Introduction
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan is a compact vehicle, last redesigned for the 2011 model year. The coupe and hatchback, which are covered in separate previews, were added this year.
Hyundai's second best-selling model, the Elantra competes against the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla, among others.
Exterior Features
The Elantra features the automaker's Fluidic Sculpture design, which Hyundai says "considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion." The sedan shares its 106.3-inch wheelbase and 14.8 cubic foot trunk with the coupe, but the hatchback is a little smaller and offers more cargo space. The Elantra GLS sedan comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, and 17-inch wheels are standard on the Limited trim level, which also adds a sunroof and fog lights.
Interior Features
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS comes standard with cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat, air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, split-folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD stereo, satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, USB port, trip computer, outside temperature display, and a theft-deterrent system. The Limited trim level adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar adjustment, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Optional Features
Two main option packages are offered for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan. The base model includes the Preferred Equipment package with steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, cloth door trim, illuminated visor mirrors with extensions, sliding center armrest, and fog lights. The Elantra Limited is offered with the Technology package, which includes a navigation system, reversing camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, 360-watt sound system, keyless access and starting, and automatic headlights. Other stand-alone options consist of remote engine starting and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener.
Under the Hood
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra has a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque and 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic with manual shift capability. The Elantra is offered only with front-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission are 28/38/32 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Safety
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra comes standard with dual front air bags, front side air bags, curtain side air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor.
In government crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Hyundai Elantra sedan received 4 stars (out of 5) in the frontal crash and rollover tests, and 5 stars in the side-impact crash test. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Elantra received a "Good" rating--the Institute's highest--for moderate front overlap, side impact, roof strength, and rear-seat crash protection, making it an IIHS "Top Safety Pick." It was not subjected to the new small overlap front test, however, in which a "Good" rating is also required for a model to qualify for the Institute's "Top Safety Pick Plus" rating.
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