Hyundai’s entrant into the compact sedan arena is sharply styled and roomy and in top Luxury trim is available with a smooth hybrid system. The base model Elantra with its naturally-aspirated four cylinder gets the job done with little enthusiasm. Those needing more zing will look to the turbocharged N Line model. The standout of the lineup is the Elantra N – a bona fide front-drive 286-hp scorcher with a brilliant chassis.
The compact car segment also includes the Kia K4, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra.
There are no significant changes for 2026.
The base model Elantra gets a 147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder hooked to a CVT (continuously variable transmission). The hybrid model uses a 1.6L four in concert with one electric motor to make 139 horsepower. It drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and delivers a smoother and quieter driving experience. The N Line’s 201-hp 1.6L turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch auto make for a more spirited drive. The raucous and excellent handling 286-hp Elantra N elevates this compact sedan into a VW GTI- and Honda Civic Type R-baiting hoodlum. It is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 2.0L is rated at 7.5 L/100 km city, 5.9 highway and 6.8 combined on regular grade gasoline. The hybrid is considerably more efficient at 4.8 L/100 km city, 4.5 highway and 4.7 combined. The hot-rod N with a manual transmission is rated at 11.0 L/100 km city, 8.1 highway and 9.7 combined. This one asks for premium grade fuel.
The base Essential trim gets forward collision mitigation with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane departure warning and lane follow assist, driver attention warning and auto high beams. Moving up to the Preferred nets blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert. Spec the Luxury for adaptive cruise and Highway Drive Assist. The Elantra gets a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a top 5-Star rating.
As a brand, the 2025 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study has Hyundai sitting at 222 problems per 100 Vehicles (PP100), worse than the industry average of 202. Consumer Reports states concerns around some reported reliability issues like engine problems and in-dash electronics.
Base models get an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As with most Hyundai products, the Elantra features human-friendly ergonomics along with an easy-to-use infotainment system. Heated front seats are standard, but you’ll need the next-up Preferred for heated leather steering wheel, proximity key and premium cloth seating surfaces. The Luxury gets leatherette, 10.25-inch screen and 8-speaker Bose, while the turbocharged N Line sees real leather sport seats and aluminum pedals.
When it comes to compact four-door sedans, the Elantra is among the most spacious for comfortably seating adults, especially when it comes to rear seat room. The 402L trunk is also slightly above average for the class. The trunk features handy remote releases for folding the split rear seat.
The base 2.0L Essential carries and MSRP of $22,599, which makes a case for the much better equipped Preferred at $24,399. The Luxury Model starts at $28,599 – add $2,500 for the hybrid powertrain. The sporty 201-hp N Line starts with an MSRP of $31,699. It’s a big step up to the $40,949 Elantra N.
| Trim | MSRP Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is a recommended sale price provided by the automaker. Where presented on its own, the price is for a base model without options and before taxes, rebates, or fees. Where presented as a range, it represents the prices of multiple trim lines available for the model without options and before taxes, rebates, or fees. Actual prices may vary. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 hyundai elantra Essential | $23,499 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Preferred | $25,299 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Preferred with Tech Package | $27,499 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Luxury Two-Tone Interior | $29,499 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Luxury | $29,499 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Luxury Hybrid | $31,999 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra Luxury Hybrid Two-Tone Interior | $31,999 | ||
| 2026 hyundai elantra N Line Ultimate | $32,599 | ||
| Freight & PDI | $1,900 |
| Engine Detail | Gasoline: 2.0L I-4 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Transmission | variable-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Wheels | FWD |
| Cargo Space Range | 402 L (14.2 ft³) |
| Towing / Payload | - |
| Wheel Size | 15-inch Alloy |
| Infotainment System | 8.00-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Comprehensive Warranty | 60 Months / 100,000 km |
| Powertrain Warranty | 60 Months / 100,000 km |
| Roadside Warranty | 60 Months / 9,999,999 km |
| Battery Warranty | - |
| Paint Warranty | 36 Months / 60,000 km |
| Corrosion Warranty | 60 Months / 9,999,999 km |
| City Rating | 7.5 L/100 km |
|---|---|
| Highway Rating | 5.9 L/100 km |
| Combined | 6.8 L/100 km |
| Compressor | N/A |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded |
| Other Fuel Type | None |
| Fuel Capacity | 47 L |
| Battery Type | - |
| Onboard Charger | - |
| Charging Time | - |
| Fuel Range | - |
| Battery Range | - |
| Total Range | 691 km |
| Emission CO2 kg/year | 158 |
