Test Drive: A Closer Look At the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited and N

Automotive Editor

A tale of two Hyundais

This week The Weekend Drive Publisher Vince Bodiford and Editor Jimmy Dinsmore got to experience the same care (well sort of). Vince was the more fortunate one with seat time behind the peppy 2023 Hyundai Elantra N. Jimmy however got the "regular" version with far less power.

To be clear, Jimmy's version of the Elantra is the standard bearer for this segment. Small, compact, affordable, low on power, good on fuel economy. The Hyundai Elantra is the prototypical people mover – a commuter car. Vince's version, however, makes that commute a little more exhilarating.

Vince: Yes sir it does. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder cranks out 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque (for the N version). This is different than the slightly confusing N-line which has a smaller engine (1.6-liter) and a little less horsepower. Of course Jimmy drove the base engine version and missed out on the zippy enthusiasm found on the Hyundai Elantra N.

Jimmy: Rub it in why don't you? Yes, as Vince pointed out I drove the Limited version which comes without that turbo and thus the 2.0-liter engine loses a lot of horsepower, to the tune of only 147 hp. And herein is where the Elantra is pretty standard for compact cars, but also makes it quite dull. It lacks personality behind the wheel and is one of the least memorable cars to drive. From a useful standpoint it does its job, from an enthusiasm standpoint, go toward the N-line or N version of the Elantra.

Vince: If you want a manual transmission, the N is the only option as Hyundai has discontinued the manual from even the N-line. Otherwise, you’re left with a continuously variable transmission, and I’m sure that irked Jimmy.

Jimmy: yes sir it does. Right again. CVTs are the bane of the automotive industry. Hyundai tries to fool us by calling it an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), but it's basically a CVT. I’ve yet to find one that wasn't quirky or didn't deter from the vehicle's performance. The one in the Elantra is no exception, regardless of what you call it. I’d imagine there’d be a quite a turbo lag on the N-line and as a manual it's probably ideal to handle that torque.

Vince: On looks the Elantra N is a standout that's for sure. It's youthful, edgy and has a sporty appeal that shows it's not just another compact sedan. The colored accents along the fascia and continuing on the side, add a significant amount of personality to the Elantra N.

Jimmy: Well Vince once gain you have the better option. The standard Elantra is mostly a carryover from last model year. While it's stylish, it lacks the exuberance of the N. The overall exterior design of the base trim is downplayed and as such it looks like most other compact cars on the road today (which aren't that many anymore).

Vince: Sadly this segment is dwindling. The value-oriented Elantra allows for some forgiveness of the interior. The interior is dull with some corners cut on materials. Except for the special N badging on the seats and door sills, the overall interior needs a little more. Kudos to Hyundai for keeping the infotainment system simple and intuitive.

Jimmy: For a compact car the trunk space is impressive. There's 14.2 cubic feet of room in the trunk which is above average for the segment. The back seat is big enough (for its size). Hyundai claims the Elantra is a five-passenger vehicle, but it's really best suited for four passengers as a third person in the back seat would be pretty cramped. And I agree with Vince about the infotainment system. It's simple clean and integrates smoothly with smart phones. What more could you want?

Breaking it down

When it comes to the Hyundai Elantra, it's important to ask what you want the car for. Looks and performance (which will cost you more and be less fuel efficient) or a simple commuter car with a more friendly price tag? Jimmy's version, the Limited trim has an MSRP of $26,350 with an EPA rating of 30 mpg/city and 40 mpg/highway. The N version that Vince drove is the most expensive Elantra with an MSRP of $32,650 and an EPA rating of 22 mpg/city and 31 mpg/highway.

That's the stark difference between the two Elantras. It truly is a tale of two Hyundais.

Automotive Editor

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