2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
MSRP Range: $24,550 - $29,150 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid


360°



+121
good
7.9/10
edmunds TESTED
Assuming you don't need the full-fat performance N model, the Elantra Hybrid is the Elantra to get. It's smooth, exceptionally fuel-efficient and feature-packed. A somewhat downmarket interior is the only real knock against it, but the Elantra Hybrid offers excellent value for the money and really makes a case for itself among other hybrid sedans and compact SUVs.
Pricing
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,115 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $25,665 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $25,340 |
What Should I Pay
5 for sale near you
See All for Sale
Shop vehicle inventory at dealers near you
2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Review


byNick Yekikian
News Editor
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 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.
, rating written byRyan ZumMallen
Contributor
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
- Impressive fuel economy
- Roomy cabin and easy-to-use controls
Cons
- Tepid acceleration
- 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 Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) 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 $3.56 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$82/mo for Elantra Blue
Elantra Blue
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
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
good
7.9/10
Edmunds 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.
Assuming you don't need the full-fat performance N model, the Elantra Hybrid is the Elantra to get. It's smooth, exceptionally fuel-efficient and feature-packed. A somewhat downmarket interior is the only real knock against it, but the Elantra Hybrid offers excellent value for the money and really makes a case for itself among other hybrid sedans and compact SUVs.
Rated for you by America's best test team.
Performance
7.5/10
How does the Elantra Hybrid drive? The Elantra Hybrid is surprisingly good to drive, it even has a little extra pep in its step compared to the standard Elantra's powertrain. Our test vehicle hit 60 mph from a dead stop in 9.0 seconds. While that isn't blistering, it is 0.4 second quicker than the non-hybrid Elantra we also tested. Emergency braking performance is also respectable.
The biggest perk of the Elantra Hybrid is just how easy it is to be in and live with. This Elantra requires no change in lifestyle. You just get in and go, and maybe you'll even enjoy yourself thanks to its not-so-hybrid sharpness and smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
The biggest perk of the Elantra Hybrid is just how easy it is to be in and live with. This Elantra requires no change in lifestyle. You just get in and go, and maybe you'll even enjoy yourself thanks to its not-so-hybrid sharpness and smooth-shifting automatic transmission.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Elantra Hybrid? The Elantra Hybrid's interior is identical to the one in the standard Elantra Limited, and that presents a mix of both good and bad. The good news is that, for the most part, the Elantra rides and drives nicely. Though you'll notice some jostling when driving over rutted roads, the Elantra otherwise feels smooth and well controlled. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. 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.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $774 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
8.0/10
How’s the interior? The Elantra's interior is a nice place to spend time. It's relatively roomy for the class, and finding a driving position you like is a cinch. All the knobs, buttons and switches are easy to reach, and they make using the stereo or the climate controls while on the move less distracting.
Visibility is also a highlight. The Elantra's compact dimensions make for a car that's easy to see out of. The side mirrors don't obstruct the view out of either side of the car and wide side windows help minimize blind spots behind. All Elantra's feature a simple, easy-to-use cabin.
Visibility is also a highlight. The Elantra's compact dimensions make for a car that's easy to see out of. The side mirrors don't obstruct the view out of either side of the car and wide side windows help minimize blind spots behind. All Elantra's feature a simple, easy-to-use cabin.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? Hyundais have always been big on tech, and the compact Elantra is no exception. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, an available Bose audio system, and bright and clear displays for both the instrument cluster in front of the driver and the center screen above the dashboard.
The Elantra's driver aids are another highlight. Adaptive cruise control smartly follows the car in front and is easy to set. The other driver aids, such as lane keeping assistance and blind-spot warning, add to the driving experience without being overly sensitive or irritating. We like that we can disable the audio cues for most of these systems to help keep the cabin a little quieter too.
The Elantra's driver aids are another highlight. Adaptive cruise control smartly follows the car in front and is easy to set. The other driver aids, such as lane keeping assistance and blind-spot warning, add to the driving experience without being overly sensitive or irritating. We like that we can disable the audio cues for most of these systems to help keep the cabin a little quieter too.
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.
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.
Fuel Economy
9.0/10
How economical is the Elantra Hybrid? The Elantra Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 50-54 mpg in combined city/highway driving, depending on the trim. That's right up there with the most efficient hybrids on the market, such as the Toyota Corolla and Toyota Prius. We also ran our Elantra Hybrid (a Limited trim) on our real-world evaluation route and observed an impressive 55 mpg.
Value
9.0/10
Is the Elantra Hybrid a good value? Value is where the Elantra comes into its own. Hyundai's warranty is practically unmatched, offering 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. Throw in its deep roster of tech features, overall comfort, ease of use, and fantastic fuel economy and you have yourself a smoking deal.
Our only gripe is extensive use of plastics in the cabin. Construction is solid, but the rough plastic on the door panels, dashboard and center console are a strong reminder that you're still driving a small economy car.
Our only gripe is extensive use of plastics in the cabin. Construction is solid, but the rough plastic on the door panels, dashboard and center console are a strong reminder that you're still driving a small economy car.
Wildcard
7.0/10
There's a bit of wow factor from the Elantra's effusive exterior styling, large bright screens and excellent voice controls. But is it a fun car? Not really. You'll mostly be satisfied by how well it serves as a practical and efficient source of transportation.
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.
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:
SE
Starts things off with:
- 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
- Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
- Cloth upholstery
- Height-adjustable driver's seat
- Manually adjustable air conditioning
- 8-inch touchscreen
- 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
- Unique exterior fascia
- Elantra N-specific steering wheel
- Sport front seats with additional bolstering

