2013 Hyundai Elantra

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Rating8.1

Ranked #2 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$16,695 - $21,115
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on January 31, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Lots of standard features for the price

Tight rear row seating

Introduction of two new models

Superior build quality of cabin with excellent comfort levels

Lacks sportiness

Air conditioning and cruise control are now made standard

Spacious trunk

Response from the steering wheel could have been made better

Excellent warranty coverage

Specs & Features

$17,965

price

148 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

131 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Hyundai Elantra is an excellent family sedan with a refined interior, good cargo space, as well as commendable fuel economy. It has all the features that make it the perfect family sedan. It vaunts reliability and even in its fifth generation continues to be a preferred choice in the market.

Buying Advice

For those considering buying an Elantra, we recommend the base model since there are no significant downsides to consider. The base model has almost all the features of the Limited trim. 

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra comes with a 1.8L Inline-4 engine that offers decent performance for the segment. Elantra is also available in two other body styles: coupe and hatchback. In addition, it is also available with PZEV technology that helps reduce pollution. This sedan costs $16,695, making it go up against the rivals such as the Honda CivicKia Forte, Chevrolet Cruze, and the Ford Focus.

Features
9.0/10

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra comes in two trim levels, GLS and Limited. However, both of these trims can be ordered with either a manual or automatic transmission. In addition, both of these trims are available in another variant, called the PZEV. PZEV is also known as partial zero-emission vehicles, which lowers power output to help the vehicle limit its emissions. Besides that, the Elantra is available in both coupes and hatchbacks, which we will cover in a separate article.

Trims

GLS

Limited

MSRP (FWD)

$16,695

$21,115

Key Features

Cruise Control

Heated front and rear seats

 

6-way power-adjustable driver seat

Blind Spot Monitor

 

Steering wheel with mounted controls

Leather upholstery

 

Heated mirrors

Forward Collision Warning

 

60/40 split-folding rear seat

Sunroof

 

Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel

17-inch alloy wheels

We Recommend

For those considering buying an Elantra, we recommend the base model since there are no significant downsides to consider. The base model has almost all the features of the Limited trim. 

Engine and Performance
7.0/10

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra engine is a 1.8L Inline-4 unit. It is capable of making 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, which is okay, but on the highways, this might be a little sluggish. The base model is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. However, the top trim is only available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This sedan comes with an FWD drivetrain as standard, like all its competitors.

There is also another variant of the Elantra available in California that is equipped with PZEV technology. In PZEV models, the power is slightly reduced, but the emissions are significantly lower than in non-PZEV models. As a daily commuter, driving the Hyundai Elantra feels good, but it doesn't offer the best dynamics in its class. While the Elantra's closest rivals offer a smoother ride quality, it has no significant drawbacks either. The cabin feels very isolated, barring unwanted noises from the engine and the outside environment from entering. The steering feels responsive, but there is still room for improvement. It sprints from 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds and is one of the slowest vehicles in the segment.

Models

2013 Hyundai Elantra

2013 Kia Forte

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

2013 Ford Focus

MSRP

$16,695

$15,400

$17,130

$16,200

Engine 

1.8L Inline-4

2.0L Inline-4

1.8L Inline-4

2.0L Inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

6-speed Manual

6-speed Manual

6-speed Manual

5-speed Manual 

Power 

148 HP @6500 rpm

156 HP @6200 rpm

138HP @4900rpm

160HP @6500rpm

Torque

131 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

144 lb-ft @ 4300 rpm

125 lb-ft @1850rpm

146 lb-ft @4450rpm

0-60 MPH (sec)

9.4

8.1

9.5

8.3

Quarter mile (sec)

17.0

16.2

13.8

N/A

Top Speed (MPH)

120

130

115

130

In comparison to the Ford Focus and the Kia Forte, the Hyundai Elantra isn't the most powerful sedan. However, if you are purely looking at the sedans here on a performance basis, then our pick is the Ford Focus or Kia Forte, both of which offer impressive acceleration taking under 8.5 seconds to the 60mph mark and also provide refined ride and handling. The Chevrolet Cruze is the most underpowered sedan here producing 138hp and 125lb.-ft of torque and with the highest acceleration times, making it undesirable in front of the rivals here on the list.

Fuel Economy
8.0/10

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra gas mileage ratings are one of the best in its class. A combined mileage of 32 MPG puts it almost 2 mpg ahead of the second-best sedan in its class. The Elantra is rated to achieve 28 MPG in the city while it can reach up to 38 MPG on the highway. It, however, gets a smaller fuel tank that can hold 12.8-gallons and manages 486 highway miles, which is longer than the segment standard.

Models

2013 Hyundai Elantra

2013 Kia Forte

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

2013 Ford Focus

MPG (City)

28

25

25

26

MPG (Highway)

38

34

36

36

MPG (Combined)

32

29

29

30

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

12.8

13.7

15.6

12.4

Range (City/ Highway) (miles)

358.4/486.4

328.8/465.8

390/561.6

322.4/446.4

The Chevrolet Cruze with its 15.6-gallon fuel tank leads the segment in range averaging 390 and 562 miles in the city and on the highway. Except for the fuel tank, where it is slightly less than that of the Kia Forte and the Chevrolet Cruze, all segments in the table go in favor of the Hyundai. The 2013 Focus like the Elantra is highly frugal and averages 30 MPG but loses out on range due to a less voluminous fuel tank. 

