The new 2023 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 a lackluster base engine, there's not much to complain about. It's a great pick for a small sedan.Read full review
Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the Senior News Editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.
Pros
Generous list of standard and optional features
Roomy cabin
High fuel economy, especially with the Elantra Hybrid
Cons
Tepid acceleration from the base four-cylinder engine
Abundance of hard interior plastic, particularly in the backseat area
What's new
Manual transmission now only available on Elantra N
SEL Premium package discontinued
Part of the seventh Elantra generation introduced for 2021
Overview
The Hyundai Elantra has been a staple in the South Korean automaker's lineup for more than three decades now. It's not always been a desirable pick over other small sedans such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, but the fight has never been closer than in 2023. The latest Elantra, which was redesigned just two years ago, offers an attainable starting price, lots of features for your money, and styling that sticks out from the doldrum of other compacts on the roads.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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 $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Hyundai also gives you a lot of choice within the 2023 Elantra lineup. Most Elantras come with a 147-horsepower engine, but there's also the turbocharged 201-hp Elantra N Line and then the top-performing Elantra N with its 276-hp mill. Or, if fuel economy and reduced fuel bills are what you're looking for, the Elantra Hybrid satisfies with up to EPA-estimated 54 mpg in combined driving.
Overall, we think the Elantra is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact sedan in 2023. Learn more about its pros and cons by reading our test team's Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe 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
7.7
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The new 2023 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 a lackluster base engine, there's not much to complain about. It's a great pick for a small sedan.
How does the Elantra drive? The base 2.4-liter 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. There is noticeable wind noise as you increase speed, but that is typical for the class, and passengers can more or less carry on conversations at normal volume.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The Elantra cabin is well-thought-out, with plenty of space and good outward visibility in the front row. We're also pleased to see the back seat gained 2 inches of legroom over the previous generation, allowing for quite generous accommodations for taller passengers. Their heads might still graze the ceiling, but the Elantra is among the most spacious in this class.
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 $5,201 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; $5,201 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the N trim.
How’s the tech? The Elantra Limited's 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, which is the same size as in the previous-generation Elantra. 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
9.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? Depending on the model, the Elantra with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 35-37 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 115-mile test route, achieving an impressive 41.8 mpg.
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
6.5/10
The Elantra has a wow factor with its effusive exterior styling, large bright screens and excellent voice controls. But it makes no claim to driving excitement and it's easy to see why. Hyundai made an excellent all-arounder, not a passion purchase. That's what the N Line version is for.
Which Elantra does Edmunds recommend?
We think the SEL is the best pick for overall value. It's a solid step up from the standard SE trim and gives you the option to add some extra technology features if you so desire. The high fuel economy of the Elantra Blue hybrid makes it a compelling choice as well.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Hyundai Elantra models
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is available in five main trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited and high-performance N. But there's also the Elantra Hybrid, which comes in Blue and Limited trims. Here's what you get on each:
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration (with wireless connectivity)
Dual USB ports
Four-speaker audio system
Standard safety equipment on all Elantras includes:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane is in your blind spot and may apply the brakes to avoid or minimize a collision)
Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot while reversing and may apply the brakes to avoid or minimize a collision)
Lane keeping assistance (steers the Elantra back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Safe exit warning (warns of an approaching vehicle before passengers exit the parked vehicle)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered)
Rear automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
SEL
Adds more convenience features, such as:
Keyless entry and push-button start
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Satellite radio
Six-speaker audio system
Options for the SEL include:
Convenience package
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Elantra and the car in front)
Enhanced forward collision mitigation system
17-inch alloy wheels
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
Heated front seats
Wireless smartphone charging pad
10.25-inch fully digital gauge cluster
Limited
This top-of-the-line trim comes loaded with all the SEL's optional features plus:
Leather-trimmed seats
10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (non-wireless)
Enhanced voice recognition system
Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)
Elantra Hybrid Blue
The Blue trim gets similar standard equipment to the SEL, but it is not eligible for the Convenience and Premium packages. But it does have:
Hybrid powertrain with 1.6-liter engine and 139 hp
EPA-estimated 54 mpg combined
Six-speed automatic transmission
Heated front seats
Heated mirrors
LED taillights
Elantra Hybrid Limited
Combines the hybrid powertrain with the Limited's features. It also has:
50 mpg combined
Ventilated front seats
Driver's seat and mirror memory settings
N Line
It's equipped similarly to the standard SEL but is sportier thanks to:
201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
18-inch alloy wheels with available performance tires
Sport-tuned springs and shock absorbers and a more sophisticated rear suspension design for better handling
Special exterior styling details
Combination leather and cloth seats
Elantra N
Similarly equipped to the Limited but adds performance and distinctive styling with:
Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque
Six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
19-inch alloy wheels with high-performance summer tires
Bigger brakes
Variable sport exhaust
Electronically controlled limited-slip differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
The more sophisticated rear suspension design from the N Line, plus adaptive dampers
2nd 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.
