The Hyundai Elantra N Review

Think of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra N as one of the best performance vehicles on the road today. It’s also one of the best values in the segment, too. The Elantra N hits a sweet spot that puts it in the same range as the Subaru BRZ, Volkswagen GTI and even the Ford Mustang. But how did Hyundai do it? They tasked their Namyang R&D center with the job of building high-performance versions of some of their already successful street cars. Napleton News had a chance to say, “Hey Joe, you wanna give it a go?” Here’s our report!

What about the Hyundai Elantra N?

The Hyundai Elantra N is the most potent Elantra in the lineup. Now in its seventh generation, the Elantra N takes what is a good, reliable vehicle and ratchets it up a few notches into a real pocket rocket. The Elantra N is definitely the sportiest Elantra in the stable, which also includes the standard SE, the Blue HEV Hybrid and the Elantra N-Line. But don’t confuse the N-Line with the more powerful N. The N is a different beast altogether.

While the base engine makes 147 horsepower, the N-Line delivers 201 hp. Moving further up the trim ladder, the highline Elantra N model includes a 2.0-liter inline turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. It is standard with a six-speed manual transmission but ours was equipped with the optional 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The best part of the N is the red NGS button at five o’clock on the steering wheel. It stands for N Grin Switch. What’s that you ask? That’s a red button that you push which gives you an extra 10 horsepower for a maximum 20 seconds. It’s just the thing when trying to pass seasonal lally gaggers wintering in the south!

The N is equipped with larger brakes, a tweaked suspension and other go-fast bits. The 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and the sunroof are basically the only two options of note with the Hyundai Elantra N. It rides on 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4Season tires. Incidentally, these are not intended for colder climates due to their lack of grip under cold conditions.

How does the Elantra N Look?

The Elantra body underwent a redesign in 2021. The Elantra N, introduced in 2022, carries on by adding other interesting body work and go-fast bits like a front lip, side skirts and rear deck spoiler. Z-cut side panels lend an air of excitement that carries from front to rear. The cool feature is a red stripe running around the lower edge of the ground effects. Add to that red brake calipers at all four corners.

What we liked so much about the redesigned Elantra remains in this 2023 version. Hyundai is moving the brand upmarket and making sure the rest of the motoring world knows it.

Inside the Elantra N

The interior of the Hyundai Elantra N includes a pair of sport bucket seats that do their best to hold you in place during aggressive cornering. It’s not exactly posh but they are sticky enough to keep you in place while you are whipping wheel through a tight turn. Still, keeping your eyes on your speedometer is easier thanks to a 10.25-inch driver display.

The audio system is a Bose Premium Audio kit that is also anchored by a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are onboard but must be connected by a wire.

Behind the wheel of Hyundai’s latest hot-rod.

The new Hyundai Elantra N is one of those sleeper sleds that is totally unassuming at first glance, save for the red accent stripes. A step inside reveals more of what makes the N tick. The switch gear is typical Elantra. In other words, it’s immediately familiar.

Firing the engine causes the 2.0-liter inline-4 to emit a raspy high-pitched performance growl that will sound rather typical for an import enthusiast. Step through the secondary N buttons on the steering wheel to choose Sport or Eco modes. The rasp changes pitch with each push of the button.

Shifting to drive mode keeps the car as a docile being in everything it does. That is, until you press the NGS button. At that point, the engine reverts to manual shift mode, asking you to grab control of the paddle shift levers. You best be quick in doing so because the NGS button triggers the engine to give you an additional 10 horsepower for only 20 seconds.

That may just be enough power and time to pull away from your racetrack challenger. Because we never drive like that on the street.

Specifications

	2023 Hyundai Elantra N Specifications
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	2.0-liter Gas/Inline-4 FWD
Horsepower	276 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	289 lb-ft @ 2,100 rpm
Transmission	8-speed dual clutch transmission
Fuel Economy	23 mpg (20 city/30 hwy)
Suspension F/R	Struts/Multilink
Turning Circle	38.4 ft.
Also Available	N-Line and Elantra Hybrid 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	38.0 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	56.5 inches
Shoulder, Rear	55.6 inches
Cargo Space	14.2 cubic feet