Interior
8.0/10

With the price factor in mind, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra interior is almost perfect. The design is simple yet functional. The cabin may not look especially impressive, but it still contains all the necessary features to make your ride comfortable. To provide comfortable handling, the dashboard is designed upright and the steering wheel is precisely positioned with the front driver seat. There are also various controls mounted on either side of the steering wheel. The driver seats can be adjusted in six different ways and the seats are upholstered with leather material.

In addition, the Elantra offers a spacious cabin and its dimensions are quite suitable for any adult body type. Although some might find the rear headroom of the Elantra short, it is indeed very small when compared to its rivals. The cargo space measures 14.4 cubic feet, which offers a decent amount of space and is comparable to most of the vehicles out there.

Models

2013 Hyundai Elantra

2013 Kia Forte

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

2013 Ford Focus

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40/55.9/43.6

40/55.7/43.3

39.3/54.8/42.3

38.3/55.6/41.9

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.1/54.8/33.1 

37.6/54.7/35.0

37.9/53.9/35.4

38.0/53.7/33.2

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

14.8

14.7

15.0

13.2

Each of the cars, including the Elantra, claims to comfortably seat five people inside its cabin. Compared to its rivals, it offers more headroom and legroom in the front than others. The Elantra loses its first place, however, when it comes to rear space, and the Chevrolet Cruze takes the top spot, whose cabin is the most spacious out there. The Kia Forte has the highest trunk volume of 15 cubic feet and the Fusion continues to lurk at the bottom of the table with constrained space. 

Standout interior features:

  • Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
  • Leather Steering Wheel
  • Cloth Upholstery
  • Dual Vanity Mirrors
  • Keyless Ignition
  • Interior Air Filtration

How intuitive is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra’s infotainment unit?

There is a 7.0-inch touchscreen in the 2013 Elantra that is quite user-friendly and its touch response is just amazing. A sedan that costs less than $20k cannot boast many hi-tech features. However, there are still plenty of features inside to keep you entertained in some way.

You'll also find six total speakers inside its cabin for all your music needs. Additionally, you can connect your smartphone to the Audio jack and stream music directly from your mobile device. Other basic features include USB ports, AM/FM stereo, speed-sensitive volume control, etc.

Standout infotainment features:

  • 7.0-inch touchscreen
  • 6-speaker system
  • CD player
  • Satellite Radio
  • AM/FM Stereo

Exterior
9.0/10

On the outside, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra features a unique and fluidic design, with curves flowing from the grille to the headlights. Apart from the front and rear logos, the body does not have any chrome finishes. The uniqueness of this product is likely to draw the attention of most buyers.

As standard, the wheels are 16.0-inches, whereas the wheels on the top trim are 17.0-inches. The dimensions of the Elantra remain pretty much the same as those of its competitors. Yet, the only thing that sets it apart is that it is the lightest vehicle in its segment by body weight. Also, Elantra comes with some optional features, which cost you a little bit extra. You can equip it with a rear spoiler ($295), wheel locks ($55), mudguards ($95), and a rear bumper applique ($50).

Models

2013 Hyundai Elantra

2013 Kia Forte

2013 Chevrolet Cruze

2013 Ford Focus

Curb Weight (lbs.)

2661

2729

3093

2907

Length (in.)

178.3

178.3

181.0

178.5

Width (in.)

69.9 

79.9

70.7

71.8

Height (in.)

56.5 

57.5

58.1 

57.7 

Ground Clearance (in.)

5.5

5.9

6.4

N/A

Wheelbase (in.)

106.3

104.3

105.7

104.3

Hyundai's Elantra sports the longest wheelbase of 106.3 inches, in comparison with its competitors. However, the Chevrolet Cruze here offers the most ground clearance at 6.5 inches. All three sedans also stand taller than the Hyundai which improves headroom inside the cabin.

Standout exterior features:

  • 16.0-inch wheels
  • Sunroof 
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Mudguards

Safety
9.0/10

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra performed exceptionally well in tests conducted by the Federal Government and IIHS. The NHTSA awarded it a perfect 5-star rating, which is the best score a car can receive. IIHS, on the other hand, awarded the 2013 Elantra with a Top Safety Pick award along with an overall Good rating. NHTSA rated the Elantra four stars before, but this year's safety scores indicate a pretty significant improvement, which is promising.

Standout safety features:

  • Blind Spot Monitoring
  • Traction Control
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Forward Lane Collision 
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring
  • Post-Collision Safety System

Final Verdict

Yes, the Elantra is a very good sedan with excellent fuel economy. In addition to that, the 2013 Elantra is also regarded as one of the most reliable sedans of its class. The Elantra's warranty package is also quite impressive and provides complete peace of mind. It only has one drawback: it has a slightly underpowered engine compared to some of its rivals such as the Ford Focus and the Kia Forte. However, all the positive points going for it are adequate to be one of the most preferred options in the segment. 

