Vehicle Type: Four-door, five-seat compact sedan.
Price Range: From $21,595, including a $1,095 destination charge, to $30,045, before adding any options.
Powertrain: The 2023 Hyundai Elantra’s base powertrain is a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT driving the front wheels.
N-Line spec models have a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hybrid models are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor that make a total of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed DCT.
What’s New for 2023?
For 2023, Hyundai Elantra N-line models are no longer available with a manual transmission and a previously available SEL Premium package is also discontinued. SEL Convenience Package equipped models get larger 17-inch wheels, a 10.25-inch gauge cluster, and an identically sized-touchscreen.
What’s Good?
- Spacious interior
- A plethora of standard safety features
- Easy-to-use tech
- Delivers value for the dollar
What’s Bad?
- A few cheap plastic interior pieces
- Barely adequate entry-level engine
- Performance N-Line costs more, but lacks some key features
Would we buy one? Yep, it’s definitely worth considering in the small car segment.
More Photos:
See more 2023 Hyundai Elantra Photos.
Overview:
The Hyundai Elantra is a five-passenger compact sedan, and a compelling offering in a packed segment. The Elantra follows the classic Hyundai model, offering great value for price and an enticing warranty. A variety of powertrain options also mean that many types of buyers will find the excitement, practicality, or fuel economy they require when purchasing a new car.
Buyers looking for reliable, economical, and practical transport will prefer the base Elantra, but those looking for sporty driving dynamics may want to look at competitors or the performance-oriented Elantra N, which we have not included in this review since it's a totally different animal which competes with cars like the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Golf GTI and is receiving nearly universal positive reviews, if you happen to be in the market for something more raucus.
The Elantra competes with models like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta. With the popularity of cross-overs and SUVs on the rise, the variety in the compact car segment is dwindling, but these worthy vehicles deserve a test drive if you are in the market for the Elantra Sedan or another small car.
Whether choosing a base model, fuel-sipping hybrid, or the sportier N-Line with a turbo engine, the Elantra is definitely a contender in the class. It offers good value and content per dollar when compared to the rest of the market. Those shopping in the compact sedan segment should definitely give the Elantra a look.
Overall Score: 3.7/5 stars
Driving Experience: 3/5 stars
The base 2.0-liter engine offers adequate power for real world driving, but is far from exciting. For more entertaining acceleration N-Line trim has 201-HP and provides raises the thrill quotient.
Compared to the top of the class, the Elantra’s handling is in the middle. A nice compromise of precision, while maintaining a high level of comfort. Buyers looking for the tightest handling should consider the Mazda3 or Honda Civic.
The Hybrid powertrain has less horsepower than the base model, but matches the N-Line with 195 lb-ft of torque, more than covering for the lack of power in most daily driving situations. Either optional engine is a clear step up from the base motor.
Safety Features: 4/5 stars
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra received a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as a Top Safety Pick designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, and lane-following assist.
Available safety features include adaptive cruise control with active lane centering and high beam assist.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
Dollar for dollar the Elantra competes well with its peers in the compact sedan segment. The issue is that the competition is also great, if shopping in the compact car segment the Elantra should be considered alongside several competitors before buying.
One knock on the Elantra when compared to the best of the class, is the abundance of cheap-plasticky surfaces in the interior. Though not a dealbreaker, some competitors have higher-end interior trimmings.
Pricing increases with features as you move up the trim levels, but the value stays proportional to the sticker price.
Buyers can expect good reliability from the Elantra, and peace of mind from the 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Tech Features: 4.5/5 stars
Base models are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system which includes wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, a rarity in the class. Analog gauges are augmented by a small 4.2-inch color display in the cluster. Other features like Bluetooth connectivity, HD radio, and two USB ports are standard.
Higher trim levels and the SEL convenience package get a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch fully digital gauge cluster.
An available voice control system allows for hands-free adjustment of climate control settings or activation of other features with just a word or phrase.
Practicality: 3.5/5 stars
A roomy cabin allows for the transportation of 5 adults in relative comfort, including excellent rear-seat spaciousness.
A 14.2 cubic foot trunk is in the middle of the pack for cargo space in the class, but should accommodate carry-on luggage for all passengers with some room to spare. Rear seats fold down to stow larger or longer items.
Some reviewers found the small trunk opening makes loading the Elantra’s trunk difficult compared to others in the class.
