The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Review

One of the best values on the market today, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a prime example of forward thinking. The fact it comes from one of the most innovative automakers in the business adds substance to the entire package. Napleton News had a go with Hyundai’s popular hybrid offering and came away impressed. Here’s our report:

What’s the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid all about?

The new Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the perfect vehicle for those who aren’t ready to go full EV yet, but want a taste and feel for what’s in store for them once they do. Start with what looks like a standard Elantra four-door sedan. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This hybrid combo delivers 139 total horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That power is delivered exclusively to the front wheels via a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not available.

The Elantra lineup includes two internal combustion engine versions. These are the SE, SEL and Limited versions, powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 making 147 horsepower and the higher performance Elantra N-Line with a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter inline-4. A high-performance Elantra N delivering 275 horsepower is also available.

What about the Elantra Hybrid’s Looks?

Following a recent redesign in 2021, the Elantra has had a few minor nips and tucks here and there. One of the most notable is the change from full LED taillights to one that features a smaller array LEDs with a conventional bulb added to the setup, perhaps as a cost-cutting move.

What we liked so much about the 2021 Elantra remains in this 2023 version. The sharp creases, diagonal shapes and low-slung roofline are all here making you forget about the Hyundai Elantra vehicles of the past. Hyundai is going upmarket and making sure the world knows it.

Our Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited was equipped like many of its European competitors. The Limited includes a power sunroof, LED head- and taillights, heated side mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside the Elantra HEV

The interior of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid continues with the brand’s class-above design ethos.  The Elantra Hybrid’s interior would likely be found in a midsized car. Trust us, that’s a good thing.

There are a pair of 10.25-inch digital display screens inside the Elantra Hybrid. One is directly in front of the driver with gauges that can be configured according to your tastes or drive modes. The other display operates the audio, cellular, navigation and climate controls. In addition, the display allows you to monitor your mileage and energy usage while underway in the Hybrid.

Seating throughout is quite comfortable thanks to well thought Hyundai design. The design team took it even further by locating the lithium-ion batteries under the rear bench. As a result, the Elantra Hybrid maintains the same cargo capacity as the traditional gas-powered version does.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

The beauty of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is how un-hybrid like it actually is. It’s not a rocket, by any stretch, but it exhibits nice off-the-line torque that will get you past the also-rans pretty quickly. Gear shifts are sure and quick thanks to a dual-clutch automated manual transmission. That’s because Hyundai has left a continuously variable transmission to other, less capable HEVs.

Handling was more than capable, thanks to the Elantra Hybrid’s McPherson strut front suspension. A modern multi-link rear suspension offers better chassis geometry than the standard torsion beam of the standard Elantra.

But the best feature of all, in the new Elantra Hybrid, is the powertrain. In addition to delivering 195 lb-ft of torque for decent getaways, it offers stellar, actually surprising mileage to the tune of 49 city/52 highway with 50 mpg overall.

With mileage like that, we’re all in!

Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Specifications:

	2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	1.6-liter Gas/Electric I-4
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft
Transmission	6-speed dual clutch transmission
Fuel Economy	50 mpg (49 city/52 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Struts/Multilink
Turning Circle	35.4 ft.
Also Available	N-Line and Elantra N models
Specs
Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	5 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	107.1 inches
Overall Length	184.1 inches
Width	71.9 inches
Height	55.7 inches
Headroom, Front	38.7 inches
Legroom, Front	42.3 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.3 inches
Legroom, Rear	36.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	56.5 inches
Shoulder, Rear	55.6 inches
Cargo Space	14.2 cubic feet