2013 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is its expansion into a three-body-style lineup, with a new two-door Coupe and an all-new GT hatchback joining the sedan. The sedan itself receives only light equipment updates.
About the 2013 Hyundai Elantra
5th-generation Elantra era, before the 2014 sedan refresh; 2013 is also the first U.S. model year for the Elantra Coupe and the new Elantra GT hatchback.
Hyundai positioned the 2013 Elantra as a compact car that felt bigger and richer than expected. The pitch centered on sharp styling, a roomy cabin, good fuel economy, and a generous feature list for the class. Against rivals, Elantra leaned more on interior space, design, and value than on outright sportiness. Within that formula, the sedan handled everyday duty, the Coupe added visual flair, and the GT added hatchback flexibility.
The 2013 Elantra lineup covers three distinct needs: a practical sedan, a style-focused Coupe, and a GT hatchback with more cargo flexibility and a more driver-focused feel. The GT has fold-flat rear seats and selectable steering, while the Coupe SE adds leather seats, a sunroof, and firmer suspension. The upscale Limited sedan stands out with heated front and rear leather seats, a sunroof, and a power driver seat.
What changed, by category
2013 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/Shftrnc |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg | 38 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 145–148 hp | 145–148 hp | 145–148 hp | 145–148 hp | 145–148 hp |
| Torque | 130–131 lb-ft | 130–131 lb-ft | 130–131 lb-ft | 130–131 lb-ft | 130–131 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.8 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.3 in | 34.6 in | 33.3 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
The biggest change is the expansion from a sedan-led model into a three-body-style lineup. A new two-door Coupe and an all-new GT hatchback join the Elantra sedan for 2013.
Was the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan fully redesigned?
No, the 2013 Elantra sedan was not fully redesigned. It carries over with light equipment updates, while the major news is the addition of the Coupe and GT hatchback.
What changed on the 2013 Elantra GLS sedan?
The 2013 Elantra GLS gains more standard equipment, including air conditioning, solar glass, a steering wheel that adjusts for height and reach, and alloy wheels.
Does the 2013 Hyundai Elantra have a hatchback version?
Yes, the all-new Elantra GT is the hatchback version for 2013. It has a five-door body, fold-flat rear seats, a flexible cargo area, heated front seats, and selectable steering effort.
Is the 2013 Elantra meaningfully different from the 2012 model?
Yes, if body style matters. The 2013 range adds the Coupe and GT hatchback, but the sedan changes only lightly with added standard equipment on GLS and a power driver seat on Limited.