2023 Hyundai Elantra Interior and Cargo

Cloth seating is standard in the SE, SEL, and Blue, while both Limited trims get leather upholstery. The N Line gets combination cloth/leather seats. The materials used in the Hyundai Elantra's interior are not premium, but they definitely don't feel cheap. Despite the low price of the car, no corners were cut in this department. The color palette is a little bland, though, with only Black and Gray offered on most trims, regardless of material. At least the N Line has red stitching to lift the ambiance a little, and the Limited replaces Gray with a Melange/Gray combination. You can expect typically high levels of build quality from the Korean brand and hard-wearing durability, at least. A urethane steering wheel is fitted to lower trims, while both Limited models and the N Line get a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Considering its size, we can't really fault the Elantra its 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space. This is sufficient for a modest amount of shopping and even luggage for the occasional getaway or business trip. A 60/40-split-folding rear seatback is standard on the N Line and Limited, optional on the SEL, but not available on the SE and Blue.

Small-item storage around the interior is adequate, if not generous. There are a pair of large cupholders up front, and each door gets a reasonably sized pocket. The center armrest cubby isn't particularly large, though, and only the upper-tier Hyundai Elantra models have a folding armrest with cupholders in the back.

Buyers expect a fair amount of standard tech these days, even when they are spending less than $20k. Hyundai is one of the brands that has mastered the art of packaging an attractive list of features in even its most affordable cars. Both front seats are manually adjustable in the base models, as is the air conditioning, but a proximity key with push-button start is standard on all trims bar the SE. This is upgraded with the Hyundai digital key on the N Line and Limited trim levels. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on the hybrids and from the SEL upwards, otherwise. The hybrids also get heated front seats, which require N Line or higher on the gas models. A power tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard from the N Line upwards, and the standard 4.2-inch color gauge cluster is replaced with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster on the Limited and N Line.

Standard safety tech includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, lane following assist, safe exit warning, and a driver attention system. The Limited adds cyclist and junction turning detection, smart cruise control, highway driving assist, and rear parking sensors with collision avoidance assist. All models have a rearview camera.

The infotainment suite revolves around an eight-inch touchscreen interface, which is upgraded to 10.25 inches on Limited trims. Standard functionality includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, and Bluetooth. The larger screen requires a wired connection for smartphone integration, though. SiriusXM is added from the SEL, and wireless charging comes with the Limited. Two USB ports are installed as standard, along with four speakers. The SEL adds two more speakers as standard, or it can be had with an optional eight-speaker Bose sound system that's standard on the Limited.