2024 Hyundai Kona First Drive: Bigger Car, Better Time

Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

Hyundai Releases U.S. Specs for the Stylish, Refreshed 2024 Sonata

2024 Hyundai Elantra Shows Off Fresh Styling, New Tech
Edmunds' Test Track: Results and Specs



Edmunds
Tested
Tested

Driven by Kurt Niebuhr
12/19/2022
Vehicle tested
2023 Hyundai Elantra
- Style:
- HEV Limited
- Drive type:
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Engine type:
- Hybrid
- Transmission type:
- Auto-Clutch Manual
- Tire season:
- All-Season
- Tested weight (lbs):
- 3,077
- Transmission speeds:
- 6
- Engine configuration:
- Inline-4
- Engine displacement (liters):
- 1.6
- Engine induction type:
- Naturally Aspirated
- Indicated redline (rpm):
- N/A
- Actual redline (rev limit):
- N/A
- Tire make:
- Hankook
- Tire model:
- Kinergy GT
- Tire size (sidewall) - front:
- 225/45 R17 91W
- Tire size (sidewall) - rear:
- 225/45 R17 91W
- Weight distribution, front (%):
- 60.4
Performance results
- 0-60 mph (sec.):
- 9
- 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph):
- 17.1 @ 80.7
- 60-0 mph (ft.):
- 120
- Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g):
- 0.89
- Sound level @ idle (dB):
- 37.1
- Sound level @ 70 mph cruise (dB):
- 65.2
Driver’s Comments
- Acceleration:
- Basic hybrid powertrains sure have come a long way. While the Elantra still features a small-displacement non-turbocharged engine and a straightforward electrical assist, it doesn't feel or sound like its meager power numbers would suggest. The engine is much better isolated than hybrid powertrains were just a few years ago and makes the Elantra Hybrid feel much less stressed under heavy acceleration. It's far from quick but the Elantra feels wholly capable of getting up to speed without massive commitment from its driver. With only a combined output of 139 horsepower, there's no real trick to getting the most out of the Elantra Hybrid. Traction is never an issue, and while it doesn't leap off the line, the Elantra Hybrid gets going without much hesitation and accelerates linearly in each gear. There's no redline, or even a traditional tach for that matter, but there's always just enough power to make you not wish you could see a tach to check your progress.
- Braking:
- Unremarkable in the best way. All of the stops were within 3 feet of one another and all felt stable and straight. As you'd expect from a fairly inexpensive car, there's a bit of noise and vibrations from the antilock braking system but nothing remotely panic-worthy. This car stops better -- less drama, less noise, shorter distances and more stability -- than vehicles costing two to three times as much.
- Handling:
- Pulling 0.89 g on the skidpad is nothing to sneeze at, but the fact that a fairly basic hybrid sedan gave us that number is fairly remarkable. So, too, is the balance the Elantra Hybrid exhibits as it makes its way around. As with nearly all front-wheel-drive cars, understeer is the predominant handling trait. But if you catch things before they get sloppy, the Elantra responds wonderfully to throttle inputs and tightens its line with an immediacy and crispness that are usually not found outside of an pure sports car. No, it doesn't have athletic handling but it is engaging and proved far more fun and interesting around our handling loop than expected.
How do we test?
The instrumented testing at our test track is only one part of the Edmunds Rating process.
Learn more about how we testHyundai Elantra Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(75%)
4(19%)
3(3%)
2(0%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
My 23 Elantra HEV Limited STILL a very good choice
5 out of 5 starsSteve M, 02/27/2023
2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
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.
Very nice car loaded with features
5 out of 5 starsLighting Blue, 12/04/2022
2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM)
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 starsJohn 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 ❤️
2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue!
5 out of 5 starsOtto 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!
Helpful shopping links
2023 Hyundai Elantra videos
[MUSIC PLAYING] LAUREN MCCAY: Welcome to U-Drags. My name is Laurie McCay, your host from Edmunds. And today, we're pitting a classic against the new kid on the block. This is the 2022 Volkswagen GTI, AKA, the OG of the high hatch. This car has so much history. And this one, the newbie, is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N. Now don't get it twisted. This car has had some success on the U-Drags track. And I definitely recommend going to see that video. So what exactly is U-Drags? I'm so glad you asked.
It's a race down the track, they're going to hard brake around, flip it, and come back. That means in one single race, we get quarter mile, hard braking, handling, and a rolling start all in one. After these two race the first time, they're going to come back, we're going to swap drivers and lanes, and run it again. Why? Because we want to make it there for each car.
