The Toyota Prius has long been the face of hybrid efficiency. Since its debut in the early 2000s, it has consistently ranked as one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road and has become a symbol of eco-conscious driving. For years, the Prius has been the benchmark, setting expectations for what a hybrid should deliver in terms of mileage and affordability.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.6L Inline-4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
139 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
195 lb-ft
But the hybrid market is far more competitive today than it was two decades ago and Toyota can’t hold the crown for everything. Nearly every major automaker offers at least one hybrid sedan, and options like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid have emerged as legit alternatives. These cars not only challenge the Prius in overall value, but in some cases, they manage to beat it at its own game.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including fueleconomy.gov.
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The Highway MPG Champion That Outpaces The Prius: Meet The 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Elantra Achieves 58 MPG On The Highway, Beating The Prius’s 56 MPG
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue trim quietly claims one of the most impressive highway fuel economy figures of any gas-powered car on sale today. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Hyundai offers 58 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, edging past the Prius’s 56 MPG. While the Prius still leads in city driving and combined efficiency, the Elantra sits on the throne as the most fuel-efficient hybrid when it comes to highway driving.
|
Fuel Economy |
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue |
Toyota Prius |
|
City |
51 MPG |
57 MPG |
|
Highway |
58 MPG |
56 MPG |
|
Combined |
54 MPG |
57 MPG |
While the Elantra Hybrid doesn’t match the Prius’s city or combined ratings, it still offers top-notch numbers across the board. It gets 51 MPG in the city and 54 MPG combined, which keeps it firmly in the top tier of hybrid sedans. With efficiency numbers like these, the Elantra is solid for any type of driver, but it really shines for the road warriors racking up the highway miles.
It Offers A Driving Range Of Nearly 600 Miles On A Single Tank
According to EPA estimates, the Elantra Hybrid can go up to 594 miles on a full tank before needing a refill. While that number trails the Prius’s 644-mile range, data from years past suggests the Elantra could easily surpass 600 miles on a tank of gas. The 2024 Blue trim was rated at 670 miles of range by the EPA, and since the car’s powertrain and design haven’t changed significantly since last year, that figure remains a realistic benchmark for careful drivers.
|
Make and Model |
Max. Driving Range |
|
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
594 Miles |
|
Toyota Prius |
644 Miles |
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The Elantra Hybrid Has An Affordable Price Tag With Real Value
Starts At Around $25,450, Undercutting Most Hybrids In Its Class
With a starting price of $25,450 for the Blue trim, the Hyundai Elantra is one of the most budget-friendly hybrid sedans available today. Even the top-tier Limited trim stays under $30,000, offering drivers a relatively well-equipped car without pushing into premium territory.
|
Trim Level |
Starting Price |
|
Blue |
$25,450 |
|
SEL Sport |
$27,425 |
|
Limited |
$29,800 |
In contrast, the Toyota Prius starts at $28,350 and climbs as high as $36,765 for the fully-loaded Limited all-wheel drive (AWD) version. That price gap makes the Elantra Hybrid even more accessible for anyone looking to save on fuel without overspending upfront.
Includes Features Like A 10.25-Inch Touchscreen And SmartSense Safety Suite
Even in its most affordable form, the Elantra Hybrid Blue trim features an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, and multiple USB charging ports. Safety is also a strong point, with standard blind spot warning, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, and a rearview monitor with parking guidance.
The Limited trim builds on that foundation by adding a long list of comfort and tech upgrades. It swaps out cloth seats for leatherette-trimmed ones, includes both heated and ventilated front seats, and adds a memory function for the driver’s seat and mirrors. The infotainment system grows to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, paired with a Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM radio. You also get extras like wireless charging, a sunroof, a digital gauge cluster, and access to Bluelink+ connected services.
Both trims include Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, but the Limited model adds Highway Driving Assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. That added convenience helps justify the higher price tag, especially for drivers who spend a lot of time on the highway. Whether you opt for the practical Blue or the feature-rich Limited, the Elantra Hybrid offers excellent value at both ends of the lineup.
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The Hyundai Elantra Is Stylish, Practical, And Built For The Long Haul
Sporty Design With Surprisingly Spacious Cabin And Trunk Space
With 99.4 cubic feet of total passenger volume, the Elantra Hybrid provides ample room for five passengers to ride comfortably. Front legroom stretches to over 42 inches, and even rear-seat passengers get 38 inches of legroom, which is more than many competitors in the compact class. The 14.2-cubic-foot trunk also offers plenty of usable space, making the Elantra Hybrid a practical choice for daily driving and weekend trips alike.
|
Front |
Rear |
|
|
Headroom |
40.6 Inches |
37.3 Inches |
|
Shoulder room |
56.5 Inches |
55.6 Inches |
|
Legroom |
42.3 Inches |
38.0 Inches |
|
Cargo Capacity |
N/A |
14.2 Cubic feet |
Dual-Clutch Automatic Delivers A More Engaging Drive Than You’d Expect
All Elantra Hybrid trims are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. What sets it apart from many other models is its 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which provides smoother and more direct shifts compared to the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) commonly found in other hybrids.
|
Engine |
1.6-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine |
|
Horsepower |
139 HP |
|
Torque |
195 LB-FT |
|
Transmission |
6-speed dual-clutch automatic |
|
Driveline |
FWD |
|
0-60 MPH |
8.4 Seconds |
The front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain and 8.4-second 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) time won’t win any races, but the Elantra Hybrid still manages to deliver a surprisingly engaging driving experience.
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Long-Term Savings From The Elantra Hybrid That Just Make Sense
Estimated Annual Fuel Cost Around $900, Ideal For High-Mileage Drivers
Taking efficiency even further, the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue trim offers an EPA-estimated annual fuel cost of approximately $900, making it an economical choice for drivers who drive a lot. With a cost of about $1.46 to drive 25 miles, the Elantra Hybrid stands out as the cheapest hybrid sedan to drive per mile, providing substantial savings over time compared to traditional gasoline vehicles.
|
Annual Fuel Cost |
$900 |
|
5-Year Savings |
$4,000 |
|
Cost to Drive 25 Miles |
$1.46 |
Excellent Warranty Coverage And Strong Predicted Reliability
Hyundai backs the Elantra Hybrid with a comprehensive warranty package, including a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, hybrid components are covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles, and corrosion coverage extends to 7 years with unlimited mileage. Roadside assistance is also provided for 5 years with unlimited mileage, offering peace of mind to owners.
|
Warranty Type |
Length of Coverage |
|
Basic Warranty |
5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
|
Powertrain Warranty |
10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
|
Hybrid Components Warranty |
10 Years / 100,000 Miles |
|
Corrosion Warranty |
7 Years / Unlimited Miles |
|
Roadside Assistance |
5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
In terms of reliability, the 2025 Elantra Hybrid has received favorable ratings. According to J.D. Power, it scores 86 out of 100 for Quality and Reliability, and 87 out of 100 for its Driving Experience, culminating in an overall rating of 83. These ratings showcase the Elantra’s strong performance in dependability, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction.
For those seeking a hybrid vehicle that excels in highway fuel efficiency, offers substantial long-term savings with low maintenance costs, and comes with industry-leading warranty coverage, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is without a doubt an option worth considering.
