2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
Snazzy styling and incredible efficiency combine in the form of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sedan. With near-identical styling to the gas-only Elantra, Hyundai’s compact hybrid is discreet with its fuel-sipping frugality. Other small hybrids include the Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and Toyota Prius.
What’s New
After a minor update for 2025 that introduced the SEL Sport trim as the midrange offering, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid carries over unchanged. A major refresh for 2024 included the following updates:
- Updated front- and rear-end styling
- New exterior paint and interior color options
- More soft-touch interior materials
- USB-C ports
- Steering wheel with haptic feedback
What We Think
Leading with tech and value, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a sedan for those that place a high priority on practicality in all matters of life. This compact sedan is offered with a spacious interior and modern connectivity features.
Though the Elantra Hybrid isn’t quick, its electric motor allows for better responsiveness off the line and improved refinement over the gas-only model. Those that prize quick acceleration as much as they enjoy a thrifty powertrain should consider the Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius instead of the Elantra Hybrid. We’ve also noted tire thrum and general road noise at highway speeds in the Elantra Hybrid.
What the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid lacks in off-the-line gusto it makes up for with value-packed higher trims. You can get ventilated seats and massive displays, features that aren’t quite matched by the equipment available in the Honda Civic Hybrid. That said, there are some cheaper materials inside the cabin that dull some of the Elantra Hybrid’s feature-rich shine.
Like the gas-only Elantra, this hybrid sedan is an impressive feat of packaging and engineering. It’s easy to look past this Hyundai’s shortcomings when its efficiency is so remarkable, especially at the entry-level Blue trim level. The Civic Hybrid and Prius are more well-rounded vehicles, but those that dig a good bargain will like what the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has to offer.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid comes equipped with a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor regardless of trim level. In all guises, it drives the front wheels with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output totals 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
While we’ve praised the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid’s improved refinement over the gas model in our reviews, it isn’t as quick. With its 2.0-liter internal combustion engine and a CVT, the Hyundai Elantra accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds while the hybrid needs 8.7 seconds to get the job. The Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius are much more spritely, launching from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and 7.2 seconds respectively.
MPGs and Range
The most fuel efficient version of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the Blue trim, which returns 51/58 mpg city/highway and can drive 594 miles per tank. The Civic Hybrid sedan is rated at 50/57 mpg and 519 miles of range.
At the SEL Sport and Limited trims, the Elantra Hybrid is rated at 49/52 mpg. Range for the Elantra Hybrid’s upper a still impressive at an EPA-rated 550 miles.
Safety Ratings and Features
Hyundai didn’t just build the 2026 Elantra to be fuel efficient, the Korean automaker baked in strong crash test safety as well. That fact is certified by IIHS, which awards the 2025 model with a Top Safety Pick+, the institute’s highest accolade. NHTSA also grants a strong rating of five stars overall in its evaluations.
The 2026 Elantra Hybrid receives a thorough collection of active safety tech, including the following features:
- Front and rear automatic emergency braking
- Side cross-traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Automatic high-beams
At the Limited trim the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid gains adaptive cruise control.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Despite its compact dimensions, the interior of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is spacious for passengers. Its cargo space is competitive with rivals, though not class leading.
Technology
Infotainment
On the base-level 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue, an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Blue trim gets analogue gauges with a 4.2-inch display situated in the cluster.
SEL Sport and Limited trims come standard with a 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a matching 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Unlike the Elantra Hybrid Blue, SEL Sport and Limited models make do with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hyundai equips all 2026 Elantra Hybrid sedans with two USB-C ports in each row of seating. SEL Sport and Limited models receive a standard wireless charging pad. Limited models are offered with phone-as-key functionality.
Sound System
Six-speaker audio is standard on the 2026 Elantra Hybrid Blue and SEL Sport. Only the top Limited model can be had with an eight-speaker sound system from Bose.
Value
Standard Features
All 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid models are equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The base Blue trim rolls on 16-inch wheels. Hyundai equips standard LED headlights with LED DRLs.
Inside the cabin, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid makes use of cloth seating, an 8.0-inch display, a 4.2-inch gauge cluster screen, and six-speaker audio. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the base trim. Hyundai equips dual USB-C ports in both the front row and the second row.
Pricing for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue begins around $27,000.
Recommended Trim
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is available in Blue, SEL Sport, and Limited trims. Although the SEL Sport model is value-packed at about $29,000, we think the top-level 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited is an exception deal starting around $31,000.
The top trim gets premium features like heated and ventilated front seats, phone-as-key functionality, and dual 10.3-inch displays. It also receivers a standard Bose sound system with eight speakers and leatherette seating surfaces.
