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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 38 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 284 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $13,065–$15,091 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2013 Hyundai Elantra at 7.1/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.8/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.5/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.8/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $13,065–$15,091, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Elantra sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.3/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra ranks #982 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 25% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $13,065 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 53%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Elantra model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.9/10 | $23,550 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $23,550 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $22,865 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $22,179 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $21,493 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $20,807 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $20,121 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.7/10 | $19,435 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $18,749 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $18,063 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $17,377 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $16,691 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Pedals and linkages 30/11/2017 · 17V769000 | Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow… |
|---|---|
| Exterior lighting / Brake lights / Switch 02/08/2016 · 16V574000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model 2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured December 1, 2012, to April 30, 2013. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal… |
| Air bags / Side/window 01/04/2013 · 13V115000 | Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment. |
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 22/09/2023 · 23V651000 | Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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