Trims

    GLS
    $16,695 onwards
    • 16-inch steel Wheels
    • A-Spec Sport Seats
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Remote keyless entry
    GS
    $17,595 onwards
    • Engine: 1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 148 hp @ 6500 rpm hp
    • Torque: 131 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 9.1 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 31 mpg
    SE
    $19,895 onwards
    • Engine: 1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A
    • Horsepower: 145 hp @ 6300 rpm hp
    • Torque: 130 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm
    • 0-60 mph: 8.8 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 31 mpg
    Limited
    $21,115 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support

Compare to similar cars

Price

$16,695- $21,115

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

8.08

Horsepower

148 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

131 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$25,900- $31,400

Gasoline

8.12

150 hp @ 6500 rpm

140 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$23,080- $29,105

Gasoline

8.27

180 hp @ 6700 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,130- $23,550

Gasoline

7.82

138 hp @ 6300 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$15,995- $19,995

Gasoline

8.01

160 hp @ 6400 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

-

Read Review

$21,900- $32,200

Gasoline

8.62

170 hp

175 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,200- $24,200

Gasoline

8.34

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4450 rpm

5

Read Review

$13,200- $18,200

Gasoline

7.6

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,965- $27,965

Gasoline

8.13

140 hp @ 6500 rpm

128 lb.-ft. @ 4300 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,680- $33,430

Gasoline

7.89

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.1 sec--
    7.4 sec15.8 sec130 mph
    7.8 sec16.2 sec132 mph
    2013 Kia Rio

    Ranked #3

    8 sec16.5 sec-
    8 sec16.1 sec-
    8.1 sec16.4 sec130 mph

    2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      28 mpg38 mpg32 mpg12.8 gal.358.40/486.40 mi.
      29 mpg39 mpg33 mpg12 gal.359.6/483.6 mi.
      28 mpg41 mpg32 mpg15.8 gal.- -
      2013 Kia Rio

      Ranked #2

      29 mpg37 mpg32 mpg11.4 gal.330.6/421.8 mi.
      28 mpg36 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/475.2 mi.
      26 mpg36 mpg30 mpg10.8 gal.291.6/388.8 mi.

      2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        178.3 in.69.9 in.56.5 in.5.5 in.106.3 in.
        191.7 in.72.9 in.58.1 in.6 in.112.2 in.
        191.4 in.72.8 in.57.7 in.6 in.109.3 in.
        190.7 in.72.05 in.57.28 in.5.31 in.110.04 in.
        183.9 in.72 in.57.7 in.6 in.106.4 in.
        183.9 in.71.4 in.58.4 in.9 in.105.7 in.

        2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          10.3 cu.ft.95.6 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.
          15.1 cu.ft.95.9 cu.ft.167.9 cu.ft.
          2013 Kia Rio

          Ranked #2

          13.7 cu.ft.88.4 cu.ft.147.4 cu.ft.
          12.5 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.147.4 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.118.8 cu.ft.57.4 cu.ft.
          12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.96.8 cu.ft.

          2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            94.1 cu.ft.10.3 cu.ft.94.1 cu.ft.-
            83.1 cu.ft.13.2 cu.ft.315.2 cu.ft.-
            147.4 cu.ft.12.5 cu.ft.147.4 cu.ft.-
            167.9 cu.ft.15.1 cu.ft.167.9 cu.ft.-
            2013 Kia Rio

            Ranked #5

            147.4 cu.ft.13.7 cu.ft.147.4 cu.ft.-
            17.1 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.14.9 cu.ft.79 ft.

            2013 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1058 lbs.2661 lbs.
              1500 lbs.-2734 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.
              --2911 lbs.
              --3223 lbs.
              -1155 lbs.2804 lbs.

              2013 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              4

              Recalls

              4

              Investigations

              1296

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              MPG Combined : 32 mpg

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              2013 Hyundai Elantra User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              CJ

              Clayton Jackson

              2012 Hyundai Elantra

              GLS 4dr Sedan PZEV (1.8L 4cyl 6A)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 31, 2024

              Over All experience

              Pros - ["Comfortable", "Great mpg on hwy", "Drives smoothly"]

              Cons - ["Clunky transmission", "Sometimes loud", "Fixing one thing"]

              This is my detailed version of my car. I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra. It has good gas mileage and it gets me from point a to point b .I love this car not just because it drives well but it gets me to my destination

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              Ts

              Tiara shorter

              2012 Hyundai Elantra

              GLS 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 7, 2024

              Awesomeness

              Pros - ["My eco button", "Good on gas"]

              Cons - ["My trunk button", "My gas button"]

              I love love love how awesome my car is on gas $40 worth of gas takes me almost 2 weeks to run low then the eco button right my gear shift is the best it's small but not too big alot of room for me and my kiddos but most of all has never failed me

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review