2025 Hyundai Elantra: Breakdown Of Every Trim for Buyers

The Hyundai Elantra has established itself as a frontrunner in the compact sedan segment, offering a compelling blend of technology, efficiency, and style. The new lineup expands on this foundation with diverse trim levels tailored to different driver preferences and needs.

Navigating the various Elantra models can be overwhelming. From the Essential model with its surprising feature set to the performance-oriented N Line Ultimate, each trim offers a unique value proposition. This comprehensive guide will detail the key specifications, features, and differences between all eight trims available in the Elantra lineup, helping you identify which version best matches your driving style and requirements.

Core Specifications Across All Trims

Before diving into the specifics of each trim level, let’s examine the foundational elements shared across the Elantra family:

• Dimensions: 4,675 mm length × 1,825 mm width × 1,430 mm height with a 2,720 mm wheelbase

• Passenger Volume: 2,713 L

• Cargo Capacity: 402 L

• Basic Warranty: 5 years/100,000 km comprehensive

• Powertrain Warranty: 5 years/100,000 km

• Roadside Assistance: 5 years/unlimited km

• Safety: Standard SmartSense safety suite with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist

Essential Trim: The Foundational Experience

The Essential trim serves as the entry point to the Elantra family, but “basic” isn’t in its vocabulary. This model establishes a strong baseline with:

Powertrain & Performance

• 2.0L Smartstream 4-cylinder engine

• 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque

• Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)

• Fuel economy: 7.3 L/100 km city, 5.7 L/100 km highway

• Drive Mode Select (Normal, Sport, Smart)

Exterior Features

• 15-inch steel wheels with covers

• Automatic headlights

• Body-coloured door handles and mirrors

• Solar control glass

Interior & Comfort

• 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Manual air conditioning

• 6-way adjustable driver’s seat

• Cloth seating surfaces

• 60/40 split-folding rear seats

Safety & Technology

• Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)

• Lane Following Assist (LFA)

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

• High Beam Assist (HBA)

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The Essential trim makes a compelling case for value-conscious drivers prioritizing reliability, efficiency, and modern essentials without unnecessary frills.

Preferred Trim: Enhance the Daily Drive

Building upon the Essential, the Preferred trim introduces significant comfort and convenience upgrades that elevate the daily driving experience:

Additional/Enhanced Features Over Essential

• 16-inch alloy wheels

• Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators

• Proximity key with push-button start

• Heated front seats

• Heated leather-wrapped steering wheel

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• Bluelink® connected vehicle system

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)

• Safe Exit Warning (SEW)

The Preferred trim hits a sweet spot for many drivers, introducing several comfort-oriented features that make everyday driving more enjoyable, particularly during colder months with the addition of heated elements.

Preferred Sun and Tech Package: Light and Innovation

This special package builds on the Preferred trim, adding premium features focused on technology and an enhanced cabin experience:

Additional/Enhanced Features Over Preferred

• Power sunroof

• 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system

• Hyundai Digital Key

• SiriusXM satellite radio

• Wireless device charging

• LED interior lighting

• 8-speaker Bose premium audio system

• Interior ambient lighting

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA)

For tech enthusiasts who appreciate an immersive driving environment, this package delivers substantial upgrades to the infotainment system and overall ambiance without stepping up to the more sport-oriented N Line models.

Preferred CVT: Efficiency-Focused Option

The Preferred CVT trim maintains most features of the standard Preferred while focusing on optimized transmission performance:

Key Differences from Standard Preferred

• Enhanced Continuously Variable Transmission tuning

• Slightly improved fuel economy

• Modified throttle response for smoother acceleration

This trim is ideal for drivers prioritizing maximum efficiency and smooth driving dynamics in varied conditions.

Sport CVT: Adds Athletic Character

The Sport CVT trim introduces a more energetic aesthetic and driving experience while maintaining the efficiency benefits of the CVT transmission:

Additional/Enhanced Features Over Preferred CVT

• 17-inch alloy wheels with sportier design

• Sport-tuned suspension

• Exclusive front grille and bumper design

• Multi-link rear suspension

• Sport cloth seating surfaces with contrast stitching

• Alloy pedals

• Leather-wrapped shift knob

• Rear spoiler

• Sport-tuned Drive Mode Select

The Sport CVT delivers a more engaging driving experience and distinctive styling without compromising fuel efficiency, making it perfect for those who want a balance of sportiness and practicality.

N Line: The Performance-Oriented Contender

The N Line trim represents a significant step up in performance and styling, bringing genuine sport sedan credentials to the lineup:

Powertrain & Performance

• 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine

• 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque

• 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)

• N Line-tuned suspension and steering

• Larger front and rear disc brakes

• Fuel economy: 8.4 L/100 km city, 6.6 L/100 km highway

Exterior Features

• N Line-exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels

• N Line front and rear fascia

• Twin-tip exhaust

• Full LED headlights

• Side skirts and unique rear diffuser

• Gloss black side mirrors and window trim

Interior & Performance Features

• N Line sport front seats with leather and microfiber upholstery

• Red contrast stitching and accents

• N Line sport steering wheel

• Paddle shifters

• Metal pedals

• Black headliner

• Sport instrument cluster

The N Line transforms the character of the Elantra, delivering a genuinely sporty driving experience with sharp looks that match. This trim appeals to driving enthusiasts who still need the practicality of a four-door sedan.

