The 2024-2026 Elantra (CN7 facelift) is the best Hyundai Elantra generation, with the 2021-2023 CN7 at #2 and the 2019-2020 AD facelift at #3. Generations are ranked on NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS results and launch prices; the new CN8 is ranked low because it has no US record yet.
2024-2026 model years: the facelifted Avante was revealed in South Korea on 27 February 2023 and the North American Elantra was introduced on August 30, 2023 in petrol, hybrid and N versions
The newest Elantra you can buy in the US, with a 50 mpg hybrid and the N
2021-2023 model years: unveiled on 17 March 2020 in West Hollywood, on sale in late 2020 in the US and Canada, and selected the 2021 North American Car of the Year
2026: the eighth-generation Avante (CN8) was unveiled on 26 June 2026 at the Busan International Mobility Show; South Korean sales began in August 2026 and export markets including the Elantra follow during 2027
2000-2006 model years: the XD launched in 2000 and was refreshed in 2004 with new headlights, grille and dashboard; from model year 2001 US cars had standard front and front-side airbags and air conditioning
A cheap runabout with the airbags standard from 2001
1990-1995: launched in October 1990, with a mid-term facelift in April 1993 that added ABS, front airbags and fog lamps
The original Elantra for collectors
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2024-2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN7 facelift)
Best modern used buy
2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra (CN7)
Best cheap used
2017-2018 Hyundai Elantra (AD)
Biggest award winner
2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra (MD/UD)
Newest
2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN8)
The ranking
1
2024-2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN7 facelift)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe best Elantra to buy today.
Years: 2024-2026 model years: the facelifted Avante was revealed in South Korea on 27 February 2023 and the North American Elantra was introduced on August 30, 2023 in petrol, hybrid and N versionsPrice: 2026 Elantra SE $22,625, Elantra HEV Blue $25,450 and Elantra N manual $35,100 (MSRP; freight of $1,245 is extra)EPA fuel economy: 2024 Elantra Hybrid: 50 mpg combined (49 city / 52 hwy)NHTSA: 2024 model year: 1 recall (an exhaust gas recirculation valve short circuit that can cause loss of drive power) and 55 complaintsIIHS: The 2026 Elantra was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with Good ratings in the small overlap front, updated moderate overlap front, updated side, headlights and pedestrian front crash prevention tests
The facelifted CN7 was revealed in South Korea on 27 February 2023 and reached North America on August 30, 2023 with petrol, hybrid and N versions. The 2026 Elantra was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the 2024 Hybrid is rated 50 mpg combined, and the 2024 model year has 1 recall and 55 complaints.
Go ifThe newest Elantra you can buy in the US, with a 50 mpg hybrid and the N
Skip ifYou want a cheap used one, since the facelift is the newest and priciest
Why #1 over #2: Its hybrid, IIHS award and short NHTSA record beat the 2021-2023 CN7.
2
2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra (CN7)
Photo: Mr.choppers / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe pre-facelift CN7 with the most recalls of the newer cars.
Years: 2021-2023 model years: unveiled on 17 March 2020 in West Hollywood, on sale in late 2020 in the US and Canada, and selected the 2021 North American Car of the YearPrice: 2021 launch prices: SE $19,650, Limited $25,450, Elantra Hybrid from $23,550 and Elantra N Line $24,100 (MSRP; $995 destination is extra)EPA fuel economy: 2022 Elantra Hybrid: 50 mpg combined (49 city / 52 hwy)NHTSA: 2021 model year: 6 recalls, including front seat belt pretensioners that may explode on deployment and a windshield that may not be bonded, and 132 complaints
The CN7 was unveiled on 17 March 2020 and was the 2021 North American Car of the Year. The 2022 Hybrid is rated 50 mpg combined and the 2021 SE started at $19,650, but the 2021 model year has 6 recalls, including seat belt pretensioners that may explode.
Go ifA modern cabin and a hybrid at a used-car price
Skip ifYou are sensitive to recalls: the 2021 model year has 6
Why #2 over #3: Its cabin and hybrid beat the AD facelift, though the 6 recalls hold it behind the facelift.
3
2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra (AD facelift)
Photo: BuickRiviera99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA solid sedan with one engine recall.
