We got to experience the space, comfort, features and other aspects of the eighth-gen Hyundai Elantra during its global unveiling in June 2026.
The model is now on sale in South Korea and should soon arrive at American dealers as a MY2027 vehicle. Compared to the seventh-gen car sold as a MY2026 vehicle in the U.S., it brings a host of major upgrades.
Following our experience with both cars, here’s a general comparison between the 2027 Hyundai Elantra and the previous-gen model (hybrid versions) that’s on sale:
Design
While the U.S.-spec model has yet to be revealed, in South Korea, the 2027 Hyundai Elantra is 55 mm (2.2 in.) longer, 30 mm (1.2 in.) wider, and 5 mm (0.2 in.) taller than the model it replaces, and its wheelbase is 30 mm (1.2 in.) longer. The dimensions have changed only modestly, but the exterior marks a major shift in character.
The latest model embodies the Art of Steel design language that debuted on the second-generation Nexo, combining sharp lines and muscular curves with modern detailing and a more traditional-looking glasshouse.
Compared to the current model, the more traditional-looking glasshouse and assertive front end, with a longer, flatter hood, a concave nose, and sharp-looking slim daytime running lights, give the 2027 Elantra a stronger presence. The car does look a bit quirky from the rear three-quarter angle, though.
Interior
Inside, too, the 2027 Hyundai Elantra has a completely new theme, one that is reminiscent of a modern living space. It doesn’t have that fluidic look of the 2026 Elantra’s cabin and is more focused on practicality.
The latest model’s dashboard is a visually distinct element rather than flowing seamlessly into the door panels as in the current model. It adopts a more upright, boxy shape in place of its predecessor’s sleek styling. The tubular section along its lower edge resembles a sofa bolster.
While the 2026 Elantra integrates the available pair of 10.25-inch cockpit displays under a single glass panel, the wide gap between them draws attention to the thick bezels, making the layout at a seamless single-display look feel forced.
The all-new Elantra clearly separates the digital instrument cluster from the touchscreen infotainment system, both part of the Android Automotive OS-based Pleos Connect cockpit. The former sits atop the dashboard, while the latter mounts centrally on its front face.
The digital instrument cluster is a slim 9.9-inch unit, while the touchscreen infotainment system is either a 12.9- or a 14.6-inch unit, depending on the trim. From our time in the car at its world premiere at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, we can say the new layout completely changes the user experience.
We felt that the infotainment system feels like using a familiar Android tablet. The 16:9 aspect ratio, the new Gleo AI voice assistant, the multi-window layout, and the suite of native apps make it much simpler to use.
Instead of a conventional gear lever located in the center console like in the 2026 Elantra, Hyundai uses a steering column-mounted gear selector in the 2027 Elantra, which makes changing gears more convenient and frees up storage space in the center console.
Upgrades like a dual wireless smartphone charger, 100W USB Type-C ports, and Digital Key 2 further enhance convenience in the latest model. A Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers and an external amplifier is another highlight on the tech front.
Based on our experience at the world premiere, we can say that the 2027 Elantra offers sufficient space for six-foot-tall occupants in both front and rear. Hyundai has adopted ultra-high-strength steel in the frame of the front seatbacks, making them 30 mm (1.2 in.) slimmer and freeing up more knee room for the rear passengers.
According to South Korean specifications, the rear legroom, rear headroom, and rear shoulder room have increased by 29 mm (1.1 in.), 18 mm (0.7 in.), and 22 mm (0.9 in.), respectively. These measurements now stand at 993 mm (39.1 in.), 958 mm (37.7 in.), and 1,434 mm (56.5 in.), respectively.
Specifications
Powering the 2027 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a third-generation Smartstream 1.6-liter naturally aspirated direct-injection gas engine producing 105 PS (104 hp) and 14.7 kgf·m (106 lb-ft) of torque and an electric motor generating 45 kW (60 hp) and 203 Nm (150 lb-ft) of torque.
The new engine comes linked to a second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With 157 PS (155 hp) of total power and 27.0 kgf·m (195 lb-ft) of total torque, the 2027 Elantra Hybrid accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 9.7 seconds and achieves a top speed of 187 km/h (116 mph).
Compared to the 2026 Elantra Hybrid, the latest model is 0.6 seconds quicker and 9 km/h (6 mph) faster. According to the test cycle followed in South Korea, it offers a fuel economy of up to 21.2 km/l (50 mpg), which marks an improvement of 2 km/l (5 mpg) over a similarly equipped older model.
If the U.S.-spec 2027 Elantra Hybrid comes with a similar gain in fuel economy, the maximum EPA-estimated figure could be around 60 mpg. Needless to say, this figure would apply to a potential basic ‘Blue’ trim. The higher trims could deliver around 55 mpg.
Price
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is available in the U.S. in Blue, SEL Sport, and Limited trims, priced at USD 25,650, USD 27,625, and USD 30,000, respectively. All MSRPs exclude a USD 1,295 destination fee.
The 2027 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid’s prices could range from around USD 26,500 to around USD 32,000, and the destination fee could be slightly higher, possibly close to USD 1,400.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
