2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Prius

The 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid seems to aim for the same shoppers as the 2023 Toyota Prius. These thrifty rides offer similarities and differences that will matter in different ways to different types of buyers.

In this comparison, we’ll look at the two cars through the lens of different types of buyers: families, commuters, drivers, singles and couples, trend setters and more. Hopefully it will help you decide what’s best for your lifestyle.

1. Family Friendliness

   Many parents look at affordable cars like these two in order to take care of their family’s needs. For young families, it means securing infant carriers, toddler seats, or child boosters on the back row. For families with tweens or teens, it means a need for significant wiggle room.

   The Elantra Hybrid has a much larger passenger cabin than the Prius. With almost 100 cubic feet, it is definitely bigger than the 91.2-cu ft Prius cabin.

   For parents trying to fit car seats, it can be difficult under the best of circumstances. It is especially difficult in a compact car with a small backseat like the Prius. On the other hand, they will be glad for the extra headroom and extra knee room in the Elantra Hybrid cabin.

   

   Likewise, kids will appreciate more wiggle room in the hybrid sedan. Teens won’t feel cramped with a higher ceiling and an extra three inches of legroom in the Elantra Hybrid. At the pricepoint for these two vehicles, the larger passenger cabin should be a big selling point.

2. Commuters

   The two hybrids have money-saving fuel economy to reduce the financial burden of daily commutes. Plus, these two cars prove that drivers can enjoy performance behind the wheel of a hybrid. However, they do it differently.

   The 139-horsepower Elantra Hybrid generates an exhilarating 195 lb-ft of torque. With the high rate of torque, a zippy electric motor, and a dual-clutch automatic transmission to harness speed, the Elantra Hybrid can move faster off the line. This slick-shifting automatic is more driver friendly than the Toyota continuously variable transmission.

   These numbers basically reverse with the Prius in this new model year. It produces 194 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. If you prefer all wheel drive to front wheel drive models, the output edges up slightly to 196 horsepower.

   

   On the highway, these hybrids both earn 56 miles per gallon in one version and 52 miles per gallon in another. With EPA estimates like these, commuters will pay themselves back at the pump whether they are driving the more cramped Prius hatchback or the roomier Elantra Hybrid sedan.

3. Singles and Couples

   Many of the aspects already discussed apply to singles and couples shopping for a car. For instance, the spaciousness of the Hyundai Elantra backseat will be particularly important to those who want to bring their friends across town much less on vacations.

   The front seat passenger will find it cooler thanks to the Hyundai’s standard dual-zone automatic climate controls. The Prius has a single-zone automatic setting.

   Even at its low price, the Hyundai Elantra Blue trim has standard heated seats. More important to Phoenix commuters, they have available ventilated seats. You simply won’t find ventilated seats if you are shopping for a Prius.

4. Driver Comforts and Assistance

   For many, the way the car assists the driver is very important. Both vehicles have a long list of driver aids, including a forward-facing autobrake for collision and pedestrian dangers. The Elantra Hybrid also has a standard rear autobrake to help with parking dangers.

   The standard cockpits look somewhat similar with a driver’s screen to complement an 8-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are infotainment standards. While both have front row USB ports, only the Elantra Hybrid includes USB ports for the rear seat.

   

   On top models, the Elantra Hybrid pulls ahead with a large 10.25-inch digital instrument panel to match a larger touchscreen. While the Prius has a larger touchscreen option, it only upgrades to a 7-inch driver’s display. From Kelley Blue Book to Edmunds, critics agree that the standard features on this Hyundai hybrid sedan make it an especially good value.

5. Trend Setter

   For some, they prioritize staying ahead of trends. As indicated, both of these rides have plenty of technology. But how do they compare stylistically?

   The Prius got an update this model year, and the results are good, if conservative. In comparison, the Elantra Hybrid gets rave reviews for its bold styling. Kelley Blue Book praises for the “special effort to look really…cool.” Motor Trend calls the Elantra style “edgy” and “eye-catching.”

   As for reputation, the Prius has earned awards in the past. However, the Elantra Hybrid has a great reputation now. It is the 2023 Most Fuel Efficient Sedan at Kelley Blue Book. Even better, it is the 2022 and 2023 Best Hybrid Car for the Money at U.S. News and World Report.

6. Budget Buyers

   Even if you aren’t buying a hybrid because you are on a budget, these two are destined to save big bucks at the pump. The question is: how much do you want to save overall?

   The Elantra Hybrid line-up costs less at the base trim level than the Prius. The MSRP shows a savings of about $3,000 for the Hyundai hybrid buyer. The difference between the top trims is closer to $5,000.

   

   Then there’s the matter of warranties which favor the Hyundai. There’s more coverage for more parts of the car for longer.

Conclusion

The Prius may be an important hybrid historically, but the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is giving it a serious challenge, and it’s doing so with lower prices. It can save you money at purchase and then keep saving with its 54-mpg gas mileage.

To take a test drive of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, head to your Earnhardt Hyundai dealer in Avondale.