2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Prius

Since the 2023 Toyota Prius represents a new generation, it seems appropriate to look at how it compares to the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. While one is a hatchback and the other a sedan, they are definitely competitors for similar shoppers.

This comparison of the Elantra Hybrid vs Prius will look at how they are alike and whether their differences provide a clear winner for budget buyers and other shoppers.

1. Reputation and Awards

   The Prius is a well-known name among hybrids, but the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has established quite a reputation in its own right. The hybrid hatchback and sedan are neck-and-neck in the Kelley Blue Book Rankings.

   At US News, the Elantra Hybrid has a score of 8.3, staying ahead of the Prius with a 7.7 score. It earned the 2022 and 2023 Best Hybrid Car for the Money.

2. Size and Spaciousness

   When it comes to cabin size, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sedan is truly much bigger than the Prius. It has an extra 8 cubic feet in passenger space. Motor Trend calls it “surprisingly roomy”. Indeed the cabin specifications sound like those of a midsize sedan instead of a compact car.

   The Elantra’s extra three inches of second-row legroom and superior headroom guarantee that it has the better backseat of these two rivals. Hyundai guaranteed better ride quality by utilizing a multi-link rear suspension. Generous insulation helps with noise.

   

   In the past the Prius hybrid hatchback could claim an SUV-like cargo space, but that has been reduced to 20 cubic feet in most models. One model has 23 cubic feet. As a sedan, the Elantra has a 14.2 cu ft trunk. It also has a hands free power trunk lid. Both have a split-fold second row to allow for more cargo space.

3. Value Packaging

   The 2023 Elantra Hybrid not only has a much bigger cabin than the 2023 Toyota Prius, but it also strives to be better equipped from the base trim on up. As such, there are some standards that shoppers should know about before a test drive.

   This model year, the Hyundai hybrid has dual zone automatic temperature controls. This means a better balance of air conditioning for both front seat passengers than you’d find on the single-zone automatic Prius system.

   

   Hyundai standards include heated front seats and a Smart Key. Neither of these are Prius standard features. In another example, you’ll find forward-facing autobrakes on both vehicles, but only the Hyundai comes with a standard rear autobrake as well.

4. Performance

   When comparing performance between these two hybrids, we see a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Toyota Prius creates 194 horsepower with its front-wheel drive edition. That’s better than 139 horsepower on the Elantra Hybrid. However, the torque rate flips that.

   While the Prius earns just 139 lb-ft of torque from its electric motors and powertrain, the Elantra Hybrid can claim a combined 195 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, it has a traditional dual-clutch automatic rather than the trickier CVT automatic chosen for the Prius.

   This contest ends up in somewhat of a tie for these front wheel drive models. However, we’d argue that the high torque rate is more important in busy traffic situations.

5. Fuel Economy

   The Prius has an edge in city fuel economy on both models. However, the Elantra Hybrid is averaging 53 or 49 mpg in the city, depending on the model. Those EPA estimates really don’t need to be higher to offer incredible savings. Highway efficiency is the same for the Elantra Hybrid and the Prius.

   

   So, while this gives a slight edge to the Prius, the Elantra Hybrid is such a fuel saver that the difference may not matter to many shoppers.

6. Cost to Own

   Since the Prius has a slight edge over the Elantra Hybrid in city gas mileage, you might think that it has the lowest cost to own. However, the Elantra Hybrid Blue only costs $50 more per year to run.

   That $50 doesn’t seem very relevant when the Elantra Hybrid sedan is expected to save $4500 in fuel costs when compared to a regular 2023 car. It’s no wonder that the Elantra Hybrid earned the top spot in the most fuel efficient sedan ratings at Kelley Blue Book.

   

   Furthermore, the Elantra Hybrid has the Hyundai warranties which last longer than the Toyota coverage. Bumper-to-bumper coverage lasts up to two years longer with the Elantra Hybrid. Hybrid coverage favors the Hyundai since it has 10-year coverage for the entire system unlike the Toyota which limits the system to an 8-year warranty.

Conclusion

The Prius remains an important hybrid, but the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is giving it a serious challenge, and it’s doing so at about the same price. It can even save you money at purchase.

To take a test drive of the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, head to your Earnhardt Hyundai dealer in Avondale.