2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited: The Brand’s Mileage Stretching Compact Sedan

Highlight: The roomy compact has a 550-mile to 594-mile driving range, depending on the hybrid trim.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $30,305 (Base Blue Hybrid): $ 25,665

Seating Capacity: 5 (a tight fit)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection; automatic high beam assist; an electronic blind-spot collision avoidance assist with a rear cross-traffic; traction control system; a hill start assist system; a lane keep assist system; a lane following assist system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a compact spare tire

Standard Equipment (Blue): 16-inch wheels; chrome grille; projector headlights; black window belt molding; cloth seats; heated front seats; manual adjusted front seats; one piece folding rear seat; an 8-inch infotainment system; a push ignition system starter; and a manual operated tilt and telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Limited): 17-inch wheels; leather seats; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; driver’s memory setting; ventilated front seats; 60/40 rear seats; rear mounted cupholders; a leather shift knob; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a power sunroof; outside mirror turn indicator; chrome window belt molding; LED dual headlamps; a dark chrome grille; a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system; an 8-speaker Bose audio system; a navigation system; a voice recognition system; a wireless charging system; rear cupholders with center armrest; automatic dimming rearview mirrors; an ability to control functions using smartphones; a radar activated cruise control system; a forward collision avoidance system with cyclist protection; a parking distance warning system; a highway driving assistance system; and a wireless charging pad

Option: floormats

Other Trim Levels:

Non hybrid models

N performance model

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty:  10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine/101-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 49-city/52-hwy (base Elantra)

What’s New:  For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai Elantra is literally a carryover model. The only big news is that a manual transmission is available on the non hybrid N performance model.

Pros (Hybrid):

A fuel-efficient vehicle

The Base Blue model has a 594-mile driving range

The Elantra Blue has the best combined mpg in the segment

A variety of driving modes

17-inch wheels available

Easy-to-use infotainment system

Roomy interior

Best in class warranty

High-level of standard equipment

Manual available on non hybrid model

Power moonroof (standard size)

Wireless charging

Ventilated front seat available

Heated front seats are standard

But: 

Subjective exterior styling and controversial grille

No AWD availability

Needs more horsepower

Verdict:  While there are several models in the compact car segment, Hyundai’s Elantra and Toyota’s Corolla are the only two models offering fuel-efficient hybrids. Surprisingly, the popular Honda Civic doesn't play in the hybrid compact lane.

Hyundai’s front wheel drive Elantra hybrid is available in two trims, while the Toyota Corolla is available in several, ranging from basic to sporty. Also the Corolla is available in both a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. The Hyundai doesn’t offer an all-wheel drive option.

The Hyundai can be outfitted with such features as leather seats, a smartphone, navigation system, ventilated front seats and a digital access to the vehicle using a smartphone. These luxury and high-tech features are not available on the Corolla.

However, the Corolla can be optioned with 18-inch wheels, and 8-speaker JBL audio system, and a peppier 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine.

On the other hand, the Elantra Hybrid is powered by a smaller 1.6-liter powertrain, 4-cylinder engine which barely inks out 101-horsepower.

In terms of pricing, the Corolla undercuts the Hyundai by about $1,500, when comparing the base hybrid models. However, we must note Hyundai offers one of the best new vehicle warranties in the segment and a larger interior volume than the Corolla. In fact, it almost feels like a midsize car. 

So, for the most part, both hybrids are priced close to or under the $30,000 mark, making them affordable.

And lastly, as it relates to style, its a matter of opinion and what's available on the dealership lots, when its time to pull the trigger. The Hyundai offers a number of strengths, especially in an area where Toyota has shined in terms of being the leader in hybrid technology.

Hybrid Competition:  Toyota Corolla Hybrid