Hyundai Elantra
Latest Model
2021 Model Redesign Year
The Elantra is one of the better small sedans.
It has a sleek and easy-to-use infotainment system, a well-tuned transmission, and a relatively roomy interior for the class.
The hybrid version is the best choice, not only for its superb 48 mpg overall but also for its slightly smoother ride and sharper handling, thanks to an independent rear suspension setup.
The standard engine is a 147-hp four-cylinder teamed with a continuously variable transmission, which together give quick-for-the-segment acceleration and a commendable 33 mpg overall.
Handling is nimble, but the ride is too firm and the engine gets noisy.
Front-seat comfort isn't great unless buyers get the pricier Limited trim with its power operation and adjustable lumbar, and the car's low stance makes access awkward.
Notable Changes
Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
Base MSRP Range
$22,625 - $36,600
Destination Charge: $1245
Base MSRP Range
$22,625 - $36,600
Destination Charge: $1245
2026 Hyundai Elantra
CR MPG
Notable Changes
Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
2026 Hyundai Elantra
Base MSRP
$22,625 - $36,600
CR MPG
mpg
Road Test Score
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Notable Changes
Join Consumer Reports to view notable changes for this model year.
2021-Present
2021 Model Redesign Year
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.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$17,975 - $28,400
EPA MPG
34
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2024 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$17,050 - $25,800
EPA MPG
34
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$16,000 - $23,700
EPA MPG
34
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2022 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$14,750 - $21,800
EPA MPG
35
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2021 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$13,375 - $16,600
EPA MPG
35
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2017-2020
2017 Model 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.
2020 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$10,150 - $13,425
EPA MPG
34
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$7,700 - $10,850
EPA MPG
33
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2018 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$6,050 - $9,375
EPA MPG
33
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$6,050 - $7,700
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2011-2016
2011 Model 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.
2016 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$5,550 - $6,600
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2015 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$5,300 - $6,125
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2014 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$5,100 - $5,675
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2013 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$4,650 - $5,200
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2012 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$4,825 - $5,325
EPA MPG
32
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2011 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$4,300 - $4,900
EPA MPG
32
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2007-2010
2007 Model 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.
2010 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$3,500 - $4,200
EPA MPG
26
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2009 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$3,500 - $3,950
EPA MPG
26
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2008 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$3,050 - $3,075
EPA MPG
28
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2007 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$2,800 - $3,325
EPA MPG
31
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2001-2006
2001 Model 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.
2006 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$2,950 - $3,225
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2005 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$2,850 - $3,300
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
2001 Hyundai Elantra
Retail Price
$2,775 - $2,800
EPA MPG
27
mpg
Reliability Verdict
Owner Satisfaction
1996-2000
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.
Shop Local Inventory
Auto Test Center
TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE
50+
tests are conducted on every car we buy.
PERFORMANCE TESTING
6
miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.
TIRE TESTING
400
tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.