2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The new 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers fuel efficiency, style, technology and reliability, all in a compact sedan package. Today it seems manufacturers are building nothing but Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Hyundai continues to offer sedans and other vehicles that fill the need of customers other manufacturers seemingly forgot. Given our druthers, we at Napleton News are car fans who believe the more the merrier.

What’s different about the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?

Visually, not much, save for some badging found around the vehicle proclaiming its Hybrid bonafides. The motivating factor in this Elantra Hybrid is a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine. It couples with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Combined, it provides 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque delivered to the front-wheel drive powertrain. The power is delivered to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Elantra Hybrid is available in two trim levels. These include the base Elantra “Blue” Hybrid, and upmarket Elantra “Limited” trim. These models compete against the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the new Honda Civic Hybrid.

Looks matter.

As with the standard Hyundai Elantra, the Hybrid carries on with sharp, origami-style creasing along the sides. It was an innovative look when it appeared last year and it still looks visually exciting, even while standing still. There have been changes to the rear taillights going from LEDs back to LEDs and a bulb. It’s a quick way to save a buck or two on the part of a manufacturer.

Otherwise, the only real differentiator you’ll find here is the smallish “hybrid” badge. For those not looking, it’s located at the bottom right of the bootlid. That’s the trunk for those readers not versed in car talk from across the pond.

How about inside the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?

The interior of the new Elantra Hybrid is surprisingly spacious and accommodating for up to five adults. although limiting your load to four will definitely increase passenger comfort. This hybrid manages to keep the class-above idea intact as it offers midsize seating space in a car classified as a compact.

The Elantra Blue features a one piece folding rear seat. On the other hand, the Elantra Limited offers a 60:40 split rear seat. Cargo space is listed as 14.2 cubic feet. That’s the same as the standard petrol-burning Elantra. Credit the fact the batteries are under the rear seats instead of inside the trunk.

Behind the wheel of the new Elantra Hybrid.

We’ll cut to the chase right at the start: This Elantra Hybrid is not a speed demon. Far from it, in fact. It will get out of its own way when you stand on the skinny pedal, but we are talking a drawn out 0-to-60 mph time

The electric-gas combination will kick you off the line, not in a fury, but at a competent pace. It becomes even more satisfying when you remember this powertrain is delivering 52 miles per gallon. It does so without the droning of a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Instead, we found a six-speed automatic that supplied actual gear changes as it progressed on its way.

The ride was smoothly modulated, thanks to a multi-link rear suspension instead of a more common (less expensive) torsion beam setup. This way, there is more ability to tune the suspension to find an optimal drive experience. Kudos to Hyundai engineers for the work they did in providing a smooth, sporty ride.

The wrap up.

The Hyundai Elantra Limited is an example of a hybrid vehicle not having to look radical to be good. With features like a 52 mpg-e range, spacious interior and cargo space, it can be the perfect hybrid for you.

2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited Hybrid Specifications