The Hyundai Elantra stands out with its high fuel economy, impressive technology and safety features, and roomy cabin. It's also comfortable and strong on value. Other than lackluster acceleration from the base engine, there's not much to complain about. It's a smart pick for a small sedan.Read full review
Part of the seventh Elantra generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the South Korean automaker's small sedan, slotting below the midsize Sonata. But take a seat inside and you'll likely be surprised with how big a small sedan is these days. Even in the back seat, there's enough room for adults. The Elantra also boasts distinctive styling, lots of features for your money, a long warranty, and a diverse lineup that includes the fuel-sipping Elantra Hybrid and Elantra N sport sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.03 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
The Elantra's standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is pretty economical at the pump. The EPA estimates it will get up to 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We do, however, suggest taking a test drive. In our testing, we found that its power and acceleration are pretty slow. If you want more power, make sure to get the Elantra N Line. It has a turbocharged engine with considerably more power. Fuel economy doesn't suffer much either. The EPA estimates it gets up to 31 mpg combined.
Competitors to consider
The Elantra competes with other small cars in the compact segment, which includes stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla as well as other players like the Mazda 3, Volkswagen Jetta, Nissan Sentra and the Elantra's own corporate cousin, the Kia K4 (formerly known as the Forte). Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to get an idea of how the Elantra compares against its rivals.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Hyundai Elantra stands out with its high fuel economy, impressive technology and safety features, and roomy cabin. It's also comfortable and strong on value. Other than lackluster acceleration from the base engine, there's not much to complain about. It's a smart pick for a small sedan.
How does the Elantra drive? The base four-cylinder engine is lacking when it comes to speed. At Edmunds' test track, our Elantra reached 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, which is slower than average compared to rivals. It's not terrible, but passing or getting up to highway speeds can be laborious.
What power it does have is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission that Hyundai tunes for optimal fuel economy, so it too is not very impressive for spirited driving. But in typical situations, the transmission delivers a smooth experience, and there's only a little of the notorious droning noise that CVTs are known for.
Elsewhere, the Elantra is pretty middle-of-the-road. It handles corners decently well for a small sedan, behaving predictably, and it's not easily upset over bumps. But for a sporty drive, you'll want to get the N Line, which comes with a sport-tuned suspension.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Elantra? The Elantra delivers a smooth ride. There's enough plushness to soak up bumps in the road well, but it also settles relatively quickly. The seats are also comfortable for the most part. The driver's seat bottom feels just a touch flat, and it might not provide enough support on road trips more than a few hours long. There isn't much in the way of side bolstering to keep you planted when cornering either.
The climate controls are easy to use, with big dials to work the available dual-zone climate control. The heated seats, when equipped, activate quickly. The bad news is just how loud it gets in the cabin. Wind noise is particularly noticeable, and the Elantra is far off the class leaders in this regard.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Elantra cabin has plenty of space and good outward visibility. In back, the Elantra is among the most spacious small sedans for comfortably seating adults. Our Elantra Limited test vehicle came with a power-adjustable driver's seat. It has a wide adjustment range, so it should suit short and tall drivers alike. The steering wheel also has an ample amount of adjustment, making it simple to find your ideal driving position.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $2,174 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $2,174 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the SEL Convenience trim.
How’s the tech? The Elantra available twin display screens, one for the gauges and one for the infotainment, are pleasing to use. The infotainment screen has easy-to-follow menus and quick and clear directions. The Elantra also scores extra points for including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though they only come with the standard 8-inch infotainment screen. Confusingly, the larger 10.25-inch screen requires a cord to run either smartphone integration system.
Another bright spot is the Limited's improved voice activation system that responds accurately to web searches, addresses and even climate control commands. The available full suite of advanced driving aids is one of the best modern systems, with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering. We experienced no false warnings during our testing.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Trunk space is slightly above average for the class, at 14.2 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat with remote release latches in the trunk — some may find them more convenient than the releases on the seats themselves. Cupholders and storage cubbies for front passengers are nothing out of the ordinary. A wireless smartphone charging pad on the Limited trim is a nice touch.
In the back, there are two anchors on each rear outboard seat to fasten child safety seats into place. The anchors are easy to find between the cushions. The spacious back seat means you should be able to load rear-facing seats without having to scrunch into your driving position.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
9/10
How’s the fuel economy? Depending on the model, the Elantra with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 34-36 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Either way you're looking at excellent fuel economy. We easily verified the EPA's estimate and even exceeded it on our mixed-driving test route, achieving an impressive 41.8 mpg. A Elantra Hybrid is also available that has even better fuel economy.