| Exterior Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 4710 mm (185.4 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm (107.1 in) |
| Overall Height | 1415 mm (55.7 in) |
| Turning Circle | 10800 mm (35.4 ft) |
| Front Track | 1593 mm (62.7 in) |
| Rear Track | 1604 mm (63.1 in) |
| Curb Weight | 1275 kg (2811 lbs) |
| Interior Dimensions | |
| Seating | 2+3 seats |
| Headroom Front | 1030 mm (40.6 in) |
| Headroom Rear | 947 mm (37.3 in) |
| Legroom Front | 1074 mm (42.3 in) |
| Legroom Rear | 964 mm (38.0 in) |
| Hiproom Front | 1356 mm (53.4 in) |
| Hiproom Rear | 1282 mm (50.5 in) |
| Shoulder Room Front | 1434 mm (56.5 in) |
| Shoulder Room Rear | 1412 mm (55.6 in) |
| Cargo Dimensions | |
| All seats in place | 402 L (14.2 ft³) |
| All seats down | - |
| Crash Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Standard | IIHS |
| Side Impact | 5 |
| Rollover Rating | 5 |
| Overall Rating | 5.0 |
| Frontal Crash Rating | 4 |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
| Small Overlap Front - Driver | Good |
| Roof Strength Test | - |
| Rear Crash Protect / Head Restraint Rating | - |
| Driver Assist Equipment | |
| Airbags | 8 (Front, Side, Side Curtain) |
| Anti-Collision System | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Not Available |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Not Available |
| Roll Stability Control | Not Available |
| Hill Holder | Standard |
| Night Vision | Not Available |
| Low Tire Pressure Monitor | Not Available |
| Audio System | 6-speaker |
|---|---|
| Display & Controls | 8.00-inch, Touchscreen |
| Voice Activating System | - |
| Audio Sources | Carplay, Android, USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM |
| Rear Entertainment System | Not Available |
| In-car WiFi Network | Not Available |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Not Available |
| Navigation | Not Available |
| Head-up Display | Not Available |
| Instrument panel | Analogue & Digital |
| Sunroof | Not Available |
|---|---|
| Smart Key | - |
| Steering Wheel | Height Adjustment, Telescopic Adjustment |
| Rear View Mirror | auto-dimming |
| Door Mirrors | Power Adjustable, Heated |
| Climate Control | A/C, Manual, - Zones |
| Seat Material | Cloth, Cloth |
| Front Seat | Heated |
| Memory Seats | Not Available |
| Rear Seats | Bench, One-piece |
| Rear Seat Extras | - |
| Third Row Seats | Not Available |
| Cupholders | Standard |
| Power Locks | Standard |
| Power Windows | Standard |
| Remote Engine Starter | Not Available |
| Garage Door Opener | Not Available |
| Automatic Door Closing | Not Available |
| Remote trunk/hatch release | Standard, Remote Control |
| Refrigerated Storage Compartment | Not Available |
| Suspension | Strut |
| Stabilizer Bar | Standard |
| Suspension Levelling | Not Available |
| Responsive Suspension | Not Available |
| Power Steering | Electric |
| Windshield Wipers | Variable |
| Windscreen Wiper De-icer | Not Available |
| Wiper (Rear) | Not Available |
| Rear Window Defogger | Standard |
| Electrically Heated Windshield | Not Available |
| Roof Rails | Not Available |
| Wheels | 15-inch Alloy |
| Tires | 195/65T15, All-season |
| Spare Wheel | Not Available |
| Cruise control | Standard |
| Parking Aids | Rear, Camera |
| 360º View Camera | Not Available |
| Headlights | LED, Complex Surface, Auto Highbeam |
| Front Fog Lights | Not Available |
| Cornering Lights/Curb Illumination | Not Available |
Copyright © JATO Dynamics Limited, 1990 - 2022. All Rights Reserved.The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential is equipped with a[n]Gasoline 2.0L I-4 engine that can produce up to 147 hp @ 6200 rpm horsepower and a maximum torque of 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm. The transmission is a[n] variable-Speed Automatic with front-wheel drive.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential has a 47 L fuel tank and requires Unleaded. Natural Resources Canada estimates that the 2026 Hyundai Elantra will use about 7.5 L/100 km when you drive in the city and 5.9 L/100 km for highway driving.
The dimensions of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential are 4710 mm (185.4 in) in length, 1825 mm (71.9 in) in width, 1415 mm (55.7 in) in height.
It has an approximate weight of 1275 kg (2811 lbs) and seating for 2+3 seats in the front and rear seats.
The Elantra offers 402 L (14.2 ft³) of cargo space in the trunk.
The Elantra Essential wheels measure 15-inch in diameter.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential receives a 5.0 Overall rating from IIHS with specific 5 rating for side impact and 4 for frontal crash rating.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential features total of 8 (Front, Side, Side Curtain) airbags and Standard anti-collision System, Standard lane departure warning, Standard hill holder. Additional safety equipment includes LED, Complex Surface, Auto Highbeam headlights and Rear, Camera parking assistance.
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential Vehicle is equipped with a 6-speaker audio system and features a 8.00-inch, Touchscreen display with voice-activating capabilities for . You can also connect your device to the audio system via Carplay, Android, USB, Bluetooth, AM/FM.
No, The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Essential doesn't have memory seats. Memory seats adjust the seat settings quickly and easily to saved preferences without having to manually adjust. Additionally, this trim also comes with Heated and Cloth seats in front.
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