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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Hyundai Elantra

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Overview

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Review

By KBB.com Editors

Just two model years after a complete redesign, the Hyundai Elantra continues to impress with its styling, fuel efficiency and bang for the buck. No longer just a scrappy rival biting at the feet of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Ford Focus, the Elantra has won favor with consumers and critics alike, the latter naming it the 2012 North American Car of the Year. With every sedan model rated at 38 mpg/highway and Hyundai's leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Elantra has a lot going for it. For 2013 the Elantra still offers just one engine choice, but its lineup expands with the addition of a Coupe and the GT 5-door hatchback.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a good-looking, fuel-sipping compact car that offers a lot of features for the money, the 2013 Elantra deserves a high spot on your consideration list. Add in the fact that its interior technically garners midsize-car status and its powertrain is backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the Elantra looks even sweeter.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Sharp handling, powerful acceleration and a plush ride are not characteristics found in the Hyundai Elantra. For a sportier ride, check out the Mazda3 or Ford Focus. For a compact that leans more on the comfort side, consider the Chevy Cruze.

How It Ranks

#5

out of 12

MPG

#3

out of 13

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Hyundai Elantra Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

In addition to the sedan, the 2013 Elantra is now available as a 2-door Coupe and 5-door hatchback called the GT that replaces the wagon-like Elantra Touring. All are front-wheel drive and offer 5-passenger seating. The Elantra GT is the first Hyundai to feature a driver-selectable steering mode that can make the steering response feel firmer or softer with the touch of a button.

Driving the Elantra

2013 Hyundai Elantra Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2013 Hyundai Elantra competently straddles the middle ground between frisky, fun-to-drive compacts like the Mazda3 and Ford Focus and the more comfort-oriented Chevy Cruze. Bland it is not, though....

Hyundai's in-house transmissions – a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual – both work well to wring the most out of the Elantra's 148-horsepower engine while also getting the most out of the regular unleaded gasoline it uses. Steering could use some fine-tuning in the Coupe and sedan versions for better feel, but the GT hatchback benefits greatly from Hyundai's first application of a 3-mode driver-selectable steering adjustment. GT models also feature a sport-tuned suspension that makes the car surprisingly fun to drive on twisty roads. In everyday driving the cabin is well-insulated from wind and road noise, and the front seats are comfortable for this class of car.

Favorite Features

DRIVER SELECTABLE STEERING MODE
This ingenious technology enables drivers to firm up or soften the steering feel with the touch of a button. Available only on the 2013 Elantra GT for now, we wouldn't be surprised to see this nifty feature on more Hyundais in the future.

HEATED REAR SEATS
Not that long ago, just having heated front seats in a compact sedan was laudable. Coupe and GT versions of the 2013 Elantra now get those standard, while sedans can be optioned with heated rear seats, a first in this segment.

2013 Hyundai Elantra Details

2013 Hyundai Elantra Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra's cabin is laid out well and easy to use. Technically, the Elantra's interior is roomy enough to be classified as a midsize car by the EPA. The cabin is comfortable and features some soft-touch materials, but also uses some rather low-end plastics on the doors and switches. The optional navigation package gives the Elantra a more upscale feel, but other aspects, such as the clock and climate display, appear somewhat dated. The front seats are well-bolstered. Rear legroom is adequate in the sedan and Coupe, and generous in the GT. Trunk space is laudable, and the folding rear seats in the sedan and Coupe are convenient when hauling bigger items. The GT, meanwhile, features rear seats that fold flat and is a smart pick for those who regularly haul extra gear but don't want an SUV.

Exterior

Hyundai calls it "Fluidic Sculpture." We just call it good-looking. The Elantra continues to evolve Hyundai's design theme that is meant to evoke "fluid in motion." For the sheet metal that means lots of curves, a prominent beltline along the sides and headlights that appear as if they are being drawn back into the hood. It all works without feeling gaudy. Aside from having only two doors, Coupe versions are distinguished by a large, trapezoidal mouth and twin tailpipes in the rear. The GT hatchback receives a similar treatment up front and a sloping roof that looks much more fashionable than the model it replaces, the rather bloated Elantra Touring.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Hyundai has raised the price on the 2013 Elantra sedan by over $1,300 compared to the 2012 model, but in doing so has expanded the car's standard features. Even base, manual-transmission GLS models now come with once-optional air conditioning, 16-inch wheels, cruise control and telescoping steering wheel. Elantras also come with remote keyless entry, 4-wheel disc brakes, Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a 172-watt 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite radio with USB/iPod inputs. Coupe and GT models feature heated front seats and GT models come standard with a glove compartment that can be chilled. Coupe and sedan models have six airbags, while Elantra GT versions add a seventh for the driver's knees.

Optional Equipment

Upgrading an Elantra sedan to the Limited trim model adds a power sunroof, leather seating and heated front and rear seats. In Coupe form, the upscale SE model adds a power sunroof, sport-tuned suspension and leather. A $2,000-plus Tech Package includes a 7-inch screen, navigation and 360-watt audio system. To get the Tech Package on the GT requires the $2,750 Style Package that includes a panoramic sunroof and leather seating.

Under the Hood

All versions of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra are powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. The engine gives the Elantra average acceleration and decent passing power. Transmission choices are a good-feeling 6-speed manual or a very smooth 6-speed automatic that is eager to shift and feels well-matched to the engine. Automatic-transmission versions of the 2013 Elantra come with Hyundai's manual-shifting mode, called Shiftronic, which lets drivers toggle through the gears if desired. The engine returns exceptional fuel economy, reaching 38 mpg in all sedan versions and that figure or just slightly less in Coupe and GT variants.