Value
9/10
Is the Elantra a good value? Now you've entered the Elantra's sweet spot. It simply runs away from the competition with five years/60,000 miles of limited warranty coverage, 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain, and free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. We also find the pricing attractive, especially considering the long list of features that comes standard on every model. Our only complaints: the amount of hard plastic in the cabin and a back seat nearly barren of any design.
Wildcard
7/10
The Elantra has a wow factor with its effusive exterior styling, large, bright screens and excellent voice controls. The base trims make no claim to driving excitement, but fortunately the high-output Elantra N exists for car enthusiasts desiring more.
Which Elantra does Edmunds recommend?
For just a little more than the base model, the SEL Sport gets you an assortment of extra features that help make the Elantra more livable day to day like a dual-zone automatic climate control, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with onboard navigation, wireless phone charging, rear USB ports and more.
5th Update: Have 40K on it in only 2 years. It has been flawless. Still looks great. Still getting low to mid 50s MPG. Heck, at sea level in the Florida Keys it got 65 MPG!
4th UPDATE: I now have 32K on it and it runs like new. Still getting 52MPG overall. Nothing wrong has happened. Still very happy with it.
3rd UPDATE: I have put 16,000 miles over the last year. It averages about … 48mpg in the winter and 52 in the summer. The car has had zero issues to date. Tires are wearing evenly and well. It is comfortable on 16hr drives to/from florida. It has decent power from a stop and passing...for a hybrid. My Hyundai dealership has been good too with the free oil changes and tire rotations. So, to sum up, still very happy with my purchase.
I have only driven this car for about 350 miles, so this is my initial thoughts on this car. I will update this review and the miles/time increase.
1. Looks-This car is a bright red and looks sharp. The interior also looks pretty nice, but the hard plastics at the top of the doors is a head scratcher. Why put hard plastic at all? Now...keeping it looking new will be easy, and it obviously won't get tears or dents, like leather or softer materials. It just seems odd they made that choice.
2. Performance-The Elantra HEV hybrid power systems blend perfectly into the 6speed dual clutch transmission. The power shifting and blending between gas and electric motors is seemless/smooth. It has decent pickup for a hybrid, with my timed 0-60 time at about 8.5 sec. The ride is exceptionally smooth over rough Ohio roads filled w potholes/cracks. It even has enough power for towing 1100lb or less (although, I won't be towing anything). MPG of 49/50/52 is pretty dang good. At $3.00/gallon, it costs me $33 to fill up from completely empty with my 11 gal tank...and gives me over 570 miles range on the highway! When calculated, that comes to 6 cents per mile (rounded up).
3. Comfort-The leather seats are decent. I have owned many luxury cars with better leather seats, but these seem comfortable enough so far. The drivers cockpit has a decent amount of space for a compact car. I am able to get into a very comfortable driving position. My last car had 30 way adjustments. This feels like it will be adequate even with only 6 way adjustable drivers seat. The front seats are heated AND cooled. The rear seats have adequate leg and head space for even taller people. It also has a sunroof; dual side controls for heat/AC; Easy entry/exit of car, even for bigger people
4. Tech (Get ready...its a long list)-Smart key(keep keys in your pocket); Digital Key (Hyundai is the only car company that offers it at this price point. It means I can turn my Android phone into a key that will open/lock and drive the car if I lose/forget my smart key That is a handy thing to have if you lose your key or just want one less thing in your pocket/purse; Remote start from key or phone app (if you're in the center of a building, you can still start it); Adaptive cruise w Stop & Go; Collision and Pedestrian Detection/Avoidance; Cyclist turning detection/avoidance; Lane keeping Assist (that is really a semi-autonomous driving feature); Rear back up collision warning and braking; back up camera; battery reset from Hybrid battery (if your starting battery gets to weak from sitting or something else, you can use the hybrid battery to jumpstart the car by using a simple switch); Brake Assist, Hill Hold Control and Electric Parking Brake; Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning; Power drivers seat w 2 person memory settings; multi configurable dashboard and vehicle settings; Entertainment/radio with 8 speaker Bose speakers (sounds pretty good for a Hyundai); Apple Carplay and Android Auto; Wireless phone charger
5. Value-It comes with a 5 year/60k miles Bumper-Bumper Warranty. 2 years better that most other car companies; All the tech, performance, comfort and better warranty for the same price range or better than other compact cars, like Prius and hybrid Corolla/Insight; 3 years of scheduled maintenance FREE
Things I didn't like/thought they could do better:
1. The seat handle on the L side of the passenger seat...WHY???
2. No Homelink for garage door
3. While it has Apple and Android systems, they are not wireless. You need a phone cord.
4. The before mentioned plastic on the interior top of the doors.
Overall, I am thrilled with this car so far with it's Performance, MPG, Amazing amount of Tech, Comfort and it's Warranty (I even upgraded to the transferable extended bumper to bumper for 10 years/150K miles). Outside of regular maintenance and normal wearable items(tires, brakes, etc), I won't have to pay for a repair for 10 years.