Years: 2019-2020 model years: the facelifted Avante was launched in South Korea on 6 September 2018 and went on sale in the US as a 2019 modelPrice: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 2019 Elantra 2.0 L automatic: 32 mpg combined (28 city / 37 hwy)NHTSA: 2019 model year: 1 recall (piston oil rings on 2.0 L Nu MPI engines may not have been properly heat-treated, which can lead to engine damage and stalling) and 252 complaintsSafety kit: From the 2019 facelift the SEL trim and above includes Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist and Drive Attention Alert
The AD facelift went on sale as a 2019 model after launching in South Korea on 6 September 2018. The 2.0 L automatic returns 32 mpg combined, the SEL and above add Forward Collision Avoidance and Lane Keep Assist, and the 1 recall for 2019 covers 2.0 L engine piston oil rings.
Go ifThe last Elantra before the sharp-edged redesign
Skip ifYou want the newest cabin technology
Why #3 over #4: Its standard driver aids beat the pre-facelift AD.
4
2017-2018 Hyundai Elantra (AD)
Photo: EurovisionNim / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictGood value but 769 complaints for 2017.
Years: 2017-2018 model years: debuted at the November 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2017 model year and went on sale in the US in January 2016Price: 2017 launch prices: SE manual $17,150, SE automatic $18,150 and Limited $22,350 (MSRP; $835 freight is extra)Engine: SE and Limited: 2.0 L Nu MPI 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torqueEPA fuel economy: 2017 Elantra 2.0 L automatic: 32 mpg combined (28 city / 37 hwy)NHTSA: 2017 model year: 4 recalls (including a power steering connector and a brake booster) and 769 complaints, with the engine the most reported component at 290
The AD debuted at the November 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show for the 2017 model year, priced from $17,150. Its 2.0 L engine makes 147 horsepower and returns 32 mpg combined, but the 2017 model year has 769 complaints, 290 of them about the engine.
Go ifA refined, quiet-riding compact at a low used price
Skip ifYou want the engine with the cleanest NHTSA record
Why #4 over #5: Its efficiency and low price beat the HD, though its complaint count sits behind the facelift.
5
2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra (HD)
Photo: IFCAR / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictStrong quality scores, thin on tech.
Years: 2007-2010 model years: the HD debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show; the 2009 model year was J.D. Power's highest-quality compact carPrice: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 2009 Elantra 2.0 L four-speed automatic: 28 mpg combined (25 city / 33 hwy)NHTSA: 2007 model year: 6 recalls and 267 complaintsIIHS: Good overall in the frontal test and Marginal in the side test, with Elantras built after November 2009 earning Good in the side test
The HD debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show. The 2009 model year was J.D. Power's highest-quality compact car and the 2.0 L automatic returns 28 mpg combined, but the 2007 model year has 6 recalls and 267 complaints.
Go ifA roomy cheap used compact with standard side curtain airbags
Skip ifYou want modern driver aids
Why #5 over #6: Its quality scores and mpg beat the MD/UD on complaints.
6
2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra (MD/UD)
Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictA hit that carries the most complaints.
Years: 2011-2016 model years: named the 2012 North American Car of the Year at the Detroit Auto Show, with 186,361 US sales in 2011Price: 2011 launch prices: GLS manual $14,945 and Limited automatic $20,195 (MSRP; $750 freight is extra)EPA fuel economy: 2013 Elantra 1.8 L: 32 mpg combined (28 city / 38 hwy)EPA revision: The original 2011-2012 EPA estimates were revised in November 2012 after a series of testing procedural errorsNHTSA: 2013 model year: 4 recalls and 1,330 complaints, led by service brakes at 285, steering at 271 and engine at 235
The 2011-2016 generation was the 2012 North American Car of the Year and sold 186,361 cars in the US in 2011, starting at $14,945. The 2013 model year has 1,330 NHTSA complaints, and the original EPA estimates were revised in November 2012.
Go ifA sleek-looking, efficient used compact that sold in huge numbers
Skip ifYou are shopping the 2013 model year, which has 1,330 complaints
Why #6 over #7: Its awards and 32 mpg combined beat the CN8 on a proven record, but the complaint count is high.
7
2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN8)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictPromising, but unproven.
Years: 2026: the eighth-generation Avante (CN8) was unveiled on 26 June 2026 at the Busan International Mobility Show; South Korean sales began in August 2026 and export markets including the Elantra follow during 2027Powertrain: An updated 2.0 L naturally aspirated petrol engine and an updated 1.6 L petrol-electric hybrid, with a larger body and the Pleos Connect infotainment systemPrice: Not published in the sources usedUS ratings: No NHTSA recall or complaint history and no EPA rating yet for the CN8
The CN8 was unveiled on 26 June 2026 with a larger body, a 2.0 L petrol and a 1.6 L hybrid. South Korean sales began in August 2026 and export markets follow during 2027, so there is no NHTSA or EPA record yet.
