carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,698–$26,457 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2015 Hyundai Elantra SL at 7.4/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.2/10 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 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.2/10 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. Tech rates a reasonable 7.5/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $21,698–$26,457, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Elantra SL sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 11 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 2015 Hyundai Elantra SL is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in 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 2015 Hyundai Elantra SL ranks #687 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 48% of the segment. Its 7.4/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,698 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 22%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Elantra SL model years we've scored, the 2015 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $30,615 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $29,724 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $28,832 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $27,940 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $27,049 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $26,157 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $25,265 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.5/10 | $24,373 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $23,481 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $22,590 | Read review → |
| 2015 (this review) | 7.4/10 | $21,698 |
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.