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What do our experts think of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Hyundai Elantra – hyundainews.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Elantra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
After receiving a full overhaul two years ago, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra is largely a carry-over model of the 2022 Elantra, which we review here. This doesn’t diminish the fact that it is an impressive compact with sharp-dressed lines. In fact, the Hyundai Group has been on a design tear of late, just check out the 2022 K5 from sister-company Kia to see how progressive the automaker has become.
Minor updates include dropping the manual transmission option from the N Line and adding upgrades like 17-inch wheels and the fully digital instrument panel as part of the SEL Convenience package.
The Breakdown
Look-at-me styling
20-inches of screens
N is a bargain hot rod
Best tech somewhat limited
Styling could be called overcooked
Watch for torque steer
An Elantra for everyone
2023 Elantra Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 14.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- Parking sonar with automated braking
- Digital key can be shared with friends
- 3 years of complimentary maintenance
2023 Hyundai Elantra Powertrain
When it comes to powertrain options, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra goes all out. Base models feature a 2.0L inline-4 that pairs with a CVT, making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Step up to the N Line for a 201-horse turbocharged 1.6L four-pot that works with a 7-speed DCT.
For the full throttle experience, look to the Elantra N with its turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder cranked up to 276 horsepower (or 286 with N Grin Shift overboost) and 289 torques running through a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed DCT.
Prefer something more sedate? You can have your 2023 Elantra in hybrid form, which mates the 1.6L inline-4 with an electric motor and 1.32 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. Featuring a 6-speed DCT, this setup makes 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of which powertrain you opt for, the Elantra is strictly FWD. For more information on the distinction between powertrain and drivetrain, check out our explainer article here.
Handling-wise, you’ll find front struts across the board with base models featuring a coupled torsion beam rear axle setup and a multi-link rear on the N Line. Track star N models boast an electronically controlled adaptive suspension system, not to mention huge 14-inch front brake rotors, solid motor mounts, and a variable valve exhaust system. This is the car for those looking to carve corners and willing to accept a stiff ride. The rest of the lineup will offer composed handling with plenty more cushion for the keister.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy & MPG
A 2023 Elantra in Blue hybrid trim casually knocks fuel economy out of the park with ratings of 53 mpg around town and 56 on the highway. Those figures drop to 49 and 52, respectively, with the Limited hybrid. A gas-powered SE is no slouch with EPA estimated economy of 33/42 mpg in city/highway driving.
SEL and Limited trim drop to 30 mpg in city driving and 40 on the highway. N Line drops a few more mpg in each category with the pocket rocket N coming in last, as expected, with ratings of 25/22 mpg in city/highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Gone are the days of dowdy interiors in compact cars. Even a base 2023 Elantra sports seats with a contrasting vertical pattern and variety of fabric finishes to lend an upscale vibe. Midpack SEL fabric comes with contrast stitching, Limited leather upholstery is a downright looker with stitched bolsters and the N Line features embossed N logos in the headrest. Top-dog N models blend suede inserts with an illuminated backrest logo to impressive effect.
All models seat five passengers with 38-inches of rear legroom and a trunk that will swallow 14.2 cubic feet of cargo. A 2022 Toyota Corolla is rated for 13.1 cubes. Base models have a folding rear bench but every other trim features a 60/40 split for more flexibility.
While heated front seats are widely available, only the gas-powered Limited model offers ventilated front buckets. Other cabin niceties like ambient LED lighting, leather-wrapped steering wheel with handsome white stitching, and auto-dimming rearview mirror are also available towards the top of the trim ladder.
Entertainment & Technology
The latest Elantras’ party trick is an available 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster abutting a same-size infotainment touchscreen. It’s an impressive bit of tech, particularly at this price, as is the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The former is available, the latter is actually lineup standard.
Hyundai’s Blue Link connected car system includes phone-as-key software that lets owners work the door locks, start the engine, and share access with friends and family all via smartphone app. An 8-speaker Bose premium stereo is fitted on Limited trim and above, as is wireless charging and Dynamic Voice Recognition, which allows for voice control of certain functions like adjusting climate.
Safety Features
Safety is clearly a priority for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra – it earns a 5-star rating from NHTSA and Top Safety Pick award from IIHS. Six airbags and a host of active systems like stability and traction control are standard. Advanced driver-assistance aids, part of the automakers’ SmartSense suite, include forward collision warning with automated emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and avoidance, and automatic high beams on every model.
Semi-autonomous Highway driving assist and adaptive cruise control can be found as you move through the trim hierarchy. Check out our explainer article for more detail on these systems.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Trims & Pricing
SE – $21,545
15-inch alloy wheels are a nice touch on the entry-level Elantra, which also comes with cloth upholstery, cruise control, and power accessories. An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen features wireless connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while ADAS includes FCW with AEB, BSM with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Avoidance, and a Lane Keeping System.
SEL – $22,795
SEL models sport proximity-key entry and a hands-free trunk release along with Blue Link connectivity and 3-year subscription. Dual-zone automatic climate control is on hand and the $1,900 Convenience package adds those giant dual digital screens.
Blue HEV – $25,445
The entry hybrid, Blue, matches gas-powered SEL models on content with 16-inch wheels, upgraded cloth seats, and six speakers with satellite radio.
Limited – $27,395
Limited Elantra is loaded with LED headlights, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. It also comes with the twin 10.25-inch digital interior screens, Bose premium audio system, navigation with live data, and Highway Driving Assist.
N-Line – $28,095
Along with making more power than the other gas-powered models, the N Line sits on 18-inch alloys and has a rear lip spoiler with diffuser. Leatherette-and-cloth seats dress up the cabin that also includes dual USB ports.
Limited HEV – $30,045
The high-end hybrid, Limited HEV, features a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, auto-dimming rearview mirror and FCW with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection.
N – $33,195
All that N power is harnessed by unique 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer rubber. The Elantra N also wears matte black trim and a wing spoiler. It comes with the full range of tech plus special N Performance gauges.
Warranties
Hyundai’s legendary warranty has only improved with age as it now includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance. Powertrain and hybrid battery pack coverage runs for a 10-year/100,000-mile term with the basic vehicle under warranty for five years or 60,000 miles. There is roadside assistance for five years with no mileage limit. This tremendous coverage is one reason the new Elantra bests its used counterpart in this comparison.
What we think
2023 Hyundai Elantra – hyundaiusa.com | Shop 2023 Hyundai Elantra on Carsforsale.com
Though it seems like a lot of money for an Elantra, the N strikes me as Hyundai doing what they do best – absolutely stuffing a car with value. In this case, it’s performance value and one that I would love to get my hands on.
Buying a 2023 Hyundai Elantra is a no-brainer. Reasonable pricing, fresh styling, those huge digital screens, and a classy cabin is a winning formula. Plus, everything from competent base Elantras to hyper-miling hybrid models and the Nürburgring-developed N means there is really an Elantra for everyone.
