JMRCAR 
HIGHS
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Potent power and quick acceleration, cornering abilities that thrill, grin-inducing exhaust note.
LOWS
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Cabin has an overabundance of hard plastics, exterior design can be polarizing, adaptive cruise control isn’t offered.
VERDICT
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The Elantra N proves that Hyundai has a fun side with a ton of serious performance and personality.
Specs
EPA MPG 23–24 Combined 
Seating5 Seats33 
Cargo Capacity 14 Cubic Feet
Powertrain Gas 
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive 
Limited Warranty 5 Years / 60,000 Miles
Overview
The Hyundai Elantra stands out from the often bland compact sedan class for its strong value proposition, spacious interior, and, dependent on your aesthetic tastes, unique styling. Those attributes alone are enough to make it attractive to a wide swath of shoppers, but if you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something more: performance. Thankfully, the Elantra N (not to be confused with the supporting Elantra N Line, the sportiest version of the base standard Elantra) delivers just that, with up to 286 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, and a standard six-speed manual transmission (an automatic is available). Cosmetically, the Elantra N stands apart from the standard Elantra with a black grille, lower bumper, diffuser, and rear wing. Easily one of the more desirable drivers’ choices in the class, it’s not the only alternative. The turbocharged Mazda 3, Honda Civic Si, and VW Jetta GLI are also worthy of consideration, and for more generous budgets, the Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla could sway some over to the hot hatchback class. Even so, the Elantra N is one of our favorites in its segment and earns a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
1)Honda Civic Type R
STARTING AT: $47,045
2)Honda Civic Si
STARTING AT: $31,400
3)Toyota GR Corolla
STARTING AT: $40,355
4)Hyundai Elantra N
STARTING AT: $35,595
5)Volkswagen Golf GTI
STARTING AT: $33,670
6) Volkswagen Golf R
STARTING AT: $48,325
New!
Compare the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N with the top vehicles in this segment with our new compare tool.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Hyundai Elantra N inherits its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Veloster N hatchback which was retired in 2022. That engine makes a stout 275-hp in the Veloster N, but thanks to an over boost 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. An eight-speed automatic is available but we’re happy to report a six-speed manual is standard. The Elantra N offers sharp throttle response, crisp handling, and a 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.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA rates the Elantra N at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for models equipped with a manual transmission, and 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for automatics. When we put it through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route but the Elantra N with the manual transmission did slightly better than its EPA highway estimate, notching a 32 mpg result; the automatic-equipped model we tested delivered an impressive 37 mpg. For more information about the Elantra N’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The regular Elantra’s dramatically-styled cabin has a decidedly cockpit and like look and feel which translates perfectly to the racier Elantra N. The sportier-looking ambiance is enhanced by leather trimmed 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.
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 standard features.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
A host of driver-assistance technologies are on the menu as standard features, though curiously, adaptive cruise control is not. 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:
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Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
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Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
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Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
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.
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Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
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Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
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Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
