2026 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021-present Hyundai Elantra is the CN7 generation and returned the model to bold, heavily creased styling on a longer, lower, and wider body. Powertrains include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an intelligent variable transmission, a hybrid pairing a 1.6-liter engine with a six-speed dual-clutch, a 1.6-liter turbocharged N Line with a seven-speed dual-clutch, and the Elantra N with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 276 horsepower. All drive the front wheels.

The Elantra N is the significant addition, giving the model genuine performance credentials with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive dampers, and an available eight-speed wet dual-clutch. The hybrid is the efficiency standout in the range. Interior technology took a large step forward with available twin ten-inch displays.

As a used buy, the CN7 Elantra is recent enough that most examples retain factory coverage. The relevant ownership consideration for the earlier years of this generation is the theft vulnerability affecting certain Hyundai and Kia models built without an engine immobilizer, which prompted a software update program and affected insurance availability in some markets. Confirming whether a specific car received that update matters. The hybrid and the Elantra N are the two versions that stand out most clearly against class rivals.