Going head to head, we have the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI with 241 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. And the 2022 Hyundai Elantra with 276 horsepower and 289 pound feet of torque. Can the newcomer Elantra N put a win against the well-established GTI? To find out, we have expert drivers Kurt and Jonathan from our very own Edmunds test team. If you want to see more U-Drags, you know what to do. Go ahead and like and subscribe to our channel below. And if you want a cash offer for your car, head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar to get an instant quote today.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
JONATHAN ELFALAN: All right. I am driving the GTI. So the guy in this instance is a bit of an underdog. I'm going up against the Elantra N, which is fast, it's a fast sedan. GTI is solid, it's solid all around. But I am down on horsepower. What I do know is I have great brakes and great tires. So if I have any chance of winning this race, it's going to be under braking, I got to go deeper, I got to corner harder, and just get a good exit on the way back.
As far as launch settings go, with most Volkswagens nowadays, if you want to turn off the stability control system, it's kind of buried in a menu. You have to go to the vehicle settings, select Brakes, and then we run with ESC off. And then going to the drive modes, I want Sport. Then I just hold the brake, floor the gas, and if I've done it correctly, launch control should show up in the gauge cluster.
KURT NIEBUHR: Hyundai Elantra N, here we are. I love this car. If you have watched the original set of U-Drags, which you should, if you have not, watch that. We put this up against a new Subaru WRX. And spoiler alert, this did pretty well. Anyway, now it's going up against the Volkswagen Golf GTI. This car has more power. I think this car has a more sophisticated drivetrain. Its limited slip in this car is pretty good. Great grip, traction, everything, under braking, playful handling, you name it. This car has got it.
It also has launch control, which I will be using. So I will now walk you through how to do it. You can put it in N mode, swipe again, you have performance options, change the RPM on launch control. I'm going to set it at about 3,200. I also have a little NGS button down here, which adds kind of like a little overboost. I'm not sure which time I'm going to use it, if I'm going to use it on the way down through the quarter mile, or if I'm going to use it on the way back. If I get out to a head start, I won't touch it until I'm on my way back just to rub it in.
LAUREN MCCAY: All right, drivers. If you're ready, give me that thumbs up. Sweet. Here we go. In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Yeah! Go!
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Come on.
KURT NIEBUHR: Whoo.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Oh.
KURT NIEBUHR: Oh, this is close. This is going to be really close.
LAUREN MCCAY: Oh snap. OK.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Got to get him on the brakes. Get him on the brakes. Get him on the brakes. Yeah. Come on. Oh, win the marbles. Come on. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go. Let's go.
KURT NIEBUHR: Come on. Come on.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: You got this. You got this. Whoo. It's going to be close.
KURT NIEBUHR: Oh no.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: We got it.
KURT NIEBUHR: Oh no.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Oh my God. Yes.
KURT NIEBUHR: Son of a [BLEEPS].
LAUREN MCCAY: Wow. That was like a needle's worth.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: So I love your facial expression, man. That's awesome. So tell me what you're feeling, Kurt.
KURT NIEBUHR: I don't know what I'm feeling. I'm feeling that you won by a bumper. You threw that thing into the corner probably on the absolute limit. I thought I did too. But this thing seemed to be in the wrong gear when I got out of the corners that I think it might have been in one gear too high and it took a little bit to get out of the way. But oh man. I'm so bummed because this was a really good match.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Yeah, it kind of played out the way that I saw it playing out. I knew if I was just close enough to you at the end of the quarter that I might be able to pull it out, mainly because I think this thing stops better and corners better, shockingly, because it's just the GTI versus the N version of that.
KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, I thought I'd be able to pull you back in. But I guess-- God [BLEEPS]. That was close.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Well, what do you say we switch lanes and give this another go?
KURT NIEBUHR: I say we do that. After you.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: You are too kind, sir.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Hey, man. It's all good. We're still friends after this.
KURT NIEBUHR: I hope the same thing happens actually.
SPEAKER 1: [INAUDIBLE] standing by.
