Hyundai Elantra: Which Should You Buy, 2022 or 2023?
Most significant changes: SEL adds optional navigation system; N Line adds digital instrument cluster and navigation system, loses manual transmission
Pricing: Most trims up $300-$500; N Line up $1,350, though that includes newly standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, digital instrumentation and navigation system
On sale: Now
Which should you buy, 2022 or 2023? Minor price increases mean that the 2023 model should be favored unless the dealer is giving a decent discount on a leftover 2022 and it’s configured the way you want.
While there are relatively few changes overall for the 2023 Hyundai Elantra sedan, the SEL trim level drops its Premium Package and more equipment is added to the remaining Convenience Package, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster and a navigation system with 10.25-inch touchscreen; previously, you had to step up to the Limited to get navigation, so this is less expensive. Additionally, a digital instrument cluster and navigation system are added to the sporty N Line, which is no longer available with a manual transmission.
Related: Will Buying a Car With a Manual Transmission Save You Money?
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Shop the 2022 Hyundai Elantra near you
Powertrains
The Elantra is offered with five powertrains. The base SE, SEL and Limited models come with a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Hybrids in Blue and Limited trims have combined output of 139 horsepower and come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and electric motor mated to a six-speed automatic. The sporty N Line has a 201-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the high-performance N features a 276-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four with a standard six-speed manual or optional eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic.
Safety and Tech Features
Even the base Elantra SE comes with a number of high-tech features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure steering assist and high-beam assist. Stepping up to the SEL adds satellite radio, an optional navigation system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go. The Limited makes all that standard and adds rear obstacle detection and highway drive assist.
Trims and Pricing
The 2023 Elantra’s starting prices (including $1,045 destination except for the N, whose destination is $1,095) are below, with price increases from 2022 in parentheses:
- SE: $21,545 ($300)
- SEL: $22,795 ($300)
- Limited: $27,395 ($400)
- N Line: $28,095 ($1,350)
- N: $33,745 ($500)
- Hybrid Blue: $25,445 ($300)
- Hybrid Limited: $30,045 ($400)
Note that while list prices are up only slightly, transaction prices may well be much higher due to production limitations caused by a shortage of computer chips.
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