped with the Convenience Package now come with a standard 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster as well as a 10.3-inch infotainment display. Additionally, SEL Convenience Package models get 17-inch wheels instead of 16s, and the SEL Premium Package is no longer offered.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The midrange SEL model offers the best balance of price and features. Standard content over the SE includes a hands-free trunk release and SiriusXM. Additionally, opting for the SEL over the SE makes more worthwhile options available. For instance, we’d tick the box for the SEL Convenience package, which adds a 10.3-inch digital cluster in addition to a 10.3-inch center display for the infotainment system with built-in navigation; adaptive cruise control; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; a wireless smartphone charging pad; heated front seats; heated mirrors; and more.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard nonhybrid Elantra powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which pushes out a not-very-exciting 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque under the hood of SE and SEL models. Opting for the sportier N Line model drops displacement to 1.6 liters and adds a turbocharger, resulting in a much livelier 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid models also utilize a 1.6-liter four-pot but it’s paired with an electric motor rather than a turbo, which results in slightly less horsepower than the base engine at 139 but more torque at 195 pound-feet–equal to that of the N Line. The SE and SEL’s base 2.0-liter engine is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) while the N Line, Blue Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid models get a DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Notably, the N Line gets a seven-speed DCT compared to the hybrids’ six-speed DCT. The enthusiast’s pick of the Elantra line by far is the performance-oriented N, which we review separately. But those who can't quite stomach that car's price tag could consider the tamer N Line model. After a brief test drive, we came away impressed with the N Line's perkier acceleration and its adept handling, which ups the athleticism without compromising ride.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2023 Elantra with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder will earn up to 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four have estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 36 highway. The thriftiest hybrid Elantra is rated at 53 mpg city and 56 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the Elantra hybrid managed only a 48-mpg result while the nonhybrid Limited with the base engine netted 38 mpg. By comparison, a Corolla hybrid hit 56 mpg in our highway test. For more information about the Elantra's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

To match its dramatic exterior, the cabin of the Elantra looks appropriately futuristic. The dashboard and center console wrap around the driver while the passenger's side takes a more minimalist approach. A single LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent across the width of the car from the steering column to the passenger's-side door panel. Passenger volume is generous, particularly in the rear seat, which helps the Elantra compete with roomier rivals such as the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. It’s not as luxurious as it looks in photos, though; there’s plenty of hard plastic inside, which isn’t surprising in this price class. In our testing, the Elantra fit six carry-on suitcases inside its trunk.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

An optional 10.3-inch digital gauge display rubs elbows with a second 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that sprouts from the top of the Elantra's dashboard. The standard infotainment setup is an 8.0-inch center display and analog gauges for the instrument cluster. Hyundai's latest infotainment interface takes center stage here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a Wi-Fi connection. A voice-recognition feature allows the driver to adjust things such as the climate control or the heated seats by simply uttering specific phrases.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance features are on the menu and many of them are offered as standard. For more information about the Elantra's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2023 Elantra comes standard with Hyundai's legendary 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The only competitor that can match the Elantra in terms of standard warranty protection is its corporate sibling, the Kia Forte, although it should be noted that while Hyundai offers three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, Kia does not.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs