Vehicle of the month | Elantra 2023

Overview

When it involves every day using duty, the Hyundai Elantra is a realistic desire way to its aggressive gas financial system, abundance of fashionable protection tech, and to be had creature comforts—a desire that still comes with masses of styling flair. The Korean compact sedan’s outdoors layout is some thing we are able to appreciate, as is the breadth of its version lineup. Hyundai has combined and paired one of a kind mechanical bit—4-cylinder engines, turbochargers, electric powered motors, dual-seize transmissions, and CVTs—to create six one of a kind services starting from the entry-degree SE version to the Limited Hybrid. The version blend consists of the sporty N Line trim, however, don’t confuse it with the extensively gutsier N version, which we cowl separately. While the Elantra is each nicely ready and commonly appealing it though lacks the using verve of pinnacle-tier small motors just like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

What’s New for 2023?

The Hyundai Elantra sees numerous minor adjustments for the 2023 version yr and one sizeable revision: the deletion of the guide transmission alternative for the N Line version, that is now most effective to be had with a DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Both the N Line and SELs ready with the Convenience Package now include a fashionable 10.3-inch virtual gauge cluster in addition to a 10.3-inch infotainment show. Additionally, SEL Convenience Package fashions get 17-inch wheels in place of 16s, and the SEL Premium Package is not offered.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The fashionable nonhybrid Elantra powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which pushes out a now no longer-very-thrilling 147 horsepower and 132 pound-toes of torque below the hood of SE and SEL fashions. Opting for the sportier N Line version drops displacement to 1.6 liters and provides a turbocharger, ensuing in a far livelier 201 horsepower and 195 pound-toes of torque. The hybrid fashions additionally make use of a 1.6-liter 4-pot however it’s paired with an electric powered motor as opposed to a turbo, which ends up in barely much less horsepower than the bottom engine at 139 however greater torque at 195 pound-toes–same to that of the N Line. The SE and SEL’s base 2.0-liter engine is mated to a CVT (constantly variable transmission) whilst the N Line, Blue Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid fashions get a DCT (dual-clutch-transmission). Notably, the N Line receives a seven-pace DCT as compared to the hybrids’ six-pace DCT. In hottest, enthusiast’s choose of the Elantra line with the aid of using a long way is the performance-orientated N, which we evaluation separately. But folks that can not pretty belly that car’s charge tag ought to remember the tamer N Line version. After a short check drive, we got here away inspired with the N Line’s perkier acceleration and its adept handling, which ups the athleticism with out compromising ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2023 Elantra with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder will earn as much as 33 mpg withinside the town and forty-two mpg at the motorway. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 have estimates as excessive as 28 mpg town and 36 motorways. The thriftiest hybrid Elantra is rated at fifty-three mpg town and fifty-six motorways. On our 75-mph motorway gas-financial system route, that is a part of our significant checking out regimen, the Elantra hybrid controlled most effective a 48-mpg result whilst the nonhybrid Limited with the bottom engine netted 38 mpg. By comparison, a Corolla hybrid hit fifty-six mpg in our motorway check. For greater facts approximately the Elantra’s gas financial system, go to the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

To fit its dramatic exterior, the cabin of the Elantra seems accurately futuristic. The dashboard and middle console wrap across the motive force whilst the passenger’s facet takes a greater minimalist approach. A unmarried LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent throughout the width of the automobile from the steerage column to the passenger’s-facet door panel. Passenger extent is generous, specifically withinside the rear seat, which facilitates the Elantra compete with roomier opponents consisting of the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. It’s now no longer as high priced because it seems in photos, though; there’s masses of tough plastic interior, which isn’t unexpected on this charge class. In our checking out, the Elantra healthy six carry-on suitcases interior its trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A non-compulsory 10.3-inch virtual gauge show rubs elbows with a 2d 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that sprouts from the pinnacle of the Elantra’s dashboard. The fashionable infotainment setup is an 8.0-inch middle show and analog gauges for the device cluster. Hyundai’s cutting-edge infotainment interface takes middle degree here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each fashionable, as is a Wi-Fi connection. A voice-popularity function permits the motive force to alter matters consisting of the weather manage or the heated seats with the aid of using really uttering phrases.