2026 Hyundai Elantra Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

16-07-2025

Overview
Hyundai is seemingly out to please everyone with its 2026 Elantra line. The base sedan is underwhelming from a driving perspective, but it's reasonably well equipped and affordable. Those in want of better fuel economy can get it with an optional and smooth-running hybrid powertrain, while those in need of better performance can turn to the turbocharged N Line model.
While the Elantra's sucked-in sides and compact-car classification might lead you to believe it's short on interior space, it's not. The cabin is roomy, and its controls and infotainment setups are close at hand and easy to use.
Expert Tip: If you have $35,000 to spare, the 286-hp Elantra N (reviewed separately) is the gem of the range, at least for enthusiasts.
What's New for 2026?
Most model-year changes for the Hyundai Elantra aren't worth mentioning, but a new SEL Sport Premium trim replaces the SEL Convenience trim for 2026.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is expected to start around $23,500 and go up to $31,500 depending on the trim and options.
SE
$23,500 (est)
SEL Sport
$25,000 (est)
Hybrid Blue
$27,000 (est)
SEL Sport Premium
$28,000 (est)
Limited
$28,500 (est)
Hybrid SEL Sport
$29,000 (est)
N Line
$30,500 (est)
Hybrid Limited
$31,500 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k
If you're looking at the nonturbo, nonhybrid Elantra lineup, the new-for-2026 SEL Sport Premium is a good option. We expect it to improve on lesser trims with stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a dual-screen infotainment setup. That said, we wouldn't try to talk you out of a hybrid or N Line Elantra.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines: 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (N Line), 1.6-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor, 139 hp combined (hybrid)
147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (N Line), 1.6-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor, 139 hp combined (hybrid) Transmissions: continuously variable automatic (CVT), 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line), 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (hybrid)
continuously variable automatic (CVT), 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line), 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (hybrid) Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
The Elantra can be had with a variety of powertrains, from an unexciting 147-hp naturally aspirated four-cylinder to a peppier 201-hp turbo four to a fuel-sipping 139-hp hybrid. (There's also the 286-hp Elantra N, but we cover that model separately.)
Of these three powertrains, the turbocharged option unsurprisingly offers the best performance. It's available exclusively in the Elantra N Line, which impressed us early on with its compliant ride, communicative steering, solid body control, and good front-end bite. We can't say the same for the nonturbo Elantra. In our comparison test of compact sedans, it felt unsettled by minor road bumps and exhibited too much body roll, structural vibration, and brake-pedal sponginess for our taste.
We found the hybrid model satisfying to drive, though. Unlike other hybrid cars, which usually feature CVTs, this one has a dual-clutch automatic that actually shifts gears and, in doing so, helps to keep engine droning to a minimum.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Tests: 8.1 seconds (nonhybrid), 8.4 seconds (hybrid)
8.1 seconds (nonhybrid), 8.4 seconds (hybrid) C/D-Estimated 60-mph Time: 6.5 seconds (N Line)
In Comparison: In our testing, the naturally aspirated nonhybrid Elantra hit 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, while the hybrid needed 8.4 seconds. We haven't had an opportunity to test the turbocharged Elantra N Line, but we expect to clock it around 6.5 seconds, which would put it in line with the Honda Civic Si but behind the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
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Hyundai
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests : 38 mpg (nonhybrid), 48 mpg (hybrid)
38 mpg (nonhybrid), 48 mpg (hybrid) EPA City Ratings : 28-51 mpg
28-51 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 35-58 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra yet, but the car's ratings shouldn't change. The 2025 hybrid model earns estimates as high as 51 mpg city and 58 mpg highway, though non-Blue trims come in at 49 and 52 mpg, respectively. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the Elantra Hybrid Limited couldn't match that, instead seeing 48 mpg.
Elantras with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder have estimates ranging from 30 to 32 mpg city and 39 to 41 mpg highway, likely due to wheel size, though our tested Limited model fell short of that, returning 38 mpg on the highway loop.
Elantra N notwithstanding, the turbocharged N Line is the least efficient of this range, but its 28-mpg city and 35-mpg highway scores aren't bad. For more information about the Elantra's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: The Elantra's cabin isn't as (literally or figuratively) edgy as its exterior, but it's stylish and functional, if laden with hard plastics. It's also driver-focused, with screens and buttons angled to the left and a grab handle along the right side of the console that physically separates the passenger from the controls.
Second Row: Passenger space is generous throughout the cabin, with adult-friendly outboard seats front and rear.
Cargo Capacity: The Elantra's cargo hold is very usable, and was able to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats in our testing.
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Hyundai
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen (standard), 10.3-inch touchscreen (optional)
8.0-inch touchscreen (standard), 10.3-inch touchscreen (optional) Connectivity: Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (wireless connectivity varies by trim)
Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (wireless connectivity varies by trim) Audio Systems: 6-speaker stereo (standard), 8-speaker Bose stereo (optional)
The SE and SEL Sport models feature a 4.2-inch cluster display in front of the driver and an 8.0-inch touchscreen atop the center stack, while higher-end trims get dual 10.3-inch screens, one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment. Oddly, the latter setup requires a wired connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, whereas the 8.0-inch unit supports wireless smartphone mirroring, but at least the 10.3-incher has satellite radio.
The audio system varies by trim, with Limited and N Line models receiving an eight-speaker Bose stereo and all others getting a six-speaker setup.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Several desirable driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision-avoidance tech come standard, but shoppers will have to choose a mid- or high-level trim for adaptive cruise control.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist
automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist Optional Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist
For information about the Elantra's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Elantra owners can rest easy with Hyundai's legendary 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. They also receive three years of scheduled service at no cost, which is a nice perk.
Limited Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles
10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles
C/D Test Results and Specs
We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it.
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $26,455/$26,610
Options: carpeted floor mats, $155
ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1999 cm3
Power: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Kumho Majesty Solus
225/45R-17 91W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight: 2895 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.3 sec @ 88 mph
100 mph: 22.1 sec
120 mph: 37.5 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
Top Speed (mfr's claim): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 35 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 38 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 35/31/41 mpg
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2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $29,105/$29,260
Options: carpeted floor mats, $155
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, 104 hp, 109 lb-ft + AC motor, 43 hp, 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink; Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc; Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT 225/45R-17 91W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight: 3088 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph
100 mph: 24.4 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 48 mpg
Highway Range: 520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs