2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Review: Budget-Friendly Fuel Saver

      Have you heard? Hybrids are making a resurgence. After a period where they were pushed aside for sleek new electric vehicles, automakers have reevaluated their stance. While EVs remain a hot topic, hybrid models are no longer hidden in the background of presentations about future growth. What prompted this change? Consumer interest.

      The growth of battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales is slowing, and Automotive News reports that a typical hybrid sells in half the time of an average car. So, what does this mean for vehicles like the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid? The Elantra is among the few sedans still offered in a U.S. market that favors trucks and SUVs. Despite this, the Hyundai compact car continues to be a strong seller.

      After spending a week with this sub-$30K Hybrid variant, it’s easy to understand why.

      Beverly Braga

      The Basics

      Updated last year with exterior enhancements and feature upgrades, the Elantra Hybrid is available in three trims: the base Blue, the new mid-tier SEL Sport, and this top-tier Limited. The Elantra Hybrid, which was introduced during the 2021 redesign, is relatively new. The gas-powered Elantra starts at $23,320, while the Hybrid begins at $26,645, making it the most affordable electrified Hyundai on the market.

      Now in its sixth generation, the Elantra is one of the oldest nameplates in the Hyundai lineup. In terms of design, opinions vary. Some, including myself, might not appreciate the elaborate “Parametric Dynamics” design of the front grille. The angular shapes, also seen on the C-pillar, look impressive but can be challenging for detailers. However, others might walk by and enthusiastically say, “Oh, what a lovely car!” True story, and thanks for the compliment, grandma.

      Beverly Braga

      Being a compact sedan doesn’t restrict the interior space. The Elantra Hybrid Limited I drove was comfortable, spacious, and equipped with plenty of buttons (yasss). However, there were downsides. The rear visibility was surprisingly poor. Additionally, while it may have been an isolated case, the cabin of the Elantra Hybrid wasn't as quiet as my previous experience suggested. Wind noise from the B-pillar turned any drive over 50 mph into an ordeal for my left ear.

      Driving the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

      The Elantra Hybrid features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine that generates a total of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed DCT. While driving around, the Elantra Hybrid felt adequately powered, and the engine sound was acceptable during normal commuting.

      Beverly Braga

      The ride was comfortable, and I didn't detect any creaks or rattles while navigating bumpy roads. This compact four-door is easy to handle, whether in small parking spaces, making tight U-turns, or fitting into a garage cluttered with stuff. However, during more dynamic driving, the hybrid engine tended to sound overworked or not engaged.

      The Elantra Hybrid offers three driving modes: Eco, Sport, and Smart. Previously, Normal was the default, but Eco is now set as the standard mode. Sport mode alters the steering feel and keeps the gears engaged longer, while Smart mode automatically selects the appropriate setting based on driving style.

      I tried Sport mode, but it wasn’t particularly exhilarating. The steering felt more responsive, but the high engine RPMs sounded strained. The Elantra Hybrid didn't perform poorly; it simply sounded fatigued. In Eco mode, the powertrain felt lackluster, almost as if it were forgetting to shift. My clear preference became Smart mode, which strikes a balance. Regardless of the chosen mode, the Elantra resets to Eco by default upon restart, requiring you to reselect your preferred setting.

      The mode reset isn't a major inconvenience. However, the wind noise was something I could do without. Although it wasn't a high-pitched sound, it was an annoying, constant noise around the B-pillar. I found myself adjusting the window switches, thinking one wasn’t completely closed. Commuting in town, the Elantra Hybrid's interior was relatively quiet, but once I hit highway speeds, I'd have to turn up the radio to drown out the drone. Who wants to listen to loud music for an hour, though? Perhaps this specific car has the noise issue, as I drove an earlier Elantra Hybrid and found it very quiet.

      Beverly Braga

      What was nice on the highway? The safety technology. Hyundai is well-known for its extensive safety features, and the Elantra is no exception. Standard equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. The Limited trim enhances this with adaptive cruise control with stop & go and highway driving assist, all