2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs 2023 Toyota Prius

This model year sees an update for the 2023 Toyota Prius. Is it bigger than the 2023 Elantra Hybrid? What about power and performance?

In this small car comparison, we’ll look at everything from spaciousness to drivability as well as cost to buy and cost to own.

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 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 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 could claim an SUV-like cargo space, but that has been reduced to 20 cubic feet in most models. 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 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is not only bigger 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. Plus, while ventilated seats are on the Hyundai menu, this Phoenix favorite isn’t on the Prius menu.

   

   Hyundai standards include heated front seats, only available at a higher cost on a Prius. 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 shows the opposite. While the Prius earns just 139 lb-ft of torque, 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. 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 high numbers really don’t need to be higher to offer incredible savings. As for highway efficiency, the two get the same gas mileage for both models.

   

   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, there’s much more to consider.

   For starters, the Elantra Hybrid Blue only costs $50 more per year to run. That doesn’t seem very relevant when this same car is already saving you $4500 in fuel costs when compared to a regular 2023 car. That’s how 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 has taken over by doing more and doing it for less.

You can find the 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid at your San Tan Hyundai dealer. Earnhardt No Bull financing can make your purchase easier.