2026 Hyundai Elantra: real cost in California
See the Elantra on Hyundai's US site ↗US prices read 2026-11-09
Cheapest trim, SE · California · age 35–59 · 6 years · 13,500 mi a yearChange
Sticker$22,825the advertised price
Drive away$26,381with fees and tax
Loan payment$365/mo72-month loan at 7%, $5,000 down
True cost$993/moeverything, after resale
$26,381 to drive away + $56,822 to run it for 6 years − $11,713 back at resale = $71,490, or $993 a month.
Where the money goes
Drive away$26,381
Running it, 6 yrs+$56,822
Back at resale−$11,713
Sticker pricethe advertised MSRP
+$22,825Feesfreight $1,295 · doc fee $85 (typical)
+$1,380Sales and use tax, 8.99%California
+$2,176Insuranceestimate, age 35–59, California
+$21,168Fuel13,500 mi a year at 35 MPG
+$13,298Maintenanceestimate
+$8,991Lost return on your money5% a year on the down payment and each payment
+$5,884Loan interest7% over 72 months
+$4,865Title, registration and plates6 years in California, incl. 0.65% value tax a year
+$2,617Resale after 6 years51% of MSRP, you get this back
−$11,713True cost $71,490 ÷ 72 months$993 a month
The car
Size and space
BodySedans185.4 in long
Seats5
Cargo14.2 cu ftbehind row 2
Ground clearance5.3–5.5 in
Engine and fuel
Engine147–201 hp gas, FWD
0–60 mph6.2–7.8 sour estimate from power and weight
Fuel economy31–35 MPGEPA combined
TowingNot published
Tires19"245/35R19
Safety and cover
Crash test✓ 5 of 5 starsNHTSA · see the test ↗
Highway assistSteers and brakeshands on the wheel · every trim
Warranty5 yrspowertrain 5 yrs
Resale at 6 years51% of MSRPthis model's own record
Every trim
All trims: FWD, 5 seats.| SE | $22,825 | $26,381 | $71,490 | ✓ $993/mo | 35 MPG | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Sport | $23,950 | $27,607 | $73,087 | $1,015/mo | 34 MPG | ✓ Yes |
| SEL Sport Plus | $24,450 | $28,152 | $73,621 | $1,023/mo | 34 MPG | — No |
| SEL Sport Premium | $25,275 | $29,051 | $74,501 | $1,035/mo | 34 MPG | ✓ Yes |
| Limited | $27,375 | $31,340 | $76,742 | $1,066/mo | 34 MPG | ✓ Yes |
| N Line | $29,600 | $33,765 | $80,443 | $1,117/mo | 31 MPG | — No |
SE
✓ $993/mo
True cost
SEL Sport
$1,015/mo
True cost
SEL Sport Plus
$1,023/mo
True cost
SEL Sport Premium
$1,035/mo
True cost
Limited
$1,066/mo
True cost
N Line
$1,117/mo
True cost
Features, trim by trim
Cheapest on the left. Each bar starts at the trim that adds it.Feature
SE$22,825
SEL Sport$23,950
SEL Sport Plus$24,450
SEL Sport Premium$25,275
Limited$27,375
N Line$29,600
Safety and driver assist
Automatic braking
✓ Every trim
Blind-spot monitor
✓ Every trim
Rear cross-traffic alert
✓ Every trim
Adaptive cruise
✓ SE to SEL Sport
✓ SEL Sport Premium to Limited
Lane centering
✓ Every trim
Comfort
Heated seats
✓ Every trim
Heated steering wheel
✓ SE to SEL Sport
Dual-zone climate
✓ Every trim
Convenience
Push-button start
✓ Every trim
Remote start
✓ SE to SEL Sport
Power liftgate
✓ SE to SEL Sport
Wireless phone charging
✓ Every trim
Power driver's seat
✓ from Limited
Tech and audio
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
✓ Every trim
Wireless CarPlay
✓ SE to SEL Sport Premium
Built-in navigation
✓ SE to SEL Sport
✓ from Limited
Premium sound system
✓ SE to SEL Sport
✓ from Limited
Capability and looks
Sunroof
✓ Every trim
LED headlights
✓ Every trim
Not listed on any trimHands-free driving360° cameraParking sensorsCooled seatsHeated rear seatsMassaging seatsMemory seatHead-up displayLarge touchscreen (12 in+)AWD or 4WDTow hitch includedPanoramic roof
Full standard equipment on the SE (22 items)
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Following Assist & Lane Keeping Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Safe Exit Warning & Driver Attention Warning
- 4.2" Digital Instrument Cluster
- 8" Display Audio [w/AM/FM/HD Radio]
- Bench Folding Rear Seatback
- Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System
- Driver Seat Height Adjustment
- Front Seat Center Armrest w/ Flip-up Storage Compartment
- Map Lights w/ Dome Lamp & Trunk Lamp
- Rearview Camera
- Remote Keyless Entry w/ Alarm
- Single 12V Outlet & Front/Rear USB Ports
- Steering Wheel Mounted Audio & Cruise Controls
- Wireless Android Auto(TM) & Apple CarPlay
- 15" Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights w/Automatic Light Control & High Beam Assist
- 2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine
- Idle Stop & Go
- Intelligent Variable Transmission
Recalls
4 NHTSA recalls for 2024 to 2026 Elantra models. Dealers fix them free; a new car should have them done before delivery. Ask the dealer to check the VIN.
Wheels2026 · 17 vehicles
The wheel lug nuts may loosen and allow the wheel to detach.Recall 26V693000 at NHTSA ↗Suspension2026 · 24 vehicles
The front strut assembly fasteners may not be tightened properly, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.Recall 26V692000 at NHTSA ↗Air bags2026 · 2,931 vehicles
The B-pillar impact sensors may have been misassembled, which can delay air bag deployment.Recall 26V254000 at NHTSA ↗Engine and engine cooling2024 · 13,511 vehicles
An electrical short circuit may occur in the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve assembly, which can result in a loss of drive power.Recall 24V308000 at NHTSA ↗Quick answers
- How much is a 2026 Elantra in California?
- $26,381 to drive away for the SE, from a $22,825 sticker.
- What does it cost a month?
- A $365 loan payment, about $1,004 a month with insurance, fuel and upkeep ($5,000 down); about $993 a month all in, after resale.
- How much can it tow?
- The brand doesn't publish a towing capacity.
Colors
Abyss BlackUltimate Red+$500Amazon GraySerenity White+$500Atlas WhiteFluid MetalEcotronic GrayIntense Blue
Similar cars
US prices in US dollars from Hyundai's US website, read 2026-11-09; destination as the brand lists it. Taxes, registration and the dealer doc fee follow your state. Insurance and maintenance are estimates. How we count.