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Car and Driver
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Hyundai Elantra Review, Pricing, and Specs
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. View Photos 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. View Photos 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 - 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
Miami Herald
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
2025 VW Jetta vs Hyundai Elantra: Which Budget-Friendly Sedan Is Better?
It's no secret that vehicles are getting more and more expensive with each passing year, but there's still a selection of compact cars that are affordably priced for budget-conscious consumers. While two Japanese models tend to dominate the compact car discussion, the Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra are both solid alternatives. With a starting price under $22,500, both compact sedans are fantastic choices, but only one model can give you the most bang for your buck. Available from $22,125, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the more affordable of the two compact cars, but not by much. The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta is a tad more expensive, starting at $22,495, a $370 difference. Both sedans include well-equipped base models, with cloth seats, LED headlights, and an eight-inch touchscreen display. In terms of styling, both sedans feature a modern aesthetic. The Volkswagen Jetta receives a refresh for the 2025 model year, with a new grille and headlamp designs, among other changes. The Hyundai Elantra was updated for the 2024 model year, with updated exterior lighting and new wheels. As a result, the Elantra rolls into the 2025 model year relatively unchanged. If you prefer a more upscale experience on a budget, the base Jetta is the pick. It rides on 16-inch wheels and comes equipped with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated side mirrors, all features the base Elantra lacks. If infotainment is the name of the game, the entry-level Elantra includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. When it comes to performance and efficiency, the Volkswagen Jetta takes home the crown, at least at the base level. Under the hood lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With that setup, the Jetta arrives with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. At its peak, the Jetta earns up to an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Hyundai Elantra comes equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with the automaker's IVT, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While fuel economy varies according to wheel size and standard equipment, the Elantra tops out with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. While the Jetta may be a bit quicker, the Elantra offers slightly better efficiency, but that changes with the Elantra's range-topping trim level. The Hyundai Elantra N Line, not to be confused with the dedicated Elantra N performance model, gives the compact sedan a little more oomph. It comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even with that bump in performance, the N Line trim is rated for 28 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra are available in four and five trim levels, respectively. At the top of the range lie the Jetta SEL and Elantra N Line. The top-spec Jetta SEL comes equipped with the same powertrain that's found in lower trim levels. As already discussed, the Elantra N Line boasts a more powerful 201-horsepower turbocharged engine. Starting at $28,975, the Hyundai Elantra N Line rides on athletic 18-inch wheels wrapped in performance all-season tires. The performance-spec model features a unique front bumper and rear fascia with a diffuser, as well as twin chrome exhaust. Inside, the compact sedan features wireless device charging and two 10.25-inch displays. N Line leather-and-cloth sport seats and a unique N Line leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob round out the sporty aesthetic. As a top-spec trim, the Elantra N Line includes plenty of comfort amenities, including heated front seats. Notably, while the base trim level includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, the N Line model steps back to the wired version. The Volkswagen Jetta SEL starts at $29,000 and rolls out on 18-inch machined alloy wheels. The top-spec Jetta arrives with several premium amenities, including heated washer nozzles and an integrated light bar located in the front grille. Inside, ambient interior lighting and front sport seats create a more engaging aesthetic. As far as comfort goes, the Jetta SEL includes an extensive list of standard equipment, including leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel. The range-topping trim level comes with plenty of tech, including wireless charging, an eight-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument display. While budget-friendly compact sedans aren't exactly a dime a dozen, the Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra prove to be formidable rivals to one another and segment leaders. Both models are comparably priced, but getting the most bang for your buck ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you want a streamlined infotainment experience at the base level, the Elantra is the better choice. On the other hand, the Jetta includes a handful of upscale features geared towards comfort and convenience. At the top of the range, the compact sedans are even closer in price, with a mere $25 difference separating the two. While still affordably priced, the Elantra N Line surpasses the Jetta SEL in performance, but the German sedan adds a long list of comfort and convenience amenities to its standard equipment. If you want a more athletic aesthetic, however, the Elantra N Line taps into its trim-exclusive features to create a more engaging atmosphere. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Hyundai Will Bring Tesla-Like Screens to Next-Gen Tucson and Elantra
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Pleos Connect System Features Tesla-Like Interface The current-generation Hyundai Tucson and Elantra are both due for redesigns, and while there's still little information about the cars themselves, ET News reports that the pair will be among the first models to receive Hyundai's next-generation infotainment system, called Pleos Connect, which was revealed earlier this year. The first product of Hyundai's new Pleos software division, Pleos Connect will arrive in the Elantra (sold as the Avante in Hyundai's home market of South Korea) in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the Tucson in the third quarter of that year. Touchscreen-Reliant Interface Pleos Connect is based on the Android Automotive Operating System. The initial glimpse Hyundai provided earlier this year indicated the new system would minimize physical controls in favor of a touchscreen interface that, following the Tesla template, dominates the dashboard. That looks set to translate to production. The report claims the next-generation Tucson will have a large central touchscreen that incorporates most controls. Hyundai has already acknowledged that doubling down on screens might not go over well with customers. In an interview with Korea JoonAng Daily published last November, HDNA (Hyundai Development and Manufacturing of North America) vice president Ha Hak-soo said