Head-to-head
2023 Hyundai Elantra vs 2023 Toyota Prius Prime
The Hyundai Elantra wins clearly, 86.7 to 80.5, on price, tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on safety and space & cargo.
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2023 Hyundai Elantra
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas midsize sedan with 7 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Elantra Hybrid B…
vs
C2023 Toyota Prius Prime
The 2023 Toyota Prius Prime is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid midsize sedan with 2 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Prius Prime S…
Verdict · default weights
2023 Hyundai Elantra
Clear winThe Hyundai Elantra wins clearly, 86.7 to 80.5, on price, tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on safety and space & cargo.
Safety 2023 Toyota Prius Prime leads by 40.3
Price 2023 Hyundai Elantra leads by 37.4
Tech & comfort 2023 Hyundai Elantra leads by 44.2
| Category · weight | 2023 Toyota Prius Primeoverall 80.5 | 2023 Hyundai Elantraoverall 86.7 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 62.6 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | |||||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 96.2 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 89 | 48.7 | |||||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 97.9 | 85 | |||||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | |||||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 95.1 | 97.8 | |||||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | |||||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 55.8 | 100 | |||||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | |||||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | |||||||||||||||
| Overall | 80.5 | 86.7 | |||||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Hyundai Elantra: open park-outside / do-not-drive advisory (−25)
Toyota Prius Prime: base trim SE FWD · Hyundai Elantra: base trim SE FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2023 Hyundai Elantra wins
- It starts $12,325 lower ($20,650 against $32,975 base MSRP).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (52 points against 29 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 18.
Where the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime answers
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (6 against 167 filed with NHTSA).
- It has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 62).
What they share
- 5 NHTSA stars.
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
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Specifications side by side
50 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | — | $20,650 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,987 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder Aluminum DOHC 16-Valve with VVT-i (Atkinson cycle) | 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder |
| Fuel injection system | — | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 139 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 53 mpg | 33 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 52 mpg | 37 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 51 mpg | 42 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.892 |
| Transmission type | Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) | Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 5.6 in | 5.3 in |
| Overall height | 55.9 in | 55.7 in |
| Overall length | 181 in | 184 in |
| Overall width | 70.2 in | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 108 in | 107 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 26.7 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 20.3 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 91.2 cu-ft | 114 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 38 in | 40.6 in |
| Third-row headroom | 36.4 in | 37.3 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 43.2 in | 42.3 in |
| Third-row legroom | 34.8 in | 38 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,461 lbs | 2,868 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,461 lbs | 2,725 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | — | 3,858 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear suspension type | Multi-link with rear stabilizer bar | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Electric Power Steering (EPS); power-assisted rack-and-pinion | Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 34.4 ft | 17.7 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 305 mm | 279 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Automatic Electric Parking Brake | Mechanical Cable |
| Rear brake diameter | 279 mm | 262 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 15 in |
| Wheel material | alloy | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 6 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 195/60R17 | 195/65R15 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | — | 12.4 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Toyota Connected Services | — |
| Connected services trial (premium tier) | 120 months | — |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | 12 months | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 55.3 in | 56.5 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 52.8 in | 55.6 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
132 features · differences first, then sharedSafety21 differ · 32 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA - camera only) w/ Pedestrian Detection | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Control w/ Stop & Go (SCC & S&G) | — | std |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning (BCW) w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning (RCW) | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist and Junction-Turning Detection (sensor fusion type) | — | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) & Lane Following Assist (LFA) | — | std |
| Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse (PCA-R) | — | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) & High Beam Assist (HBA) | — | std |
| Eight airbags — includes driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, rear seat-mounted side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Parking Distance Warning – Reverse | — | std |