KURT NIEBUHR: Volkswagen Golf GTI, it's so good at everything it does. It's irritatingly good. But here we are. This is a toss up. So I'm going to use launch control. It should get away with almost no wheelspin. And that's-- can't argue with that. You get a great time, yeah, that's what matters.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: I am in the Elantra N now, which should be the quicker car. I really need to get out of the hole quick, not over brake. The stopping is pretty good. It's not as good as the GTI I don't think. I'm going to save my N grin shift boost for the last of the race because if it's really close, I think that's going to help me pull out the win.
LAUREN MCCAY: All right, drivers. Here we go. In 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, go.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Oh, launch control did not work. Oh. What happened.
KURT NIEBUHR: Oh, I think he used the N grin shift because he's coming back.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Don't over brake it. Oh God. Oh.
KURT NIEBUHR: Got him.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Come on, boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Boost. Oh my God. Oh my God.
KURT NIEBUHR: Still got it.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: Launch control just did not work.
KURT NIEBUHR: This thing is still really good. I could tell that you were using the overboost because I got a pretty good jump and I looked over, and I was like, where did that extra power come from? Oh, the magic button.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: So my launch control didn't work. It just I did it and it decided not to show up today. So the launch was disastrous. And I think I just had more power. I actually wasn't using the overboost on the way down. I think that was just my power advantage. I tried to use it on the way back. But I think it was too little too late trying to catch up to that thing. But yeah, this definitely doesn't stop quite as quickly as that GTI. And then the cornering, I don't know. The GTI just feels hooked up and solid.
Surprisingly, again, this is the N. This is supposed to be the high performance version of the Elantra, which it is. But I feel like that GTI just is a little bit better put together.
KURT NIEBUHR: Yeah, the Elantra N has better feel. But this thing somehow, it doesn't need the feel. It just does everything a tiny bit better. And I hate to keep saying that, but it really does. It doesn't feel as aggressive, it doesn't sound as aggressive, but it's just it performs a little bit better.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
LAUREN MCCAY: So what did we learn? Well, in race one, the Elantra gets an early lead and crosses the quarter mile faster than the GTI. But the GTI was able to flex its braking prowess as it powered up to the turn, catching up to the Elantra. The GTI then out cornered the Elantra and eked out the win as it crossed the finish line with its fastest time of 38.5 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Elantra's best time.
In race two, the Elantra had a little trouble with launch control, allowing for the GTI to get ahead. But they were both neck and neck, going into the turn. Check out the lateral G's the Elantra pulled, 1.03. Still, it wasn't enough, as the GTI came out of the turn ahead and kept the lead all the way through the finish, getting the second win of the circuit.
All right, Kurt. Talk to me. How was the ride for you? Very interesting race.
KURT NIEBUHR: I mean, these cars are so closely matched. As good as that car feels, this car performs a tiny bit better just all over the place. And I bet if we did this 10 times in a row, it would just flip back and forth every time.
JONATHAN ELFALAN: I'd agree with that. And I mean, the fact that Volkswagen has been building this car for decades, and I mean, this is the first Elantra N that we've seen. It's a great first effort. And like Kurt was saying, it's very exciting to drive. But when you put them together, it's just this one is refined where this one-- I mean, the launch control didn't work in the second race. I did everything the same. And it just decided not to work. So and that's life. Sometimes you don't get second chances. You had your chance, you blew it, winner. GTI.
LAUREN MCCAY: GTI, the winner. Look at you solving life's issues one U-Drags race at a time. Stay tuned. Thanks for watching. And now you get to decide which one you'd want. See you next time.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
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.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Features Specs
Hybrid
Blue
Total MSRP | $25,665 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 54 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $82/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Compare the Hyundai Elantra
Compare selected vehiclesCompare Hyundai Elantra to any vehicle See full list of Small sedans rankings
Hyundai Elantra vs. Honda Civic
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.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Nissan Sentra
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.
Hyundai Elantra vs. Mazda 3
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.