Go ifSeeing where the Elantra goes next
Skip ifYou need a car with a track record or an EPA rating today
Why #7 over #8: It is new and promising, which puts it ahead of the older XD, but unproven.
8
2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra (XD)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictAn old car with a long recall list.
Years: 2000-2006 model years: the XD launched in 2000 and was refreshed in 2004 with new headlights, grille and dashboard; from model year 2001 US cars had standard front and front-side airbags and air conditioningPrice: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 2004 Elantra 2.0 L four-speed automatic: 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 hwy); five-speed manual: 26 mpg combined (23 city / 31 hwy)NHTSA: 2004 model year: 5 recalls (including fuel spillage in an IIHS offset test from a vapor tube hose clamp) and 182 complaints
The XD launched in 2000 and was refreshed in 2004. From model year 2001 US cars had standard front and front-side airbags, the 2004 2.0 L automatic returns 24 mpg combined, and the 2004 model year has 5 recalls.
Go ifA cheap runabout with the airbags standard from 2001
Skip ifYou want a recall-light older car
Why #8 over #9: Its standard airbags beat the J2 on safety.
9
1995-2000 Hyundai Elantra (J2)
Photo: OSX / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictBasic and old.
Years: 1995-2000: launched in March 1995, with a facelift in February 1998; sold as the Lantra in Australia and parts of EuropePrice: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 1996 Elantra 1.8 L automatic: 23 mpg combined (20 city / 29 hwy)NHTSA: 1996 model year: 3 recalls (two for fuel tank distortion from excessive evaporative system vacuum and one for the wiper motor) and 109 complaints
The J2 launched in March 1995 and was facelifted in February 1998. The 1996 model year has 3 recalls and 109 complaints, and the 1.8 L automatic returns 23 mpg combined.
Go ifA low-cost survivor with a 1.8 L engine
Skip ifYou need airbags and modern safety
Why #9 over #10: Its better economy beats the J1.
10
1990-1995 Hyundai Elantra (J1)
Photo: Rudolf Stricker / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe origin story, little else.
Years: 1990-1995: launched in October 1990, with a mid-term facelift in April 1993 that added ABS, front airbags and fog lampsPrice: Not published in the sources usedEPA fuel economy: 1993 Elantra 1.8 L automatic: 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 hwy)NHTSA: 1993 model year: 0 recalls and 40 complaints
The J1 launched in October 1990 and gained ABS and front airbags in the April 1993 facelift. The 1993 model year has 0 recalls and 40 complaints, and the 1.8 L automatic returns 22 mpg combined.
Go ifThe original Elantra for collectors
Skip ifYou want a daily driver
How we ranked these
We ranked each generation on NHTSA recall and complaint counts, EPA fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov, IIHS and award results, and Hyundai launch pricing where published. NHTSA counts are for the single model year named in each entry, and facelifts are listed separately. The chart shows the year each generation was introduced. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best Hyundai Elantra generation?
The 2024-2026 facelifted CN7 ranks first: it has a hybrid rated 50 mpg combined, an IIHS Top Safety Pick award for the 2026 model, and only 1 recall for the 2024 model year.
Which Elantra generation has the most NHTSA complaints?
Among the years checked, the 2013 model year of the 2011-2016 generation has 1,330 NHTSA complaints, led by service brakes, steering and the engine.
What is the most fuel-efficient Elantra?
The Elantra Hybrid is rated 50 mpg combined (49 city / 52 hwy) by the EPA for the 2024 model year.
Did the Elantra ever have an engine recall?
Yes. Hyundai recalled certain 2019-2020 Elantra vehicles with 2.0 L Nu MPI engines because the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could cause engine damage and stalling.
Year introduced at a glance
1990-1995 Hyundai Elantra (J1)1,990 year
1995-2000 Hyundai Elantra (J2)1,995 year
2000-2006 Hyundai Elantra (XD)2,000 year
2007-2010 Hyundai Elantra (HD)2,007 year
2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra (MD/UD)2,011 year
2017-2018 Hyundai Elantra (AD)2,017 year
2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra (AD facelift)2,019 year
2021-2023 Hyundai Elantra (CN7)2,021 year
2024-2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN7 facelift)2,024 year
2026 Hyundai Elantra (CN8)2,026 year
Year introduced, as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