UPDATE: Ok, at 700 miles and 1 month so far and everything is still accurate. It is getting right at 50mpg with mix of highway and city. Love the fact it cost $33 to go over 550 miles. So far, a great choice.
2nd UPDATE: At 4K miles now. Car is still flawless. No issues at all. As it's gotten warmer, the MPGs have gone up. Getting 56MPG in mixed driving at times, usually closer to 55. The semi-auto driving is nice to have and works pretty well...but don't trust it 100%. Not on ANY car. This hybrid has really good pick-up for such good MPG. As far as Tech...It really comes in handy to be able to drive the car with your cell phone as the key. I'm sticking with my initial impression and highly recommend you buy one if value, great MPGs, smooth ride, decent power, great tech, reliable, good looks and a comfortable car matter to you.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue!
5 out of 5 stars
Otto P Beagle, 01/16/2023
2023 Hyundai Elantra Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
The Elantra Hybrid Blue is a great car at a great price as the MSRP was about the same as my 2010 Toyota Prius! In addition, the Elantra gets better MPG and is a quick, fun to drive sporty sedan with edgy styling, safety features and technology. Speed limit driving yields EPA numbers of 56 hwy and 53 city and winter MPG stays above 45 MPG due to bigger battery and EV mode. Smart mode … driving is more than adequate day to day and Sport mode is great for highway merges and passing. Favorite features are the quiet, smooth cabin, 6 speed auto tranny with manual option, quick warm-up heated seats,Sirius XM and intuitive safety sensors and driver assists. This a great entry hybrid and the hard plastics are no big deal given the overall spaciousness and value of this fun sedan!
I got the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited hybrid. The interior is very spacious and upscale. It comes with leather heated and ventilated seats, moonroof and great safety features. I like the digital displays and ambient lighting. I am getting 52 mpg combined. The ride is smooth.
Excellent!!!
5 out of 5 stars
John S. , 09/30/2022
2023 Hyundai Elantra Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
I love it! I drive over 150 miles a day 5 days a week and it is quiet, smooth and comfortable with great gas mileage ❤️
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra, so we've included reviews for other years of the Elantra since its last redesign.
U-DRAG RACE: Honda Civic Type R vs. Hyundai Elantra N | Quarter Mile, Handling & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, but since the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
Welcome back to Edmunds U-Drags, our series of down-and-back drag races that incorporate a standing quarter mile, handling, and a rolling start all in one race! In this episode, the mighty Honda Civic Type R takes on the spunky Hyundai Elantra N in a front-wheel-drive performance car duel. Which hot hatch will pull off the win?
Hyundai gave its compact sedan a thorough makeover last year, so few changes are in store for the 2025 Elantra. It continues to offer value and variety, from the affordable base SE to the upscale and efficient Hybrid Limited and the track-tuned Elantra N. But the Elantra’s beauty goes deeper than its sharply creased skin, fuel economy ratings and performance numbers. It is a technologically advanced choice in its segment, offering more impressive infotainment and driver assistance systems than you’ll find in some luxury cars. Beyond that, the robust package of standard ownership benefits alone makes the Elantra worthy of a spot in your driveway.
Edmunds spotlight: Hyundai Owner Assurance
A mark of distinction for Hyundai models, the automaker’s Owner Assurance program adds plenty of peace of mind. It includes the legendary 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance stops. Elantras with Bluelink connected services include a free three-year subscription to features like remote engine start and a panic notification function. Hyundai even lets you bring the Elantra back within three days of purchase to exchange it for another model from the automaker's lineup.
Competitors to consider
There aren’t as many compact sedans as there used to be. But those remaining pose significant competition for the 2025 Elantra, such as the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta.
Edmunds says
If you like the way the 2025 Hyundai Elantra looks, chances are you’ll like just about everything else about it.
FAQ
Is the Hyundai Elantra a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 Elantra both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 Elantra gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 96 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Elantra has 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Hyundai Elantra. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Hyundai Elantra?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Hyundai Elantra:
Revised trim level lineup
Part of the seventh Elantra generation introduced for 2021
To determine whether the Hyundai Elantra is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Elantra. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Elantra's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 Elantra and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 Elantra gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 96 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 Elantra is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Hyundai Elantra?
The least-expensive 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the 2025 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,125.
Other versions include:
SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,125
SEL Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $23,250
SEL Convenience 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,825
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,775
N Line 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $28,975
If you're interested in the Hyundai Elantra, the next question is, which Elantra model is right for you? Elantra variants include SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SEL Sport 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SEL Convenience 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Elantra models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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