2026 Hyundai Elantra N
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S8) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 20 / 27 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,550 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 392 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $35,447–$45,194 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N at 8.1/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Safety at 7.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.5/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.7/10. The Hyundai Elantra N delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $35,447–$45,194, 23 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Elantra N sits in the mid-market bracket of the sports segment. The 7.9/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Our take: The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2026 Hyundai Elantra N ranks #41 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 87% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $35,447 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 23%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the Elantra N model years we've scored, the 2026 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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $35,447 | |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $35,447 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.0/10 | $34,415 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $33,382 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.0/10 | $32,350 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.