2023 Hyundai Elantra Review: Handsome, Useful, Inexpensive Transportation
Hyundai is on a roll with a popular SUV in the Palisade and a hot EV in the Ioniq 5. But it hasn't forgotten its sedans, adding new hybrid and gasoline powertrains to its most affordable vehicle in the seventh-generation Elantra sedan. New sporty variants also joined in the N-Line and N models. For 2023 the Elantra received minor updates and package changes, but the value hasn't changed.
The latest Elantra (debuting in 2021) is 2.2 inches longer and one inch wider than the previous model though the overall height dropped an inch. Hyundai moved the front cowl point back almost 2 inches, lengthening the hood, but most cargo and passenger dimensions are improved.
The new look is called Parametric Dynamics and features jewel-like patterns and sharper angles than the last Elantra. The cascading grille is flanked by new headlights and triangular fog lights while three bodyside creases meet at the front door. In back a new full-width light bar stretches between new taillights.
Engine options include a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 32-kW electric motor and a 1.32-kWh battery in the Elantra Hybrid. That returns up more than 50 miles per gallon combined. The SE, SEL and Limited come with a traditional 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower (hp).
The Elantra N-Line has a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine while the full-blown Elantra N comes with 276 hp. SE, SEL and Limited models like this tester come with a new Intelligent Variable Transmission that works like a continuously variable transmission but with the step-change feeling of an automatic transmission.
Standard interior features consists of an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also comes with HD Radio features, Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls. Wireless charging is optional as is an infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen connected to a 10.25-inch digital driver instrument cluster and a Bose premium sound system.
The 2023 Elantra comes with a new voice assistant to control the climate, heated seats and additional functions. It can also answer requests like "Find me a Starbucks", or "Who won the L.A. Kings game last night?"
Buyers can also pay for a smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key, which uses Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth to allow a new Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key only with applicable Android smartphones. Elantra's Digital Key also allows secure sharing of virtual keys with family and friends.
2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited
The Limited trim adds options including a Bose audio system adaptive cruise control, leather-trimmed seats and reverse park assist. It also has both 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and digital cluster and the wireless smartphone integration.
The two screens looked connected in the 2023 Elantra, with the same piano black look to the left of the steering wheel for the appearance of one huge screen, especially when the ignition is turned off. Physical controls for menu modes, volume and tuning are located around the bezel for easy use. The leather-wrapped steering wheel adds more.
There are physical controls temperature as well, with long vents across the dashboard pumping out warm air quietly. There are spots for two large cups in the armrest and space for two narrower drinks in the doors.
This is still basic transportation so much of the interior is different textures of black plastic, but all of it blended well. The driver's seat is comfortable for narrower pilots, wider ones should talk a test drive first.
The rear is spacious with room for two car seats and the trunk is on par with the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta with just over 14 cubic feet. The Toyota Corolla has one less square foot.
With just 147 horsepower, the 2023 Elantra isn't quick from a standstill, but with the sportier driving modes giving the throttle more sensitivity, it is more fun to drive than expected. In Sport mode the transmission will keep the rpms high for maximum power if the driver's foot stays on the floor. At those higher rpms the engine does get loud in the cabin, but at this vehicle's price point, it's expected.
The steering is power-assisted but accurate and the 17-inch wheels with non-performance tires are perfectly comfortable on any road surface. The brakes are a highlight with the perfect amount of sensitivity and pedal travel for confident stops.
Safety features include emergency braking, lane keeping, lane centering, high beam assist, blind-spot avoidance and rear-cross traffic alert. It also has safe exit warning that may sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind, letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle.
In addition to Smart Cruise Control, Highway Driving Assist is also available, which is a hands-on system that assists drivers in maintaining the center of the lane and at an appropriate speed while keeping a safe distance from the car in front.
The Hyundai Elantra is in a shrinking compact sedan segment that is still dominated by the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. The 2023 Elantra is the least expensive of the bunch with a base price of $20,500. The Corolla comes a little above at $21,550 and the new Honda Civic is the most expensive at $24,650. The Elantra Limited test car totals $28,055 with options and destination.
The Honda Civic delivers 158 hp with the same type of automatic transmission, compared with the Elantra's 147 hp. The Corolla has the most with 169 hp; all three are only offered in front-wheel drive.
For the enthusiast, the Civic is the most fun to drive, though its new interior is simpler than the Elantra's, but useful just the same. The Toyota is the fastest of the bunch, but the least exciting inside. The Hyundai Elantra does a little bit of everything. Its new design is eye catching, its tech is expectedly well thought out, and though it's the least powerful of a low-power bunch, it will return 40 miles per gallon on the highway.
There are a lot of new, hot products in Hyundai's lineup, the Elantra needs to do everything it can to stand out.
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