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.
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.
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!
Excellent drive and great mpg!
5 out of 5 stars
Hal, 09/18/2022
2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Have had the car for just over a month now, with a little over 3,000 miles on her. It's supposed to get 30mpg city/40 mpg hwy. I've been constantly getting over 40mpg city/hwy combined, and if it's mostly hwy driving, mpg in the low 50's! It's got nice pickup as well, and is just a plain fun car to drive! Love the included warranties and maintenance specials, too!
Drag Race! Hyundai Elantra N vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI | Power, Top Speed, 0-60, U-Drag & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2022 Hyundai Elantra, but since the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
These two sedans have been duking it out for years, and right now it's a pretty even match. Going with the Civic gets you a nicer-feeling interior and, starting with the EX trim, a turbocharged engine that provides quicker acceleration than the Elantra's base engine. In the Elantra's favor is a longer warranty and, if you're into it, more distinctive styling.
The Sentra is Nissan's compact offering with an appealing spread of trim levels and an excellent value proposition. Its interior is also brighter and a nicer place to be than the Hyundai's. That said, there is no performance version of the Sentra on sale right now, so the Elantra will be the better choice if you're looking for an engaging drive.
The Mazda 3 feels like one of the most premium vehicles in the class, and it has a truly near-luxury feel in top trims. It also offers turbocharged power, though the Mazda 3 Turbo isn't an outright performance competitor to the Elantra N. The 3 is also typically more expensive than the Elantra. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Mazda 3.
Hyundai's Elantra has gone through many iterations since its 1992 debut, but we think the newest version — which launched in 2021 — is the best yet. It features a razor-sharp design similar to that of its larger sibling, the Hyundai Sonata, to make the Elantra one of the most distinctive compact sedans on the market. The cabin is appropriately high-tech, too, with optional features including a fully digital instrument panel and a wide 10.25-inch touchscreen display.
Hyundai offers the Elantra in several flavors to suit people with varying wants and needs. Elantra models include a well-equipped base trim with a full suite of driving aids to the luxe Limited and even a fuel-efficient Hybrid. Last year's addition of the 276-horsepower Elantra N appeals to the speed demons inside us as well. Given the compact sedan's recent redesign and diverse lineup, we don't expect any major changes for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra.
Edmunds says
Between its sharp exterior design and tech-heavy interior, the Hyundai Elantra is one of the most stylish compact sedans available today. It appeals to eco-warriors and enthusiasts alike as the only vehicle in its class to offer both hybrid and high-performance models.
FAQ
Is the Hyundai Elantra a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Elantra both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Elantra gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 71 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 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra:
Manual transmission now only available on Elantra N
SEL Premium package discontinued
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 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Elantra and gave it a 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Elantra gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 71 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Elantra is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
The least-expensive 2023 Hyundai Elantra is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $20,950.
Other versions include:
SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $20,950
SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $22,200
Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $24,550
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,800
N Line 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $27,500
Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,150
N 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $32,900
N 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $34,400
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 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT), Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Elantra models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more