HyundaiElantra

　　

2023 Hyundai Elantra Review

byNick YekikianNews 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 zzdcar 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 byNick YekikianContributor

　　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.

　　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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$103/mo  for Elantra SE

　　Elantra SE

　　SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $20,950 MSRPSEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $22,200 MSRPBlue 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) - $24,550 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $26,800 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid 6AM) (Most Popular) - $29,150 MSRPN Line 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $27,500 MSRPN 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) - $32,900 MSRPN 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $34,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar 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

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Elantra drive? The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is lacking when it comes to speed. At zzdcar' 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below