MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen

(April 23, 2023) In less than a year we've driven the two Hyundai Elantra models on opposite ends of the automotive spectrum. The performance-packed Elantra N on one end and the extremely economical Elantra Hybrid on the other. Talk about 180 degrees. The N can churn out 286 horsepower and scoot from 0-to-60 in 4.9 seconds. The Hybrid can achieve 50 miles to the gallon if driven sensibly. An Elantra for dad on his weekend hijinks and a car for mom picking up the kids from school and doing the grocery shopping.

Both cars hold a special appeal for us. The Elantra N offers BMW-like performance and handling at a smaller price starting under $34,000. And unlike the BMW, it comes with a 10-year, 100,000-mile drivetrain warranty. The Hybrid is advertised at 50 miles to the gallon combined mileage, which makes it good for the family vacation as well as the daily chores of life. On the highway, the EPA says its good for 52 mpg.

We managed 49.6 mpg in 200 miles of city and highway driving — and that's pretty darn good considering our "lead foot" driving techniques. And while the Hybrid is no speed demon, we found it could get up and get out of the way, even with four adults on board.   


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The Elantra, which was introduced as an all-new model in 2021, also comes with two other engine configurations. The standard Elantra — and the least expensive and probably the most popular — is motivated by a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and the Hyundai N Line (call it N light) has a healthy 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four.

The Hybrid is rated at only 139 horsepower mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic, but it obviously gets a boost from the electric motor because it's measurably quicker than the standard 4-cylinder model. In fact we found the Hybrid surprisingly nice to drive with 0-to-60 time in 8.4 seconds as recorded by Car and Driver. While that isn't going to win many off-the-line stoplight challenges, it's about a half second quicker than the standard-engine Elantra.

Ad we commend Hyundai for using a standard six-speed automatic over a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as found in virtually all other hybrids. The drive is so much more satisfying.

The biggest perk of the Elantra Hybrid — in addition to its stellar gas mileage — 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. We were pleased at how easy it is to drive and maneuver. Good sightline and an abundance of driving aides will give any driver added confidence in difficult traffic situations.

The Hybrid comes in the base Hybrid Blue model and the up-level Limited such as our test car. The interior is impressive with well-crafted upholstery, switchgear and trim appointments. There’s no shortage of hard plastics on the dashboard and door panels, but they are well designed and actually look fairly good. We did wish for more touchpoint padding especially on the center armrest/console and outer door armrests.



The clean, well organized layout features a center stack angled towards the driver. Controls for climate and infotainment are all large and clearly marked, making them easy to use while driving. That's not to say there weren't some efforts to visually jazz things up. The 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster — standard  on the Limited — is attractive with different design themes for each drive mode.We found the interior spacious with 38 inches of legroom for rear-seat passengers, up slightly from 2020, and plenty of room for two normal-sized adults. Trunk space is above the segment average at 14.2 cubic feet.

Hyundai has placed a lot of emphasis on standard safety features. They include forward-collision avoidance, lane keep assist, lane following assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, rearview camera, blindspot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit warning. Smart cruise control is optional on lower trims, but was standard equipment on our Limited.

Although the price was not listed for our test car, Edmunds says the Hybrid Blue starts at $25,665 including destination charge, and the Limited at $30,265. There were no options on our test vehicle and none were needed. It was outfitted to suit our wants and needs.

Always a big perk on Hyundai vehicles are its familiar long-term warranties including a 5-year/60,000 mile basic warranty, and 10-year/100,000-mile drivetrain warranty. Also included is three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance.

— Ted Biederman contributed to this review

2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Essentials
Base price: $25,665; as driven, $30,265
Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, electric motor
Horsepower: 139 combined output
Torque: 195 pound-feet
Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch automatic
Drive: front wheel
Wheelbase: 107.1 inches
Length: 184.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,088 pounds
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
Luggage capacity: 14.2 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 12.4 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 49 city, 52 highway, 50 combined
0-60: 8.4 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid

The Good
• Impressive gas mileage
• Excellent set of safety features
• Loaded with standard stuff
• Long-term warranties

The Bad
• Just OK performance

The Ugly
• A lot of hard plastic in interior