I’m on a hybrid kick up to now beginning off the 12 months, which isn’t to say that you need to overlook about EVs solely. This time I’m testing out one of the reasonably priced hybrid automobiles you may get at present, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, which has a beginning price ticket of $25,350 and has an absurd EPA-estimate 54 mpg mixed gasoline economic system.
I’ve been driving the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid within the Restricted trim, which jumps as much as $29,700, but it surely nonetheless has a mixed economic system score of fifty mpg. Given the spectacular performances and worth propositions of earlier hybrids I’ve examined, the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Elantra Hybrid must by some means present me it’s the higher choice.
I spent per week driving the Elantra Hybrid and I didn’t suppose {that a} compact sedan reminiscent of this might ever really feel this premium for beneath $30k, but it surely does.
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2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted: SpecificationsSwipe to scroll horizontallyRow 0 – Cell 0
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted
Engine
1.6L GDI 4-cylinder hybrid
Gas Financial system
49 mpg metropolis / 52 mpg freeway / 50 mpg mixed
Gas Tank Capability
11 gallons
Horsepower
104 hp
Wheels
17-inches
MSRP
$29,700
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted: Testing abstract
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Let me get straight to the purpose: I drove a complete of 182.1 miles in my week’s value of testing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra, leading to a mean gasoline economic system of 39.8 mpg. That’s properly under the 50 mpg it’s rated for, in addition to coming quick to the 50.8 mpg I received with final 12 months’s 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.
However to be honest, I drove that within the summertime. Chilly climate has a big impression on a car’s gasoline economic system, which might be the principle cause why I received a decrease gasoline economic system — and extra so after I drove it in eco mode for more often than not. On the flip facet, it’s higher than the 36.7 mpg and 36.2 mpg I averaged with the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid respectively.
With a full gasoline tank, it was displaying me a variety of 490 miles, which is staggering and way over what essentially the most environment friendly EVs I’ve examined may get — just like the Lucid Air Pure. This may calculate to a mean of 44.5 mpg primarily based on its 11-gallon gasoline tank, which continues to be respectable by at present’s requirements. In my lengthy distance driving check, the Elantra Hybrid achieved a mean economic system of 48.6 mpg driving a complete of 35.4 miles.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Complete miles pushed
182.1 miles
Row 0 – Cell 2
Common gasoline economic system
39.8 mpg
Row 1 – Cell 2
Finest lengthy distance gasoline economic system
48.6 mpg
Row 2 – Cell 2
Finest quick vary gasoline economic system
50 mpg
Row 3 – Cell 2 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted: What I LikeAffordable price
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
This one’s a no brainer as a result of in an period the place the common price of an EV quantities to about $55,544 in keeping with Kelly Blue E-book, the $25,350 beginning price of the Elantra Hybrid’s base trim is a fraction of that. Even with the Restricted trim’s barely larger $29,700 price, you’re nonetheless getting an unimaginable quantity of financial savings over most EVs.
It additionally will prevent more cash in the long term with gasoline prices due to its higher effectivity in comparison with your normal gas-powered sedan that will get about 30 mpg gasoline economic system. I requested Google Gemini to calculate the gasoline price for the Elantra Hybrid if it had been pushed 1,000 miles per thirty days for 10 years, whereas factoring inflation — which got here out to $9,801.99. In distinction, a automobile with 30 mpg gasoline economic system would price $16,336.65.
Premium leatherette trimmed seats
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
I didn’t suppose that entry-level fashions had been handled to premium inside areas, however the Elantra Hybrid surprises me in additional methods than one. For starters, the H-Tex leatherette trimmed seats give the inside an expensive feel and look. They’re somewhat on the agency facet, however the materials does make it extra resilient to unintentional spills.
I additionally like that it includes a powered driver’s seat with lumbar help, plus I discover it handy that there are two reminiscence seat choices — in order that I can have my very own settings, whereas the opposite might be for my accomplice.
Deep trunk area
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Trunk areas are sometimes ignored, but it surely’s uncommon for a compact sedan to have a deeper, extra spacious one than some crossovers I’ve tried. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is one among them, which manages to simply match the whole thing of my Jackrabbit OG2 bike — whereas on the Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV, I used to be compelled to maneuver down the rear seats to be able to sufficiently stow it away within the trunk.
Surprisingly easy acceleration
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Though its 104 hp efficiency is likely one of the weakest I’ve skilled in any automobile I’ve examined over the past 12 months, the 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder hybrid engine nonetheless makes for a easy driving expertise getting as much as cruising pace. In different PHEVs I’ve pushed, just like the Kia Niro PHEV, acceleration is commonly sluggish in gas-power mode.
Nonetheless, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted gives fast gear shifting climbing as much as 45 mph. Switching to sport mode amps the acceleration by somewhat bit extra, however I nonetheless discovered eco mode to be simply as easy.
Minimalist cluster show
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
One factor I like about Hyundai’s interface is that I can change the cluster show to seem rather more simplified. I’m not bombarded by a ton of icons, numbers, or different settings for me to have a look at or attempt to bear in mind what they’re whereas driving. This simplified interface is one thing that Toyota wants to have a look at as a result of its interface is notoriously overwhelming to have a look at.
There’s additionally the real-time gasoline economic system gauge within the backside that signifies to me when the automobile’s being powered by the battery, which I discover useful in preserving me extra aware about being mild with my driving.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted: What I Do not LikeWired Android Auto and CarPlay
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Nothing annoys me greater than when automobiles don’t provide help for wi-fi Android Auto or CarPlay, so I’m compelled to make use of a USB cable to entry these providers on my telephone. I suppose it might be worse and never help it in any respect.
It’s an inconvenience as a result of I’ve to recollect to attach my telephone earlier than I begin driving, whereas with wi-fi help, it seamlessly begins and I can entry it from the principle touchscreen show.
Unusable facet panel
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
I noticed the identical factor with final 12 months’s mannequin, so I used to be somewhat aggravated that Hyundai has chosen to not do something with the facet panel on the motive force’s facet. It’s nonetheless useless area that serves no perform.
I do know that in different automobiles in its lineup, this part is used for a fingerprint sensor to activate the car — but it surely’s simply empty area right here. Hyundai may’ve added magnets, or one thing to make it perform as a telephone holder, however nope.
So-so design
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
There’s one thing unusual in regards to the Elantra Hybrid’s design. Relying on the angle you take a look at it, the Elantra’s design can look futuristic — like its aggressive entrance grill. From one other angle, just like the again, it seems to be cumbersome with its large bumper and uninspiring angles. Actually, the design seems to be equivalent to final 12 months’s mannequin, so I’m hoping for a facelift with the subsequent one.
2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Restricted: Backside Line
(Picture credit score: Tom’s Information / John Velasco)
Finances-minded automobile consumers must preserve the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid in thoughts because it combines a fuel-efficient efficiency with a well-equipped inside area. I can’t stress sufficient about the price of this hybrid automobile, particularly when it gives the most effective gasoline economies in a hybrid automobile I’ve examined up to now this 12 months.
With the Restricted trim, there’s a good quantity of premium options that make its sub-$30k price impressively engaging. Wi-fi charging to your telephone, premium Bose audio system, and adaptive cruise management are just some extra perks that make the additional price worthwhile. It’s not the prettiest on the surface, but it surely certain does make up for it on the within.
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