N Line DCT: Performance with Seamless Shifting

The N Line DCT variant enhances the standard N Line with transmission refinements:

Key Differences from Standard N Line

• Enhanced Dual Clutch Transmission programming

• Improved shift response

• Launch control feature

• Rev-matching functionality

Catering to performance enthusiasts who want maximum control and engagement, the N Line DCT delivers a more connected feeling between driver, transmission, and engine.

N Line Ultimate: The Flagship Experience

The pinnacle of the Elantra lineup, the N Line Ultimate combines maximum performance with premium features:

Additional/Enhanced Features Over N Line

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

• Head-up display

• Leather seating surfaces with N Line design

• Memory function for driver’s seat

• Ventilated front seats

• Heated rear seats

• Power sunroof

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go

• Highway Driving Assist II (enhanced version)

• Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse

• Blind-Spot View Monitor

• Surround View Monitor

• Remote Smart Parking Assist

The N Line Ultimate represents the most comprehensive Elantra experience, combining performance capabilities with luxury features typically in higher vehicle segments.

Elantra Hybrid: The Efficiency Champion

Standing somewhat apart from the traditional lineup is the Elantra Hybrid, which introduces a different powertrain philosophy:

Powertrain & Performance

• 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder engine with electric motor

• 139 combined system horsepower

• 195 lb-ft of combined torque

• 6-speed dual-clutch transmission

• Fuel economy: 4.4 L/100 km city, 4.2 L/100 km highway

• Electric-only operation at low speeds

Additional/Enhanced Features

• Hybrid-exclusive digital instrument cluster displays

• Regenerative braking system

• Drive Mode Select with additional ECO and ECO+ modes

• Active air flaps for enhanced aerodynamics

• Battery located under rear seats (minimal cargo impact)

• Unique 16-inch alloy wheels with low rolling resistance tires

Available in both Preferred and Ultimate trim levels, the Elantra Hybrid delivers exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing the features and amenities found in the conventional models.

Impressive Technology

Across the Elantra lineup, Hyundai has integrated impressive technologies that enhance safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience:

Hyundai SmartSense Safety Suite

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Now includes junction turning detection on higher trims

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Refined with smoother interventions

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA): Active steering assistance to avoid blind spot collisions

• Highway Driving Assist (HDA): Semi-autonomous highway driving capability

• Safe Exit Warning (SEW): Prevents door opening when vehicles are approaching from behind

• Rear Occupant Alert (ROA): Standard across all trims

Connectivity Features

• Bluelink Connected Car Services: Remote start, climate control, vehicle status, and more

• Hyundai Digital Key: Use your smartphone as a vehicle key

• Over-the-Air Updates: Software updates delivered remotely

• Natural Language Voice Recognition: Available on models with the 10.25-inch infotainment system

Choose Your Ideal Elantra

With eight distinct trim levels, selecting the right Elantra requires consideration of your priorities:

For Value-Conscious Buyers

The Essential and Preferred trims offer exceptional value with substantial feature sets. The Preferred, in particular, hits a sweet spot with heated seats and steering wheel, plus enhanced safety features.

For Tech Enthusiasts

The Preferred Sun and Tech Package brings significant infotainment upgrades, including a larger touchscreen and premium audio system.

For Performance Seekers

The N Line family delivers genuine sport sedan credentials with the turbocharged engine and enhanced chassis. The N Line Ultimate adds luxury amenities without compromising performance.

For Efficiency Maximizers

The Elantra Hybrid models provide outstanding fuel economy with minimal compromises in features or driving dynamics.

Maintenance Considerations

All Elantra models follow a similar maintenance schedule, though there are some variations:

• Conventional Models: Service intervals at 12,000 km

• N Line Models: More frequent oil changes recommended at 8,000 km due to the turbocharged engine

• Hybrid Models: Additional inspection of hybrid components at regular service intervals

2025 Hyundai Elantra: A Trim For Every Lifestyle

The Hyundai Elantra lineup demonstrates remarkable breadth, from practical and value-oriented models to performance variants and efficiency-focused hybrids. Each trim level has been thoughtfully configured to meet specific driver needs without excessive overlap.

While the Essential trim provides a surprisingly complete package for entry-level buyers, the various Preferred models offer excellent value with meaningful upgrades. The N Line family brings performance credentials that transform the driving experience, particularly in the fully-loaded Ultimate variant.

For most buyers, the Preferred trim or Preferred with Sun and Tech Package will provide the optimal balance of features and value. Those seeking maximum efficiency should consider the Hybrid models, while driving enthusiasts will find much to appreciate in the N Line variants.

Regardless of which trim you select, the Elantra delivers on the Hyundai reputation for combining technology, efficiency, and value in a compelling compact sedan package.