When it comes to affordable compact sedans, the Hyundai Elantra has sat as a criminally underrated option on the market for some time now. While the mainstream model is often overshadowed by its high-performance variant, the Elantra N, it has a ton to offer budget buyers in terms of comfort and technology.
The model year changes for the 2025 Elantra have been announced by the Korean automaker, and we finally have a good look at just how much each trim is going to cost. It remains one of the best cars that you can buy for under $30,000. However, deciding between the various trim levels and finding the right Elantra for you can be a somewhat difficult and daunting task.
To prepare you for the 2025 model year of the Elantra, we’ve broken down the compact sedan by trim offering, detailing what you can expect from each model in terms of equipment and pricing. We also detail all the changes that Hyundai has made to each trim for the upcoming model.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Hyundai, and other authoritative sources, including the EPA.
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The 2025 Hyundai Elantra starts at $2,875 for the base model SE and climbs to as high as $28,725 for the range-topping N Line.
The Elantra SE And SEL Are The Entry Level Trims
If you're looking for the most affordable version of the Elantra sedan, then the SE and SEL are going to be your best options. These models are some of the most affordable sedans on the market, yet still come loaded with plenty of features and technology, giving you plenty for your money.
Elantra SE
For the 2025 model year, the Elantra SE will have a starting MSRP of $21,875, making it one of the most affordable new cars on the market. This is an increase of $250 over the 2024 model. Other than this, the SE carries over from the 2024 model year mostly unchanged, coming with the same list of equipment and features.
Under the hood of the SE, you'll find a two-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes out an uninspiring 147 horsepower. This engine is, however, super-efficient and manages to achieve 37 miles per gallon combined, according to the EPA. It also comes with an eight-inch touch-controlled infotainment system and a 4.2-inch digital gauge display.
Elantra SEL
The SEL gets the most changes for the 2025 model year out of all the Elantra models. That's because it's being split into three trim levels instead of one. Where the SEL was a standalone model for 2024, Hyundai offers the SEL Sport, SEL HEV, and SEL Convenience for 2025.
The SEL Sport is the most affordable model and comes with a number of upgrades over the base Elantra including 16-inch alloy wheels, an upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment screen, and a 10.25-inch digital gauge display, with both displays sharing the same bezel. This model will cost $23,000 to start.
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The SEL HEV swaps out the base powertrain for a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor that produces 139 horsepower, a little less than the gas-powered model. Pricing will sit at $27,075, which is a bit much for a hybrid powertrain with such little pep, especially when the gas-powered models are thousands cheaper.
Previously, the convenience package was an additional extra on the SEL, but in 2025 it becomes its own model. This model adds a sunroof, voice control, larger wheels, and a more inclusive driver-assist package, with features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. This model will have a starting MSRP of $25,575.
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Hyundai Has Made The N-Line An Exciting Option For Budget Buyers
If the SE and the SEL are just a little bit too boring for you, then Hyundai offers the N-Line model. This trim comes with a more powerful engine and a ton of trimmings that turn the compact sedan from a daily driver into something genuinely exciting. It carries over completely unchanged from the 2024 model year, with a new starting MSRP of $28,725 for 2025, a $260 increase.
Performance
Engine | 1.6-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 201 HP |
Torque | 195 LB-FT |
Driveline | FWD |
The biggest change that you get when you opt for the Elantra N-Line is a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine instead of the base two-liter four-cylinder. This upgraded powertrain produces a decent amount more power, and you can feel it when you put your foot down, with the N-Line being much quicker off the line.
Other performance upgrades included on the N-Line are a DCT transmission with paddle shifters and a unique suspension tune. It may not be nearly as quick or as aggressive as the fully-fledged N model, but it certainly gives those looking for a little taste of excitement something to write home about.
Additional Features
Beyond the upgraded performance of the N-Line's turbocharged engine and unique transmission, this version of the Elantra comes with some other upgrades as well. Key among these are the N Line sports seats, which blend comfort with style, giving you a lower and more aggressive seating position.
On the outside, the N-Line model comes with a unique gloss black finish on the grille, as well as a special N-Line front and rear bumper. It rides on slightly bigger 18-inch alloy wheels as well to give it a much more premium look. On the inside, you can find all the features found in the SEL Convenience as well as some upgrades, such as ambient interior lighting and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.
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The Limited Trim Reaches Some Impressively High Levels Of Luxury
If you're looking for heights in comfort and luxury rather than the sportiness of the N-Line, then the Limited trim is the way to go. Once again, the Limited carries over from 2024 with no changes other than to its price. The 2025 model actually sees a decrease of $540, with a new starting MSRP of $26,525, according to Hyundai.
Equipment
The Hyundai Elantra Limited keeps all of its equipment from 2024 despite its price drop. Instead of coming with a more powerful engine or a sporty transmission, the Limited makes do with the reliable standard two-liter four-cylinder and Intelligent Variable Transmission, keeping fuel economy high.
The Limited features all the equipment that the SEL Convenience does and more. It comes with the same Bose audio system found on the N-Line. Instead of sport seats, though, you'll find H-Tex leatherette trimmed seating, which is pretty impressive for a car at this price point. It also features Hyundai Digital Key, which gives you access to your vehicle using your smartphone instead of your key. Finally, the Elantra Limited also comes with a standard surround view monitor.
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A Sports Car Under $35,000: The Elantra N
While Hyundai has yet to confirm the pricing for the 2025 model year Elantra N, they have confirmed that it will carry over completely unchanged. This is due to the fact that the Korean automaker put it under the knife just last year. If the N-Line just doesn't cut it in terms of performance, the Elantra N is sure to excite. The 2024 model year has a starting price of $33,700, and we expect this to increase slightly for 2025.
Performance
Engine | 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-Four |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual |
Horsepower | 286 HP |
Torque | 289 LB-FT |
Driveline | FWD |
0-60 MPH | 5.1 Seconds |
Top Speed | 155 MPH |
Considering its super low starting price, the Elantra N produces some absolutely absurd performance. It inherited the turbocharged engine from the now discontinued Veloster N hatchback, but thanks to an overboost feature, the Elantra N can produce a little bit extra power.
One of the most enticing features of the Elantra N is its six-speed manual transmission. The automatic is an optional extra and the manual transmission comes standard, which will bring a smile to the face of any enthusiast. Somehow, Hyundai's N division has managed to make the Elantra N one of the most competitive sports sedans on the market without inflating the price too much.
Interior
The mainstream Elantra has a co*ckpit that hugs the driver, similar to JDM sports cars of yore, like the Supra. This suits the boy racer Elantra N perfectly. The aesthetic has been bolstered in every way, though, with red stitching on the leather seating and N logos cluttered throughout the cabin. The infotainment system is also identical to the mainline sedan, which is definitely a plus considering how good it already is.