Elantra sedan
1.8-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
131 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/38 mpg

Elantra Coupe
1.8-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
131 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/38 mpg (manual), 27/37 (automatic)

Elantra GT
1.8-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
131 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/37 mpg (manual), 27/37 (automatic)

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) just under $17,500. The 2013 Elantra Coupe starts at just over $18,000, while the GT hatchback is just over $19,000. Adding an automatic transmission to any version costs an extra $1,000, and fully-optioned models of the Elantra can reach around $25,000. At these prices, the Elantra is comparable to other notable compact sedans in this segment, such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus. The Elantra sedan's starting price is higher than that of a Mazda3, Dodge Dart and Kia Forte. Be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price to see what others are actually paying for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra in your area. The Hyundai's resale value is a strong point and we expect the 2013 Elantra to hold its value exceptionally well over a 5-year period.

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2013 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 154 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

7.8/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.9/10

Hyundai's False MPG advertising

By GWS (FL) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,267

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I purchased 2012 Elantra, mainly for the advertised MPG, 28 city 40 highway. My average in flat Florida is 24 combined highway and city. Hyundai got caught in this lie and said it was a mistake? How hard is it for manufacturer to be accurate on fuel mileage. Now they are paying us owners a few dollars a year to compensate us for bad mileage. This compensation is lucky if it buys a tank of gas. I will never even consider another Hyundai do to it's false advertising."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Hyundai's False MPG advertising

By GWS (FL) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,267

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 3/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

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big disappointment

By cindy (CA) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 21,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 3/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "style, features, warranty"

Cons: "MPG, handling, acceleration"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I sold a genesis and bought this thinking I would give up speed and handling for gas mileage. nope even in eco mode, 25 mpg - doesn't even hit 30 on highway. found out there is a reimbursement program because they falsely represented estimated mpg. integrity seems to be good, air works good, stereo reception on fm terrible, trunk has to be slammed to shut, navigation up to date but takes me miles out of my way. I have owned at least 25 cars, this is just mediocre at best."

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GAS MILEAGE CLAIMS ARE BOGUS...

By kt (CA) on Monday, May 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "navigation system, heated seats, back up camera."

Cons: "gas mileage claims totally bogus."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"The car is comfortable with all the bells and whistles for an inexpensive car. BUT, I have NEVER gotten over 32 MPG. They claim 40 HW, but I drive a straight, flat highway all the time and have NEVER come close! Very disappointed in this claim."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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My 1st brand new car with 0 miles & loving it!!!!!

By Ken (CA) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great interior + exterior, cheap, looks good"

Cons: "harder to switch lanes due to pillars, bad mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd car and my 1st new car. I never thought i would get a Hyundai considering it's the definition of cheap but i couldnt believe what i saw. They have improved in looks drastically over recent years and i decided to give it a shot. I got the 2013 elantra sedan limited with no tech package. I am very satisfied with this car so far but im getting really bad mileage. I know its how you drive but still... i average 20 mpg city with active eco off. I chose the car because of how it looks anyways, not gas mileage. I managed to get it out of the door for 21 grand flat, and it came with floor mats, cargo met, etc. I would definitely recommend this to students like myself who still go to school. Upgrades done: pioneer 8500bh head unit, dual 12s subwoofers, kenwood amp, 6.5 polk component speakers, and backup sensors"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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It's a great car to own with minor exceptions

By Roger (IL) on Friday, April 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 17,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "style, comfort, features, handling"

Cons: "poor MPG lower than advertised, back seat design"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"It's a great car to own with minor exceptions. I purchased a Limited version new. Mechanically I have had no problems after about 1.5 years and 17,000 miles. Some things on the dash could be a bit more logically placed. With the habit of using cigarette lighter holes to charge cell phones and such, there should be at least 1 that stays powered when the car is off. It would be nice to have a headphone jack to listen to the stereo when the driver needs to consentrate and not be disturbed. It would be nice to be able to play a video or DVD on the sound system display (hijack it so to speak). My biggest criticism is the gas milage. It's no where near what was in all the advertising which was a prime reason to look at this car in the first place. Had I know this before I purchased, I'd have probably purchased something else. The company has addressed the issue with a credit, so to speak, but it's not nearly compensating the differences. What MPG number is on dash is not the same as the real calculated amount I get for milage. The dash display averages about 1.5 MPG above what I actually get. My work commute is about 10 miles per day round trip normal city traffic with stop lights. On the weekend I do much more city driving and some country driving. My real average is anywhere from 20 MPG to 26 MPG. Highway on cruise control has been 30-35 MPG. That is a substancial percentage lower than then advertised milage of 29 city and 40 highway MPG. The have been some exceptions but not so often that I can determine what was different. The back seat could have been designed a bit better for access and use. To lower the backseat you have to unlatch clips above th seat then open the trunk and pull a knob. The back seat seatback does not lay flat to the seat bottom. It lays at an odd angle making it virtually impossible to lay anything longer than about 3 feetinto the seating area. I carry a dog with me sometimes and she does not like to stand on the seatback. If you drive with the seatbacks down and open a window in the vehicle there is a disturbing sound that comes from the back seat/trunk and the air moves around. Overal I like the car, but...."

15 people out of 17 found this review helpful

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