2026 Hyundai Elantra: NHTSA & IIHS Safety Ratings, Price
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 5-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation compared to 28 other budget Sedans. NHTSA has no recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $22,625 - $29,400
- EPA Combined MPG
- 31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 5-Star (Highest)
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,950 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- No recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,000 over 5 yrs
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $992 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.56
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $22,625 to $29,400, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is one of 28 budget Sedans. The data below covers what it costs to fuel, insure, and maintain over the miles you will actually drive.
- Avg repair cost $286 per year below Sedan average
- 5-year ownership cost $6,894 above budget Sedans average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Hyundai Elantra at a Glance
Compared with similar sedans in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra are high published crash-test results and an above-average RepairPal reliability rating, with lower estimated fuel cost. The main caution is that estimated five-year cost runs high.
- safety
- reliability
- fuel cost
Strengths in the data
- Safety: 5-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest Sedans 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable Sedans 2026 →
- Fuel: Below-average fuel cost among gas Sedans. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,950. Cheapest Sedans to fuel 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- Best estimated five-year cost in the lineup still lands about $6,894 above the similar-vehicle average.
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
With both a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS TSP+ designation, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra has been tested by both NHTSA and IIHS crash test programs. 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 uses a five-star scale. IIHS rates individual crash types with Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Looking at both tells you more than either one alone.
How Did the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra earned an IIHS TSP+. To qualify, a vehicle must score well across all crash test categories and demonstrate effective crash prevention technology. 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
A strong crash test result tells you the vehicle was well-engineered for collisions. The recall record tells you whether any defects have been found after production began.
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 campaigns. Source: NHTSA.
No recalls on file with NHTSA
What Do 2026 Hyundai Elantra Owners Report to NHTSA?
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 2026-04-16.
Commuting miles add up. The EPA fuel data below shows what you can expect to spend annually on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra, broken down by trim.
What Is the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy?
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra achieves up to 31 combined MPG according to EPA testing, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,950. That is $227 more per year than the $1,723 average for budget Sedans. EPA estimates are based on standardized laboratory tests. Source: EPA (fueleconomy.gov).
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Sport | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Sport Premium | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| Limited | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| N Line | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel cost is $9,750 based on EPA data.
Commuters put the most predictable miles on a vehicle. That makes the full ownership cost, not just fuel, the number that matters most. AAA breaks it down below.
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 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,572 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,462 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $613 per year |
| Financing | $854 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $9,956 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.56 per mile |
Commuters benefit most from the trim that balances fuel economy and features at the lowest total cost. The table below puts all 5 options side by side.
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 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $78,655 |
| SEL Sport | $23,750 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $80,030 |
| SEL Sport Premium | $25,075 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $81,355 |
| Limited | $27,175 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | 147 hp | 2,868 lbs | $83,455 |
| N Line | $29,400 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | 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
last available 2024
- SEL
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 31 MPG | $22,125 31 MPG | $22,625 31 MPG |
| SEL | $23,575 31 MPG | — | — |
| Limited | $27,065 31 MPG | $26,775 31 MPG | $27,175 31 MPG |
| N Line | $28,465 31 MPG | $28,975 31 MPG | $29,400 31 MPG |
| SEL Sport | — | $23,250 31 MPG | $23,750 31 MPG |
| SEL Sport Premium | — | — | $25,075 31 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
Once you have settled on a trim, long-term dependability becomes the deciding factor. The section below shows the third-party reliability rating currently available.
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.
Reliability data tells you what to expect. Warranty coverage tells you what Hyundai will fix for free if something goes wrong within the covered period.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Come With?
Warranty coverage defines Hyundai's financial commitment if something fails. The terms below apply to all 2026 Elantra trims. Longer powertrain coverage reflects the manufacturer's confidence in drivetrain durability.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Specs?
Technical specifications for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra from manufacturer data. Engine size, horsepower, curb weight, and dimensions are shown for the primary configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Compact car
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 201 hp |
| Power-to-Weight | 102.5 - 133.1 hp per ton |
| Price per HP | $146 - $185 |
| 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 |
| Est. Range per Tank | 384 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| 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
All data shown for the 2026 Hyundai Elantra comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. For a vehicle driven every day, the fuel and reliability data above matters most. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Hyundai Elantra FAQ
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.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Hyundai Elantra?
In the sedan segment, the closest alternatives to the 2026 Hyundai Elantra are 2026 Kia K4 (starting at $22,290, 5-star NHTSA, 28 MPG); and 2026 Volkswagen Jetta (starting at $23,995, 5-star NHTSA, 34 MPG); and 2026 Honda Civic (starting at $24,695, 5-star NHTSA, 34-49 MPG). Each page on this site covers the same data sources 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 $163 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $993 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Hyundai based?
Hyundai is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Hyundai Elantra may be assembled in a different country than where Hyundai is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Hyundai models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Hyundai model on this site has its own fact sheet covering available safety, fuel, reliability, cost, and recall data. Visit our Hyundai models page for the full lineup.
What does the 2026 Hyundai Elantra cost per mile to drive?
Based on AAA ownership cost estimates and EPA fuel data, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra costs approximately 55.9 cents per mile to operate, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and financing. Actual cost per mile depends on your annual mileage, driving habits, and location.
Compare to Similar Vehicles
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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.