| Automatic High Beam Assist | — | std |
| Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) | std | — |
| Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCA) | — | std |
| Electric Parking Brake | — | std |
| Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking (PA w/AB) | opt | — |
| LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) includes lower anchors on outboard rear seats and tether anchors on all rear seats | std | — |
| Rear-Seat Reminder | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning & Rear Occupant Alert | — | std |
| Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 — Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCT), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) | std | — |
| Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) | std | — |
| Vehicle Proximity Notification System (VPNS) | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | — | std |
| Airbags (Front - Advanced): Driver (1), Front Passenger (1), Occupant Classification System (OCS) | std | std |
| Driver and Front Passenger Side-impact (2) | std | std |
| Rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance | std | std |
| Side Air Curtains (front and rear passengers) (2) | std | std |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) w/ Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | std | std |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | std | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control System (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Anti-theft System integrated with Remote Keyless Entry and Panic | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | std |
Infotainment24 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Safety Connect® - includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® - includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. | std | — |
| Remote Connect - Remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app, via your smart watch, Amazon Alexa enabled devices, and Google Assistant™ enabled devices. Allowing you to Lock/Unlock doors, Start and Stop the vehicle, Remote Climate, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers. | std | — |
| Digital Key | — | std |
| Remote Connect - Remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app, via your smart watch, Amazon Alexa enabled devices, and Google Assistant™ enabled devices. Allowing you to Lock/Unlock doors, Start and Stop the vehicle, Remote Climate, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® - includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. | std | — |
| Wi-Fi Connect - includes AT&T WiFi hotspot and Integrated Streaming (Apple Music and Amazon Music) compatibility. 1-month trial subscription for music services. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Remote Connect - Remotely interact with your vehicle through the Toyota app, via your smart watch, Amazon Alexa enabled devices, and Google Assistant™ enabled devices. Allowing you to Lock/Unlock doors, Start and Stop the vehicle, Remote Climate, locate your last parked location, check vehicle status, and monitor guest drivers. | std | — |
| Safety Connect® - includes Emergency Assistance Button, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, and Stolen Vehicle Locator. | std | — |
| 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, six speakers, with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ compatible, SiriusXM® with 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription | std | — |
| Blue Link Connected Car Services | — | std |
| Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with Voice Recognition | — | std |
| Drive Connect - includes Cloud Navigation with Google points-of-interest (POI) data, Intelligent Assistant with Hey Toyota, and Destination Assist. | std | — |
| Dual USB ports (1 charge + data, 1 charge) | — | std |
| Dynamic Voice Recognition | — | std |
| Gen 2.0 8-inch Display Audio system with 6 speakers, High Resolution Touchscreen with rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance, AM/FM/HD/SirusXM® Satellite Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | — | std |
| In-glass AM/FM antenna | — | std |
| Roof-mounted XM® antenna | — | std |
| Service Connect - Receive personalized maintenance updates and vehicle health reports. Subscription required after trial. 4G network dependent. | std | — |
| Six USB-c charge ports * — two front/ two center console/ two rear | std | — |
| Speed-sensitive automatic volume control | — | std |
| Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility | std | — |
| Wireless Charging Qi format | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System with Voice Recognition | std | std |
| Audio Controls (Volume up/down, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | std |
Convenience6 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12-volt Outlet Below HVAC controls | — | std |
| Driver side Auto Up window | — | std |
| Hand-free Smart trunk release | — | std |
| Power Door Locks (ignition key reminder, 2-turn unlocking, inside handle override) | — | std |
| Power Windows with Driver's auto-down, illuminated power window switches | — | std |
| Power windows with auto up/down | std | — |
| Proximity key entry with push button start | std | std |
Climate3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Automatic Temperature Control | — | std |
| PTC Heater | — | std |
| Single zone climate control system with dust and pollen filter | std | — |
Seating9 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split fold-down rear seats | std | — |
| Heated Front Seats | — | std |
| 1-piece bench folding rear seatback with fixed center headrest and outer headrests | — | std |
| 4-way Passenger's adjustable Bucket | — | std |
| 60/40 Split Fold-down Rear Seatback with adjustable headrests (all) center armrest w/ cup holder | — | std |
| Fabric-trimmed front seats; 6-way adjustable driver's seat; 6-way adjustable front passenger seat | std | — |
| Seat folding release in trunk | — | std |
| Seating Surfaces Leather-trimmed | — | std |
| Seating Surfaces Premium cloth | — | std |
| 6-way Driver's adjustable Bucket | std | std |
Interior25 differ · 28 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | — | std |
| 4.2-inch color (TFT-LCD) | — | std |
| Auto Dimming Mirror with Homelink | — | std |
| Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | std |
| Ambient LED interior lighting (adjustable-64 colors) | — | std |
| Cargo Area Light | — | std |
| Center console with armrest and storage compartment | std | — |
| Central Dome Light (with Delay) | — | std |
| Door Handles Metal Paint | — | std |
| Front Map Lights | — | std |
| Full TFT-LCD cluster (10.25-inch color TFT-LCD) | — | std |
| Rear cupholders Rear center armrest | — | std |
| Rear dome light and cargo area light | std | — |
| Roof Trim High density non-woven | — | std |
| Shift Knob Leather | — | std |
| Top-mount Multi-Information Display (MID) with indicators and 7-in. LCD display with speedometer, drive mode indicators, instrumentation and customizable settings, odometer, tripmeters, clock, outside temperature, rear passenger seatbelt indicators, fuel economy information, trip timer, and warning messages | std | — |
| Two front cup holders; two front and two rear bottle holders | std | — |
| Front Center Console Fixed Armrest Storage Box | — | std |
| Inside Rearview Mirror Manual Day/Night | — | std |
| Tilt and Telescopic | — | std |
| Floor Mats Carpeted | — | std |
| Front Passenger Seatback Pocket | — | std |
| Trip Computer (Distance to Empty, Average Fuel Consumption, Average Vehicle Speed, Elapsed time) | — | std |
| Door map pockets w/ bottle holders Front & Rear | — | std |
| Floor Covering Needle Punch Carpeting | — | std |
| Steering Wheel Leather-wrapped | std | std |
| Sunvisors w/ illumination & extension | std | std |
| Sunvisors w/ illumination & extension | std | std |
Exterior15 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Sunroof power glass – tilt and slide, safety one-touch | — | std |
| Heated power outside mirrors with folding feature | std | — |
| 17-in. alloy wheels with wheel covers and 195/60R17 tires | std | — |
| Active grille shutter | std | — |
| Front Windshield, 2-speed intermittent, mist function wipers | — | std |
| Full LED rear taillights (turn signal and hazard bulb) | std | — |
| LED+Bulb rear taillights | — | std |
| Outside Mirrors Turn signal indicator | — | std |
| Projector headlights: Halogen lamps (Bi-function projection) | — | std |
| Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Roof-mounted shark-fin antenna | std | — |
| Automatic Headlamp Control | — | std |
| Rear Seat Heater Ducts and Rear Window Defroster | — | std |
| Solar Glass | — | std |
| Compact Spar Tire T125/80D15×4T | — | std |
| LED headlights: Dual low & high projectors | std | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | std |
| Outside Mirrors Heated | std | std |
Powertrain3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Configuration FWD | — | std |
| Drive Mode Select AT / DCT Only | — | std |
| Hybrid Net System Horsepower: 220 horsepower (164 kW) | std | — |
Chassis4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | — | std |
| Coupled Torsion Beam Axle rear suspension | — | std |
| MacPherson Strut front suspension | — | std |
| Multi-link Independent rear suspension | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo area tonneau cover | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
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Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPToyota Prius Prime
Safety Signal 79 C
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 4
Owner complaints 6 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (3), Power Train (2), Exterior Lighting (1)
Top recalls
- high Latches/Locks/Linkages 26V049000 · 141,286 vehicles
- high Latches/Locks/Linkages 24V274000 · 55,690 vehicles
- moderate Back Over Prevention 25V744000 · 1,024,407 vehicles
- minor Equipment 24V548000 · 33,848 vehicles
Hyundai Elantra
Safety Signal 62 D
NHTSA overall ★★★★★
Frontal / side / rollover ★★★★☆ / ★★★★★ / ★★★★★
Recalls 4 · 2 critical · 1 filed unfixed
Owner complaints 167 · 16 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Forward Collision Avoidance (45), Electrical System (42), Unspecified (35)
Park-outside advisory — open NHTSA recall with a consumer advisory.
Top recalls
- critical Electrical System 23V589000 · 37,997 vehicles
- critical Power Train 23V526000 · 52,109 vehicles
- high Fuel System, Gasoline 24V528000 · 54,647 vehicles · filed unfixed
- high Air Bags 22V632000 · 247 vehicles
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Toyota Prius PrimeSE FWD | Hyundai ElantraSE FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $32,975 (base trim) | $20,650 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $32,975 – $39,670 3 trims | $20,650 – $34,400 8 trims |
| Powertrains | PHEV | HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Prius Prime SE | Elantra Hybrid Blue |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 52 | 54 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | — |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | — |
| Roadside assistance | 3 yr | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime or the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
The Hyundai Elantra wins clearly, 86.7 to 80.5, on price, tech & comfort, fuel & range. The Toyota Prius Prime is ahead on safety and space & cargo. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2023 Hyundai Elantra scores 86.7 and the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime 80.5. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime or the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2023 Hyundai Elantra starts lower — $20,650 against $32,975, a gap of $12,325 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime or the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
2023 Toyota Prius Prime: 5 NHTSA stars, grade C, 4 recalls. 2023 Hyundai Elantra: 5 NHTSA stars, grade D, 4 recalls (1 filed with no repair available). Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime and the 2023 Hyundai Elantra?
Where the 2023 Hyundai Elantra wins: it starts $12,325 lower ($20,650 against $32,975 base MSRP), lists more comfort and tech equipment (52 points against 29 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and lists 24 standard driver-assist features against 18. Where the 2023 Toyota Prius Prime answers: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (6 against 167 filed with NHTSA) and has the cleaner recall record (Safety Signal 79 against 62). What they share: 5 NHTSA stars and 5 seats.