Check a dealer's price
Bring back a dealer's quote, and we'll tell you if it's a good price!
Check your price quote
Price:
$ -
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Elantra safety features:
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Issues an alert if the vehicle is about to collide with another vehicle in the next lane and may apply brakes to avoid or reduce the impact.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Detects oncoming vehicles while you're reversing and issues an alert. Brakes automatically if appropriate.
- Lane Following Assist
- Makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | 4 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 4 / 5 |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 5 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 10.1% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
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 7.9 out of 10. 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
Is the Hyundai Elantra reliable?
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 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 7.9 out of 10. 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 Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,550.
Other versions include:
- Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $24,550
- Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) which starts at $29,150
What are the different models of Hyundai Elantra?
If you're interested in the Hyundai Elantra, the next question is, which Elantra model is right for you? Elantra variants include Blue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM), and Limited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM). For a full list of Elantra models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1993
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1998
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1992
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1995
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1997
- Used Hyundai Elantra 2000
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1996
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1999
- Used Hyundai Elantra 1994
- Used Hyundai Elantra 2001
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2022 Lexus RX 350
- 14 Ford Escape
- MB Gle
- Chrysler 300 2022
- Nissan Versa
- Nissan Sentra
- Honda Odyssey Vans For Sale
- Lexus Is 350
- Mazda 3
- Hyundai Tucson SUV
Vehicle rankings by type
Automotive News
Photos
Research similar car reviews
- Corolla Hybrid Car
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid Sedan
- Insight Hybrid Honda
- Accord
- Toyota Avalon Hybrid Sedan
- Car Toyota Camry Hybrid
Other popular Hyundai reviews and ratings
- Hyundai Sonata
- 2023 Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sports Car Veloster
- 2023 Hyundai Tucson
- 2023 Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Accent Accent
- 2022 Palisade
- 2024 Hyundai Tucson
- 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hybrid Sonata Hybrid