Name: 2026 Hyundai Elantra
Brand: Hyundai

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Road Test

The latest version of the Elantra feels like a more grown-up car than the model it replaces. It has a sleek and easy-to-use infotainment system, a well-tuned transmission, gets impressive fuel economy, and has a relatively roomy interior for the class. The hybrid version is the best choice, not only for its superb fuel economy, but its better ride and handling.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

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Hyundai Elantra

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Envista

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Honda Civic

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Honda Civic Hybrid

Hyundai Elantra H...

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

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2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Better

4 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Doesn't meet all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.
Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Highway-speed automatic emergency braking not standard

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Optional

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2026 Hyundai Elantra

$22,625 - $36,600

CR MPG

Road test

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$24,700 - $29,500

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$21,700 - $25,400

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2026 Honda Civic

$24,695 - $46,895

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Honda Civic Hybrid

$29,395 - $33,595

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Road test

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2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

$25,450 - $29,800

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2026 Hyundai Venue

$20,550 - $22,825

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$34,490 - $40,790

33 miles

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$20,490 - $24,790

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$24,550 - $37,890

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In Test

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$22,600 - $27,990

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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$21,590 - $24,590

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2026 Nissan Versa

$17,390 - $21,390

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2026 Subaru Impreza

$26,595 - $29,495

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2026 Toyota Corolla

$22,925 - $29,140

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2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

$24,380 - $27,375

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2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

$22,925 - $29,140

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2026 Toyota Prius

$28,550 - $36,965

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2026 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

$33,775 - $40,470

39 miles

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2026 Volkswagen Jetta

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
1.6-liter 4 hybrid (139 hp)
2-liter 4 (147 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (276 hp)

7-speed sequential
6-speed sequential
CVT
8-speed sequential
6-speed manual

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Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2021-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned for 2021 Elantra got a slightly roomier interior and a more sophisticated infotainment system. The standard engine is a 147-hp four-cylinder teamed with a continuously variable transmission, which together give quick acceleration and commendable fuel economy for the compact class. A hybrid powertrain is available and got an impressive 48 mpg overall in our tests. Handling is nimble but the ride is a bit stiff and the engine can get noisy. Seat comfort is so-so unless buyers get the uplevel Limited trim, and the low stance makes access a bit awkward. The infotainment system is easy to use and features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity with the 8-inch touch screen. FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW are standard. A high-performance 276-hp turbo N is new for 2022.

2017-2020

2017 Redesign Year

The redesigned Elantra is relatively roomy, sparing with fuel, and features intuitive controls. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder returned an excellent 33 mpg overall in our tests but delivers leisurely acceleration and buzzes unpleasantly as revs increase. The Eco version feels more responsive but comes at a $3,000 price premium. Although handling is secure, there isn't much driving excitement. The ride is mostly unobjectionable, but sharp bumps tend to come through noticeably. Road noise is elevated as well. Inside, the front seats in our tested SE are short on lumbar support, though the power seat in the Limited is better. Active safety features and a Sport version with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder are available.
For 2020, the Elantra got a freshening that included suspension tweaks that improved ride comfort, and more sound insulation which reduced engine noise. The six-speed automatic has been replaced by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In addition, all trims come standard with forward collision warning, city speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.

2011-2016

2011 Redesign Year

Between the 2011 and 2015 the Elantra was one of the more stylish compact sedans. The car was well-equipped for the price. It was also fuel efficient with 29 mpg overall. Handling is nimble and secure and the ride is reasonably comfortable. Road noise, however, is pronounced. The interior is relatively roomy with a decent rear seat, but the low stance and curvy roofline make access a bit challenging. Controls are very well laid out and easy to use and Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music is built-in for most versions. Hatchback models have added cargo utility but have a tighter back seat, a stiffer ride and are noisier.

2007-2010

2007 Redesign Year

Although relatively competitive against its peers at the time, the 2007 to 2010 Elantra was a basic transportation, nothing more nothing less. If you're considering buying one, make sure it's from 2008 or later with optional stability control, which came only on SE versions. Side crash test results, as performed by the IIHS, were marginal. Lacking agility, the car is boring to drive. High points included a relatively roomy interior and easy to use controls. Acceleration is rather leisurely and the engine gets noisy when revved. On the other hand, the ride was compliant enough and not too noisy. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall was decent for that vintage.

2001-2006

2001 Redesign Year

We suggest you stay away from this vintage of the Elantra. The car scored poorly in the IIHS front offset crash test. Anti-lock brakes were optional but hard to find. Also, the car is from an era when cars weren't designed to provide protection in side crashes. That alone should deter you. If it doesn't, the car achieved 25 mpg overall in our testing, the rear seat was relatively roomy and controls are user friendly.

1996-2000

1996 Redesign Year

Hyundai introduced the small Elantra in 1992, a step up from the uninspired Hyundai Excel. It needed several more steps to be a competitive sedan. The car handled well enough on smooth roads, but the suspension crashed and banged on bumps that other cars took in stride. The front seats were pretty good. The Elantra was redesigned for 1996; a wagon was added to the lineup. The underpinnings were up to date and the interior was well equipped, but ride comfort and engine smoothness both needed improvement. It received a 2.0-liter Four for 1999.