2026 Hyundai Elantra
Now in its 2026 model year, the Hyundai Elantra is a Sedan priced from $22,625 to $29,400 across 5 trims. This page compiles safety, fuel cost, reliability, and ownership data from six independent sources, all linked to the original publisher.
Among 28 budget Sedans, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra earns a A for fuel cost. NHTSA rates it at 5 stars. RepairPal gives it 4.0 out of 5 for reliability. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
What the published data indicates
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra are high published crash-test results and lower estimated fuel cost, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- fuel cost
- reliability
Strongest published signals
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,250. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2026 →
Limits and cautions
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $6,894 above the similar-vehicle average.
Comparable models
- Starting MSRP
- $22,625 - $29,400
- EPA Combined MPG
- 31-35 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,250 - $1,400/yr
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,500 over 5 yrs
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
How Safe Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has passed the two most rigorous crash test programs in the United States. Among Sedans, 99% earned the top NHTSA score. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
99% of Sedans share this top rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 10.1%
NHTSA evaluates frontal, side, and rollover performance. IIHS adds small overlap and roof strength tests. Both sets of results are shown here.
How Did the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS awarded the 2026 Hyundai Elantra a TSP+ designation, which requires good or acceptable ratings in all crashworthiness categories plus effective front crash prevention. IIHS tests are independent of NHTSA and use different crash configurations. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | G Good |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | A Acceptable |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small cars
Crash tests measure how a vehicle performs in a collision. Recall data reveals whether the manufacturer or NHTSA has found safety defects requiring correction.
Does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Have Any Recalls?
As of the data shown, NHTSA has not issued any recall campaigns for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. The average for Sedans is 1.2 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
Owner-Reported Problems
NHTSA complaint data is not available for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. This does not mean there are no complaints. The model may not yet be tracked in the NHTSA database.
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-03-07.
Safety data covered, the next consideration is what this vehicle costs to run. Fuel economy is where most owners feel the difference between trims.
What Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy?
EPA rates the most efficient 2026 Hyundai Elantra trim at 35 combined MPG, with a projected annual fuel cost near $1,250. That is roughly in line with the $1,227 average for budget Sedans. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 31 to 35 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 35 MPG | 31 | 40 | $1,250/yr |
| SEL Sport | 34 MPG | 30 | 40 | $1,300/yr |
| SEL Sport Premium | 34 MPG | 30 | 40 | $1,300/yr |
| Limited | 34 MPG | 30 | 40 | $1,300/yr |
| N Line | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,400/yr |
Fuel costs are predictable from EPA data. The less visible costs, insurance, maintenance, and depreciation, are estimated by AAA for this vehicle class.
What Does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra ranges from $70,500 to $83,455 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Small Sedan class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,786/yr |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572/yr |
| Depreciation | $3,462/yr |
| Registration & Taxes | $613/yr |
| Financing | $854/yr |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956/yr |
| Cost per mile | $0.56/mi |
With 5 trims available, the cost and equipment differences are worth examining. The comparison below shows how price, fuel economy, and features vary.
How Do the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Trims Compare?
With 5 trims priced from $22,625 to $29,400, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra offers a range of equipment levels. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. MSRP figures below do not include destination, taxes, or dealer fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Horsepower | Curb Weight | Est. 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $22,625 | 35 MPG | $1,250/yr | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $78,655 |
| SEL Sport | $23,750 | 34 MPG | $1,300/yr | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $80,030 |
| SEL Sport Premium | $25,075 | 34 MPG | $1,300/yr | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $81,355 |
| Limited | $27,175 | 34 MPG | $1,300/yr | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $83,455 |
| N Line | $29,400 | 31 MPG | $1,400/yr | 201 hp | 3,020 lbs | $70,500 |
The Hyundai Elantra lineup has expanded from 4 trims in 2024 to 5 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,000 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
- SEL Sport (added 2025)
- SEL Sport Premium (added 2026)
Trims no longer available
- SEL (last available 2024)
Price changes since 2024
- SE $21,625 (2024) → $22,625 (2026) +$1,000
- N Line $28,465 (2024) → $29,400 (2026) +$935
- Limited $27,065 (2024) → $27,175 (2026) +$110
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $21,625 36 MPG | $22,125 36 MPG | $22,625 35 MPG |
| SEL | $23,575 34 MPG | — | — |
| Limited | $27,065 34 MPG | $26,775 34 MPG | $27,175 34 MPG |
| N Line | $28,465 31 MPG | $28,975 31 MPG | $29,400 31 MPG |
| SEL Sport | — | $23,250 34 MPG | $23,750 34 MPG |
| SEL Sport Premium | — | — | $25,075 34 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
Beyond the purchase decision, the next question is long-term dependability. Here is the reliability rating currently available for this vehicle.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
With a 4.0/5.0 reliability score from RepairPal, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra rates above average for budget Sedans. Fewer shop visits and lower repair costs are expected compared to peers. Source: RepairPal.
