2023 Hyundai Elantra N
Overview
The Hyundai Elantra N carves through curves and whips down straights with so much gusto that it’s managed to win us over despite its polarizing angry-catfish front-end design. Its fun-loving driving dynamics are made all the more engaging by a standard six-speed manual transmission and a rowdy exhaust note that’s artfully balanced between playful and obnoxious. This racy quality carries over into the cabin with its edgy dashboard, aggressively bolstered sports seats, and N badges, which serve as reminders that this isn’t just some ordinary Elantra. As if we needed any reminders. But the Elantra N is more than just sporty; it’s a roomy, comfortable, and practical four-door sedan. Such versatility is part of what makes this sport compact sedan a winner—literally—something it proved in a recent comparison test against two highly respected peers.
What’s New for 2023?
The Hyundai Elantra N is a carryover from the 2022 model year, meaning it receives no changes. It does, however, become one just N Brand models along with the Kona N, as the automaker has discontinued the Veloster N and will not produce it for the 2023 model year.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The Elantra N comes only one way, and that’s basically fully loaded. A host of performance, technology, and safety features are standard and help to carry on Hyundai’s value-packed business model. The only choices offered are exterior colors and either the manual or automatic transmission. As lovers of stick shifts, our recommendation is the standard six-speed manual, but we won’t judge you if you decide to spend an extra $1,500 for the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Okay, maybe we’ll judge you a little.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Hyundai Elantra N inherits its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Veloster N hatchback. That engine makes a stout 275-hp in the Veloster N, but thanks to an overboost feature the company calls N Grin Shift, the Elantra N boasts a 286-hp rating. That gives the Elantra N a big power advantage over the similarly priced Jetta GLI. During our instrumented testing of the Korean sport compact sedan we observed sprints to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and a 13.8-second quarter-mile run with a trap speed of 105 mph. An eight-speed automatic is available but we’re happy to report a six-speed manual is standard. During our numerous drives of Elantra Ns we’ve noted its sharp throttle response, crisp handling, and sonorous exhaust note. We also found that the Elantra N’s longer wheelbase gives it a more compliant ride than the Veloster N but it still delivers the surefootedness we look for in a sports sedan. In fact, the more time we spend with it the more the Elantra N confirms its position as a top player in the spicy sport compact segment.
More on the Elantra N Sedan
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t published ratings for the 2023 Elantra N, but we expect it to remain the same as the 2022’s since no major changes have been made: 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for models equipped with a manual transmission, and 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for automatics. When we put it through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the 2022 Elantra N manual-transmission model did slightly better than its EPA highway estimate, notching a 32 mpg result. For more information about the Elantra N’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The regular Elantra’s dramatically restyled cabin has a decidedly cockpit-like look and feel which translates perfectly to the racier Elantra N. The sportier-looking ambiance is enhanced by sport seats with aggressive bolsters, metal-accented pedals, and a smattering of N badges. Rear seat passenger space is more generous here than in the Veloster N and the trunk offers more space for cargo. A sunroof is available, but only if you get the automatic transmission.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Elantra’s all-digital dashboard carries over to the N model, with a large 10.3-inch digital gauge display sharing real estate with a 10.3-inch infotainment display that’s angled slightly toward the driver. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all likely to be standard features.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance technologies will likely be on the menu as standard features. For more information about the Elantra N’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
The Elantra N offers Hyundai’s now-legendary 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. The only other brand to offer such a warranty is Kia, but Hyundai’s models come with three years of complimentary maintenance as an added perk.
Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE (C/D EST)
Base: $30,000
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 122 in3, 1998 cm3
Power: 276 or 286 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS
6-speed manual, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 101 ft3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 3200–3300 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.8–5.3 sec
100 mph: 12.2–12.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.4–13.9 sec
Top Speed: 155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23–25/20–22/30–31 mpg
More Features and Specs
