DecodedCars2026 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2026 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, Hybrid, N-Line 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 54 combined · 51 city / 58 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,725–3,020 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 54 MPG combined — 73% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2026 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 4 engines (1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,725 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 54 MPG combined (51 city / 58 highway), 73% better than the 2026 midsize car average of 31.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,250 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the wheels.
What changed for 2026
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2025 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2025; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2025 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2026 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.6 / 63 in | 2,725 lb | 61/39 |
| Hybrid | 185.4 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 62.2 / 62.6 in | 2,965 lb | 61/39 |
| N-Line 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 71.7 in | 55.9 in | 107.1 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,020 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra Hybrid Blue Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 51 / 58 / 54 | +73% | $1,250 | 165 |
| Elantra Hybrid Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 49 / 52 / 50 | +60% | $1,350 | 177 |
| Elantra w/Stop-Start | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 40 / 35 | +12% | $1,900 | 254 |
| Elantra non-ISG | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +9% | $1,950 | 263 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 35 / 31 | -1% | $2,150 | 288 |
| Elantra N | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -23% | $3,400 | 366 |
| Elantra N | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -26% | $3,550 | 392 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2026 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra.
Similar 2026 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 54 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla | 50 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Civic | 49 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Toyota Camry | 51 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2026 Toyota Prius | 57 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2026 Honda Prelude | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru WRX | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Suspension › Front › Macpherson Strut · Oct 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V692000 · 24 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Tucson Hybrid and Elantra vehicles. The front strut assembly fasteners may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of vehicle steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the front strut assembly fasteners and perform a wheel alignment, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 309. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 23, 2026.
Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs · Oct 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V693000 · 17 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2026 Venue, Elantra N, Elantra Hybrid, and Elantra vehicles. The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.
- Risk
- Wheel detachment can cause a loss of vehicle control or create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the wheel assembly lug nuts, and replace the hub bearing assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 19, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 310. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 23, 2026.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Hybrid Management › Power Control Unit/Module (Hpcu) · May 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V308000 · 54,337 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Elantra Hybrid vehicles. The hybrid power control unit (HPCU) assembly may overheat.
- Risk
- Overheating in the HPCU increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the HPCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 301. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Air Bags › Sensor › Side Impact · Apr 20, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V254000 · 2,931 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Elantra N, 2026 Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), and Elantra vehicles. The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.
- Risk
- Air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the impact sensor(s), as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai's customer service at 855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 299. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on April 22, 2026.
Not every 2026 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 261 |
| 2014 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →