Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT, shall we? This compact sedan has been making waves, and for good reason. It's packed with features, offers great fuel economy, and boasts a stylish design. In this detailed review, we'll explore everything from its performance and interior to its technology and safety features. Buckle up, because we're about to take a deep dive into what makes the Elantra SEL FWD CVT a compelling choice in the competitive compact car market. We'll also consider its strengths and potential weaknesses, so you can decide if this car is the right fit for your needs.

Performance and Driving Experience

Let's kick things off with the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT's performance. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering a modest but efficient 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Now, that might not sound like a powerhouse, but the Elantra SEL isn't built for blistering speed. Instead, it prioritizes fuel efficiency and a comfortable driving experience. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a key player here. Some people aren't fans of CVTs, but Hyundai has done a pretty good job of tuning theirs. It helps maximize fuel economy by keeping the engine in its optimal power band. The result is a smooth and relatively quiet ride, perfect for daily commutes and longer road trips. The CVT's behavior is generally predictable, with no abrupt gear changes to worry about. The car feels responsive enough for everyday driving, and you won't feel like you're struggling to keep up with traffic. The acceleration is adequate for merging onto highways and passing slower vehicles, but don't expect to win any drag races. The Elantra SEL excels in city driving. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The ride quality is generally smooth and composed, which contributes to a relaxed driving experience. The Elantra SEL also offers different drive modes – Normal, Sport, and Smart – which adjust the engine and transmission settings to suit your driving style. Sport mode provides a bit more responsiveness, while Smart mode automatically adjusts based on your driving behavior. Overall, the Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT offers a pleasant and practical driving experience. It's not the most exciting car to drive, but it's refined, comfortable, and efficient, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize those qualities. The handling is competent and predictable, providing a sense of stability on the road. The brakes are also responsive and provide confident stopping power, further enhancing the safety of the vehicle. Fuel economy is a major selling point. The Elantra SEL FWD CVT boasts impressive numbers, with an estimated 33 mpg combined (37 mpg highway, 30 mpg city). This excellent fuel efficiency can save you a significant amount of money at the pump over the long term, making it a budget-friendly option. Also the sound insulation is pretty good, keeping road noise and engine sounds to a minimum, and it enhances the overall driving experience.

Interior and Comfort

Alright, let's peek inside the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT. The interior is surprisingly spacious and well-designed for a compact sedan. Hyundai has done a great job of creating a modern and functional cabin that feels more upscale than you might expect for the price. The dashboard features a clean and uncluttered design, with a prominent touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. The materials used throughout the interior are generally of good quality. While there are some hard plastics, they are strategically placed and don't detract from the overall aesthetic. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The SEL trim level comes standard with cloth upholstery, which is comfortable and durable. However, you can upgrade to leatherette seating if you prefer a more premium feel. The front seats offer good adjustability, allowing you to find the perfect driving position. The driver's seat also features a power lumbar support, which can help reduce fatigue on longer drives. Rear passengers also enjoy a decent amount of space. Even taller adults should find the rear seats comfortable for short to medium-length journeys. The Elantra's sloping roofline might slightly limit headroom for taller passengers, but it's generally not an issue. The Elantra SEL is equipped with a generous amount of features. The infotainment system is user-friendly and responsive. It features a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The SEL trim also includes a variety of convenience features, such as automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and keyless entry with push-button start. The Elantra SEL also offers a surprising amount of cargo space. The trunk provides 14.2 cubic feet of storage, which is more than enough for everyday needs and weekend getaways. The rear seats can also be folded down to provide even more cargo capacity if needed. The Elantra's interior is a pleasant place to spend time, thanks to its combination of comfort, style, and practicality. The build quality feels solid, and the controls are easy to use. The design is modern and attractive, with a focus on both form and function. The Elantra SEL's interior is a strong point, offering a comfortable and well-equipped environment that enhances the overall driving experience. The cabin's layout is intuitive, making it easy to navigate the various features and controls. The materials used are also good quality, making the cabin feel more premium than its price point would suggest. Overall, the interior is well-designed, spacious, and comfortable, making the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT a great choice for those seeking a practical and enjoyable driving experience.

Technology and Features

Let's talk tech, guys! The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT comes loaded with a decent amount of technology, especially considering its price point. Hyundai has clearly focused on providing a user-friendly and connected experience. At the heart of the tech setup is the infotainment system. The SEL trim gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, which is crisp and responsive. The system is easy to navigate, with intuitive menus and quick response times. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily integrate your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio and make hands-free calls. The Elantra SEL also offers a variety of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which enhance safety and provide peace of mind. These include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning. The SEL trim also adds blind-spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision warning, which are valuable features for navigating busy roads. The instrument cluster is a combination of analog gauges and a small digital display that shows information such as fuel economy, trip details, and driver-assistance system status. While not as flashy as a fully digital instrument cluster, it's functional and easy to read. Other tech features include a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when reversing. The SEL trim also comes with keyless entry with push-button start, making it easy to unlock and start the car without fumbling for your keys. The Elantra SEL also offers a wireless charging pad, allowing you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables. The sound system is surprisingly good, delivering clear audio quality and decent bass. If you're a music lover, you'll appreciate the sound system's performance. The Elantra SEL also has USB ports and a 12-volt power outlet, providing plenty of options for charging your devices. Hyundai also provides over-the-air software updates for the infotainment system, ensuring that your car is always up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. The technology in the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT is well-integrated and user-friendly. It provides a good balance of features, offering both convenience and safety. The infotainment system is responsive and easy to use, while the ADAS features enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Overall, the technology package in the Elantra SEL is a strong selling point, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety, safety, safety! The 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT shines when it comes to safety features. Hyundai prioritizes safety, and the Elantra is packed with both standard and available safety technologies to protect you and your passengers. The Elantra SEL comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These features are designed to help prevent accidents and mitigate the severity of a collision if one occurs. The standard ADAS features include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, which can detect potential collisions with vehicles and pedestrians and automatically apply the brakes if necessary. Lane-keeping assist helps keep you in your lane by providing steering assistance if you drift out of your lane. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane without signaling. Driver attention warning monitors your driving behavior and alerts you if it detects signs of drowsiness or inattentiveness. The SEL trim also adds blind-spot collision warning, which alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic collision warning, which helps you avoid collisions when backing out of a parking space or driveway. In addition to these standard ADAS features, the Elantra SEL also has a strong structural design that helps protect occupants in the event of a crash. The vehicle's body is made of high-strength steel, which helps absorb impact energy and protect the occupants. The Elantra is equipped with a full complement of airbags, including front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2023 Elantra with a Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest rating the organization awards. This recognition further underscores the Elantra's commitment to safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also awarded the Elantra with a 5-star overall safety rating, the highest rating possible. The Elantra SEL also offers a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, making it easier to see what's behind you when reversing. The vehicle also has electronic stability control and traction control, which help to maintain control in challenging driving conditions. Hyundai's commitment to safety is evident in the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT. The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS features, a strong structural design, and a full complement of airbags. The high safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA further validate the Elantra's commitment to protecting its occupants. The focus on safety makes the Elantra SEL a smart choice for those prioritizing the well-being of themselves and their passengers. You can cruise in your Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT knowing that it has been meticulously designed to protect you in an accident. The robust safety features and the high safety ratings give you confidence when you're on the road.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT into its pros and cons, shall we? This will give you a clear, concise overview to help you decide if it's the right car for you.

Pros:

• Fuel Efficiency: The Elantra SEL excels in this area, offering impressive MPG numbers. This can lead to significant savings at the pump, making it a budget-friendly option. This car has amazing gas mileage.
• Stylish Design: The Elantra has a modern and attractive design that stands out in the compact car segment. Its sleek lines and distinctive features give it a premium look. This Hyundai is a looker.
• Spacious Interior: Despite its compact size, the Elantra offers a surprisingly spacious interior, with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. This is perfect for daily commutes and family trips.
• User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The tech is top-notch.
• Comprehensive Safety Features: The Elantra comes standard with a wide array of advanced driver-assistance systems, providing excellent safety and peace of mind. Safety is a priority.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and composed ride, even on rough roads. It's a comfy ride.

Cons:

• Modest Engine Performance: The engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, but it may feel underpowered for those seeking a more spirited driving experience. Its not the fastest car.
• Some Hard Plastics in the Interior: While the interior is generally well-designed, some hard plastics are used, which could make it feel less premium than some competitors. It is not all plush.
• CVT Transmission Feel: Although the CVT is efficient, some drivers may not enjoy the feel of this type of transmission. Some may not love the CVT feel.
• Rear headroom: Tall passengers may find the rear headroom slightly limited due to the sloping roofline. Taller passengers, beware.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2023 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT is a well-rounded compact sedan that offers a lot of value for the money. It excels in fuel efficiency, style, and safety, making it a great choice for those seeking a practical and reliable daily driver. While the engine performance might not be the most exhilarating, the Elantra's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. If you're looking for a comfortable, efficient, and well-equipped car, the Elantra SEL is definitely worth considering. It's a great option for individuals, couples, or small families. The Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD CVT is a great choice overall. Consider the pros and cons as you make your decision. Happy driving, everyone! This car is a winner.