Hyundai backs this vehicle with the following warranty terms. Coverage begins from the original purchase date.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Come With?
Hyundai provides the following warranty coverage for the 2026 Elantra. Warranty terms are published by the manufacturer and apply to all trims. Coverage begins from the date of original purchase. Warranty terms shown here reflect the most recently published manufacturer data.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Specs?
Detailed specifications for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra as reported by the manufacturer. Specifications may vary by trim, market, and production date. Source: manufacturer-reported data.
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 201 hp |
| Torque | 132 - 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 7-speed automated manual |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 12.4 gal |
| Length | 185.4 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.9 in |
| Height | 55.7 - 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,868 - 3,020 lbs |
What Changed for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
This page reflects published data from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. The trim evolution section above shows how pricing and lineup composition have changed since 2024. All data updates automatically when source agencies publish new information.
2026 Hyundai Elantra FAQ
How does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra compare to other sedans?
Based on published data, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has a safety grade of A, a fuel cost grade of A, a RepairPal reliability score of 4.0/5, and zero recalls on file. These grades compare it against similar sedans in its price range. No single metric tells the whole story, so we recommend reviewing each section on this page. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Which 2026 Hyundai Elantra trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 5 available trims, the N Line has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $70,500, starting at $29,400 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $83,455. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
How much does 2026 Hyundai Elantra insurance cost?
AAA estimates the annual insurance cost for the Small Sedan class at $1,572 per year, or about $131 per month. This is a class-level average, not specific to the 2026 Hyundai Elantra. Your actual premium will depend on your driving history, location, and coverage choices. Source: AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How much does 2026 Hyundai Elantra maintenance cost per year?
AAA estimates average annual maintenance for the Small Sedan class at $1,786 per year. This covers routine services, wear items, and unscheduled repairs. Combined with insurance ($1,572/yr) and depreciation ($3,462/yr), total non-fuel ownership costs run about $9,956 per year. These are class averages from the AAA Your Driving Costs study.
How fast does a 2026 Hyundai Elantra depreciate?
AAA estimates the Small Sedan class depreciates about $3,462 per year, or roughly $17,310 over five years. On a base MSRP of $22,625, that represents about 77% of the purchase price. These are class averages and actual depreciation varies by trim, condition, mileage, and market demand. Source: AAA.
How much will I spend on gas with a 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
The most efficient 2026 Hyundai Elantra trim costs an estimated $1,250 per year in fuel, or about $104 per month, based on EPA ratings and national average fuel prices. See our Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 list.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
Based on price range, body type, and segment positioning, the closest competitors to the 2026 Hyundai Elantra include 2026 Kia K4, 2026 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2026 Honda Civic. Each of those pages includes the same safety, fuel cost, reliability, and recall data so you can compare directly. Browse all 2026 Sedans.
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 2 new trims were added, 1 trim was dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,000 for the Hyundai Elantra lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Hyundai Elantra cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra include about $830 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $104 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $934 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra safe for families?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra earned NHTSA's highest 5-star overall safety rating, which evaluates frontal crash, side crash, and rollover resistance. It also earned IIHS TSP+ recognition, which tests different crash scenarios. A 5-star rating does not guarantee safety in every situation but indicates strong performance in standardized crash tests. See our Safest Sedans 2026 list.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
Other Model Years
Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.