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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $28,832–$33,164 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SL earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.5/10, while Performance at 6.9/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.9/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.9/10 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 comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $28,832–$33,164, 32 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Elantra SL sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SL as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2023 Hyundai Elantra SL ranks #272 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 79% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $28,832 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking → · Best Sedans under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Hyundai Elantra SL scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.9 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $30,615 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $29,724 | Read review → |
| 2023 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $28,832 | |
| 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 | 7.4/10 | $21,698 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SL's reliability 7.9/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.
It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #272 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 79% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SL starts at $28,832 and ranges up to $33,164 across trims (MSRP when new). At 32 MPG, expect roughly $1,641/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.