that, in North America at least, Hyundai was looking to bring back more physical controls in response to negative feedback from customers. So perhaps the screen-reliant version of Pleos Connect described in the ET News report won't be the one we see in the United States. Pleos Connect will be about more than screens, too. Hyundai has promised a range of software-based features, including AI-based voice recognition and the ability to sync user profiles across multiple vehicles. The automaker also hopes to cultivate an app store, called Pleos Playground, where third-party developers can offer apps for compatible vehicles. Messing With Success? Source: Hyundai Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Based on the automaker's recently-published second-quarter sales results, the Tucson remains Hyundai's bestselling model in the U.S., with 113,310 sold between January and June 2025. That's an increase of 23% over the same period last year. The Elantra was the second-bestseller, with 74,768 units shifted in the first half of the year. Hyundai estimates that Pleos Connect will be in over 20 million cars by 2030, and given their popularity, it's likely that the Tucson and Elantra will make up a significant chunk of that. So there's a lot riding on Hyundai's ability to strike a balance between tech features and customer preferences for physical controls in these popular models. About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Hyundai Will Bring Tesla-Like Screens to Next-Gen Tucson and Elantra
The current-generation Hyundai Tucson and Elantra are both due for redesigns, and while there's still little information about the cars themselves, ET News reports that the pair will be among the first models to receive Hyundai's next-generation infotainment system, called Pleos Connect, which was revealed earlier this year. The first product of Hyundai's new Pleos software division, Pleos Connect will arrive in the Elantra (sold as the Avante in Hyundai's home market of South Korea) in the second quarter of 2026, followed by the Tucson in the third quarter of that year. Pleos Connect is based on the Android Automotive Operating System. The initial glimpse Hyundai provided earlier this year indicated the new system would minimize physical controls in favor of a touchscreen interface that, following the Tesla template, dominates the dashboard. That looks set to translate to production. The report claims the next-generation Tucson will have a large central touchscreen that incorporates most controls. Hyundai has already acknowledged that doubling down on screens might not go over well with customers. In an interview with Korea JoonAng Daily published last November, HDNA (Hyundai Development and Manufacturing of North America) vice president Ha Hak-soo said that, in North America at least, Hyundai was looking to bring back more physical controls in response to negative feedback from customers. So perhaps the screen-reliant version of Pleos Connect described in the ET News report won't be the one we see in the United States. Pleos Connect will be about more than screens, too. Hyundai has promised a range of software-based features, including AI-based voice recognition and the ability to sync user profiles across multiple vehicles. The automaker also hopes to cultivate an app store, called Pleos Playground, where third-party developers can offer apps for compatible vehicles. Based on the automaker's recently-published second-quarter sales results, the Tucson remains Hyundai's bestselling model in the U.S., with 113,310 sold between January and June 2025. That's an increase of 23% over the same period last year. The Elantra was the second-bestseller, with 74,768 units shifted in the first half of the year. Hyundai estimates that Pleos Connect will be in over 20 million cars by 2030, and given their popularity, it's likely that the Tucson and Elantra will make up a significant chunk of that. So there's a lot riding on Hyundai's ability to strike a balance between tech features and customer preferences for physical controls in these popular models. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings
One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings originally appeared on Autoblog. Safety is important to most new car buyers, and one metric customers look at is the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) crash safety ratings. As an independent non-profit organization that tasks itself with evaluating vehicle safety, the group's ratings are generally considered more or less synonymous with how safe a vehicle might be in an accident. For 2025, the automaker that takes home the most victories may surprise you. But then, if you've been paying attention, maybe it won't. View the 3 images of this gallery on the original article It wasn't Volvo, it wasn't Subaru, and it wasn't any number of other brands you might have guessed. Hyundai Motor Group earned 15 IIHS Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ (TSP and TSP+) awards. But you shouldn't be so surprised, as it's the group's second consecutive year winning this award. The Genesis G90 took home a TSP award, and the list of TSP+ winners is considerably longer, including electric models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, mainstays of the brand like the Hyundai Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs, and sedans like the Elantra and Sonata. Earning a TSP or TSP+ rating isn't easy and hasn't gotten easier for 2025. In fact, the organization added stricter requirements for second-row occupants just this year, updating the moderate overlap front test. How do the usual suspects compare? Currently, the IIHS lists three Subaru vehicles as award winners: the Forester, Solterra, and Ascent. Volvo's only winners are the XC90 and XC90 plug-in. While it isn't even close, there is a small asterisk next to Hyundai's accolade. Hyundai Motor Group comprises the Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis brands. Most automakers rely on a single nameplate, or at most two, which means there were simply fewer opportunities for awards. Another factor to consider is that some of these vehicles are, underneath, very similar or almost identical. For example, both the Elantra and K4 won TSP+ awards, but are mechanically almost twins. But hey, that doesn't make them any less safe. View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Even with some fine print, the latest round of IIHS safety awards paints a vastly different picture of the Hyundai Motor Group than what you would see even ten years ago. In 2015, Hyundai and Kia each had four award-winning vehicles, and only the Tucson and Genesis took home TSP+ designations. The latter of which, remember, was a standalone model, rather than an entire brand as it is today. A growing portfolio has a lot to do with it. Hyundai had around a dozen models back then, but today, it has 19 to choose from. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis have taken giant steps forward over the last few years, and safety is just one area where the Koreans have exceeded expectations. Need proof? Look no further than offerings like the IONIQ 5 N, which seems to reinvent what it means to be an engaging-to-drive EV. Remarkable what a few years of progress can add up to, isn't it? One Unexpected Automaker Dominated 2025 IIHS Safety Rankings first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 30, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
