Used 2023 Hyundai Elantra

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is proof that the compact sedan class is vibrant, contemporary, engaging and evolving. Yet along with the bold styling and all the technology available, the Elantra still delivers what most people want from a small sedan.

It’s relatively affordable to buy, with low running costs. It’s spacious, offering plenty of room for people and luggage. And the Elantra is safe, named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) and awarded a maximum 5-Star overall score by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Hyundai launched this generation, the seventh, only three years ago. Variants go from cost-effective to plush to sporty. We’re also expecting the return of the higher-performance Elantra N (not to be confused with the N Line) and will update this review when all the facts become available. The 2023 Elantra Hybrid sedan gets reviewed separately.

The base engine doesn’t have anything like a turbocharger to enliven the 2023 Elantra sedan, but this 2.0-liter unit can average about 37 mpg. It propels the SE, SEL, and Limited models with 147 horsepower — adequate for towns and suburbs, but less enthralling on longer trips. The ride quality is tuned for comfort, however, and everything is easy to use.

The N Line’s turbocharged 201 horsepower engine and sport-tuned suspension inject more verve into the driving experience. It no longer has the option of a manual transmission, but the 7-speed automated setup can achieve faster shifts anyway.

This cabin uses up-to-the-minute technology to complement the crispness of the outside. Buyers of the SEL have the option of the Convenience package that brings twin 10.25-inch displays — one for the driver, the other for the infotainment system. These become standard in the N Line and Limited.

The one minor issue with this dual-screen setup is that Apple CarPlay/Android Auto goes from wireless to wired. Oh well. While we’re griping, though, it seems cheap not to fit 60/40 split/folding rear seats in the two lowest trims.

However, this 2023 Elantra compact sedan interior is roomy enough to rival a midsize sedan. Rear legroom is a generous 38 inches, and trunk space measures 14.2 cubic feet.

Like/dislike. Whatever stance each onlooker takes, chances are they won’t be non-committal about the styling of the 2023 Elantra. It’s sharp and confident, light years away from the blandness that used to be part of the affordable Korean compact sedan formula.

The SE starts out with 15-inch alloy wheels that don’t really do much other than provide somewhere for the tires to be. But the Limited trim’s 17-inch set and the N Line’s 19-inch alloys are more integral parts of the visual package.

The Limited has a dark chrome grille; the N Line has its own aerodynamic treatment, along with twin chromed exhaust tips.

BLUE LINK CONNECTED CAR SERVICES
Among the features offered with a Blue Link subscription (complimentary for the first 36 months) are remote lock/unlock, open window/unlocked door notifications, stolen vehicle recovery, valet alerts, SOS assistance, and automatic collision notification.

HYUNDAI DIGITAL KEY
Usually a feature in luxury cars, the Digital Key feature brings access to the 2023 Elantra using a smartphone app. It detects when a user’s Android phone is within proximity. Apple iPhone owners can use an NFC (near field communications) key card.

The amount of standard equipment in the base SE trim of the 2023 Elantra sedan might well be enough for many buyers to look no further. Especially taking into account all the driver aids — forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-following assistance.

An 8-inch touchscreen controls an infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and four speakers.

Other aspects serve as reminders of the relatively low purchase price, like the plastic steering wheel, manual air conditioning, and cloth upholstery.

Even if the SE is something of a bargain, we’d be inclined to spend another $1,250 for the SEL, which also brings some options into play. The extra standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, satellite radio, and two more speakers.

This trim offers a Convenience package bringing heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, a USB port for the back seats, adaptive cruise control, and a more sophisticated forward collision avoidance system. The additions for 2023 include navigation with the twin 10.25-inch screens and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The sporty N Line version of the 2023 Elantra sedan has most of the SEL Convenience package’s contents as standard, along with cloth/simulated leather seating surfaces and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Looking more like a compact luxury car, the Limited has all the upgrades of the SEL Convenience package, plus rear parking sensors, LED headlights, leather seating surfaces, sunroof, self-dimming rearview mirror, Hyundai Digital Key, Highway Driving Assist, and an 8-speaker Bose audio system.

Three of the 2023 Elantra sedan models — the SE, SEL, and Limited — employ a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. That’s a modest amount of power, but modesty is a major trait in the engine bays of most compact cars.

The SE’s version has a fuel-saving stop/restart function that saves 2 or 3 miles per gallon. Whether that’s present or not, the automatic transmission is of the continuously variable type.

The N Line’s engine is much less of a shrinking violet — a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder unit generating 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This connects to a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. It’s still operated like a conventional automatic, although paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel allow drivers to change gears themselves if they want.

Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the sole setup. Both engines run fine with regular gasoline.

2.0-liter inline-4 (SE, SEL, Limited)
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 33/42 mpg (SE), 30/40 mpg (SEL & Limited)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (N Line)
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/36 mpg