No hatchback version is currently available, unlike some competitors. All Elantras are front-wheel drive making them less appealing in wintery climates compared to AWD offerings from Subaru and Mazda.
Styling & Design: 3.5/5 stars
The exterior design features sharp lines and aggressive styling that stands out in the compact segment. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Elantra certainly offers something different.
A large passenger cabin means the Elantra feels roomy without being one of the largest overall vehicles in the class.
The front seats are comfortable and spacious. Rear-seat legroom is surprisingly adequate, with all but the longest legs fitting easily.
The interior is tidy and simple when compared to the exterior styling. Though key areas include soft-touch materials, an abundance of hard plastics keeps the Elantra from feeling high-end.
Fuel Efficiency: 4/5 stars
The EPA estimates base model Elantras will see fuel economy of 33 MPG in the city and 42 on the highway. This matches the Honda Civic and beatscontenders like the Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra.
N-Line models receive EPA estimates of 28 MPG in the city and 36 highway, which is acceptable considering that the trim’s focus is on performance.
In Hybrid configuration the Elantra is expected to get up to 53 MPG city and 56 during highway driving in the most effecient Hybrid Blue trim.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SE starts at a base MSRP of $21,595 including destination charges. The standard powertrain is a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Standard safety features include forward collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring with collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. Tech features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Steering-wheel-mounted controls include audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control. A 4.2-inch color screen compliments the traditional gauge cluster. 15-inch alloy wheels are standard. Projector beam headlights with LED daytime running lights are standard. Power windows, power locks. and air conditioning air included equipment. Interior seating features sturdy cloth upholstery.
Upgrading to the Hyundai Elantra SEL trim raises the price to $22,845 and adds a hands-free trunk release, proximity key with push-button ignition, and larger 16-inch alloy wheels. Driver’s side windows feature auto up/down. Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car system is free for three years and allows you to control the car’s ignition, locks, and climate control remotely via a cell phone app. Dual-zone automatic climate control comes standard on SEL trim. A Convenience Package costs an additional $1900 and adds a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with voice recognition and built-in navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels, a more advanced forward collision system, 10.25-inch gauge display, Smart Cruise Control with stop and go technology, wireless charging pad, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and heated front seats and exterior mirrors.
Hyundai Elantra Blue Hybrid is the entry-level Elantra Hybrid starting at $25,445 and the most fuel-efficient of all trims with up to 56 MPG on the highway. The Blue Hybrid trim level is a mashup of base features and options from higher trim levels. That means, while it gets the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment and 16-inch wheels, it also packs heated seats and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, hands-free trunk release, and proximity key. The Blue Hybrid also includes some of the higher trims safety features like safe exit warning and high beam assist.
The most luxurious Hyundai Elantra Limited trim level starts at $27,445 and includes features from the SEL Convenience Package plus even more luxury. An eight-way power driver’s seat, Bose premium audio system, 60/40 folding back seat, heated front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, power tilt and slide sunroof, LED taillights, side mirror turn signals, customizable ambient interior lighting, and LED headlights are all added. Dark chrome trim elevates the appearance above lesser models. Safety upgrades include highway driving assist, rear parking distance warning, and rear parking collision avoidance. Oddly wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are not available with on the Limited trim, though the wired versions are included.
Hyundai Elantra N Line costs $28,145 and features more aggressive styling thanks to redesigned front and rear fascias, chrome exhaust tips, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the Elantra N Line features bolstered sport seats, a black headliner, and aluminum pedals. An N Line specific leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter with red accents complete the interior look. The N Line package also includes performance upgrades like a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, multi-link independent rear suspension, and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with manual shifting. Many features from the Limited trim make the jump to the N Line, but the Bose stereo, 60/40 split rear seat, customizable ambient interior lighting do not, and some higher-end safety features do not.
In Limited Hybrid trim, the Elantra starts at $30,045 with destination fees. In this more luxurious configuration, the hybrid powertrain is EPA estimated at 49 MPG city and 52 highway. Features from the non-hybrid Limited trim are all here with a couple of additional treats. Front seats are heated and ventilated and an Integrated Memory System remembers the preferred positioning for drivers’ seats and mirrors for two driver profiles.
Based on the cost and features we would recommend the SEL with Convenience Package for most buyers. Those concerned with stretching their fuel mileage to the max should look at the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue.
