New Hyundai Elantra Review
New Hyundai Elantra in Phoenix, AZ
New Hyundai Elantra Review | The Award Winner Gets Another Boost in Quality and Connectivity
For the 2026 model year, the Hyundai Elantra has received an interior quality boost that makes it feel like a more expensive sedan. Trims have been reorganized with new features, and the long list of standard features has grown even longer.
US News and World Report has named the Elantra Hybrid as the #1 Best Hybrid Car for the Money. JD Power has given the lineup a “great” reliability rating. Best of all, despite tougher requirements, the Elantra continues to maintain good NHTSA safety ratings.
Is the 2026 a Elantra good fit for your Phoenix lifestyle? This review should get you up to speed for the new model year.
Powertrain and Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to powertrain choices, the new Hyundai Elantra lineup offers a diverse selection to cater to a range of preferences. The base model features a standard inline 4-cylinder engine that provides 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine balances price, efficiency, and performance, earning up to 35 mpg combined.
With the all-new SEL Sport Premium trim, you get the aggressive look of a sports sedan with the comfort of a luxury car—all backed by America's Best Warranty. It’s the smart, stylish choice for the modern commuter.
Elantra N-Lines have a 201-horsepower engine that cranks out 195 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking a more exhilarating ride, the new Hyundai Elantra N is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, delivering an impressive 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. This Halo car is a high-performance speedster ready for the track.
A proven winner, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid employs an inline 4-cylinder engine combined with hybrid technology. This powertrain increases the rate of torque to 195 lb-ft. Combined mileage figures range between 50 to 54 mpg. With top ratings of 56 mpg in the city, these new hybrid cars provide an environmentally friendly and cost-effective driving solution.
Utility and Handling
The Elantra's cargo area offers impressive utility with a spacious 14.2 cubic feet of storage capacity. Convenient remote releases make folding down the rear bench a hassle-free and practical process in this small, but smartly designed car.
2026 Hyundai Elantra N models elevate ride and handling capabilities with the introduction of engine mount membranes and improved ECS hardware, effectively reducing vibrations and enhancing body control for a smoother and more controlled driving experience.
For this racier version of the new Elantra in Phoenix, steering precision is significantly improved through the reinforcement of G bushings, updated motor-driven power steering software, and a reduction in universal joint friction. To bolster damping, traditional rubber components are upgraded to urethane in the rear suspension.
You’d be surprised at how our Phoenix AZ Hyundai dealership can help you get into a new car. New Hyundai Elantra loans and leases are available with our convenient financing.
High Quality Interior
From a revised color palette to an improvement in surface materials, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra in Phoenix AZ now offers a level of quality that goes beyond the norm, all while providing excellent value. Soft-touch front door panels, more durable fabrics, better interior plastics, and refined acoustic glass are all part of a consumer-led upgrade.
An extensive range of interior color options adds a touch of personalization, creating an inviting and above-class atmosphere within the cabin. The driver's cockpit is thoroughly modern, especially at this price point. It features a redesigned instrument cluster equipped with a 4.2-inch screen for a more sophisticated appearance. Improving for the new model year, the wireless charging pad is one of the fastest available.
Rear seat legroom is remarkably spacious, measuring an ample 38 inches, enhancing passenger comfort during journeys. For convenience, the rear seat passengers have two USB-C outlets.
For select trims, the Elantra now offers HTex leather upholstery, adding a touch of elegance to the interior. Limited trims go the extra mile by incorporating front ventilated seats, a perfect feature for our Phoenix, Arizona, summers. For more information about new Elantra Hybrid trim levels, check out this 2026 extended review.
Infotainment Technology
All trim levels of these affordable hybrids prioritize cutting-edge technology, with a strong focus on the dash. The base SE edition features an 8-inch high-resolution touchscreen. New for 2026, it fully supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. So you can put away pesky cords and just enjoy seamless connectivity. Also new for 2026, Elantras have high-speed USB-C ports for both rows to keep your smart devices charged.
2026 SEL Sport models add wireless charging. This device has a special guardrail design to keep your phone from sliding off. Stepping up to the Elantra SEL Sport Premium, the car gains dual 10.25-inch screens. A seamless widescreen look provides the driver with a world of information in an easy-to-use customizable format.
For a premium audio experience, Limited trims come equipped with the Bose Premium Audio system. The new Elantra Limited driver can benefit from a 360-degree surround view camera system that provides live views on the large touchscreen. Likewise, there is an available live feed of the blind spot for safer lane changes.
Safety Features and Driver Assistance Tech Tools
The 2026 Elantra proves you don't have to spend a fortune to get a Top Safety Pick+.
Furthermore, Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the thoughtful inclusion of various driver aids, each designed to enhance the overall driving experience and safeguard passengers. The integration of haptic feedback in the steering wheel serves to augment the effectiveness of key safety systems, such as blind spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Hyundai Elantra boasts a range of important safety standards, including an emergency autobrake system equipped with forward collision alert and pedestrian detection. These features help you avoid accident scenarios, ensuring the well-being of both occupants and pedestrians. The vehicle's driver aids encompass automatic high beams, designed to enhance nighttime visibility, as well as driver attention warning to keep the driver alert and attentive on the road.
Moreover, the new Elantra includes features that are particularly valuable for parents and caregivers. Among the notable additions are rear airbags and rear seat belt reminders, ensuring that all occupants are well-protected. Furthermore, rear occupant alert tries to ensure that no one is accidentally left behind in the vehicle. Safe exit assist provides an extra layer of protection by preventing rear-seat passengers, especially children, from opening their doors into oncoming traffic.
Explore the both worlds in the sedan market with the regular, N, and hybrid Elantras. Schedule a test drive today at your local Phoenix AZ Hyundai dealer in Avondale.
Most new vehicles include a “Protection Package” (sometimes referred to as the “No Bull Protection Package”) inclusive of highly-demanded, popular items designed to protect your investment such lifetime window tint, door-edge guards, handle-cup guards & clear shield on parts of the vehicle's front-end. Price/cost of the “Protection Package” is $1,248 at this dealership for Cars, Vans, CUVs and SUVs. Actual vehicle sale price and payments may vary for various reasons - including but not limited to - applicable manufacturer rebates, special limited time offers, dealer incentives, taxes, fees, and buyer's credit qualifications, dealer installed accessories, market product (or vehicle) scarcity and $599.00 dealer doc fee.
Financing on approved credit. Must qualify for some offers. Some offers may not be available with special financing, lease and some other offers.
For In-Transit Inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Please contact your local Hyundai dealer for availability details .
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on our website, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Dealer cannot be held liable for data that may be listed incorrectly. While we make every effort to ensure the data listed here is correct, there may be instances where some of the factory rebates, rates, incentives, options or vehicle features may be listed incorrectly as we receive data from multiple data sources. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Not responsible for typographical errors. Equipment added by the dealer or the purchaser will increase the overall transaction amount.
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