Driving in Colorado, whether it’s in high elevation cities or into the Rocky Mountains, is best accomplished in sport utility vehicles with big engines, all-wheel drive and overall ruggedness. But how do other vehicles succeed on similar rugged journeys?
A 2025 Hyundai Elantra, in its Hybrid Limited trim, fared well in a recent week’s journey through multiple high-altitude urban areas and into two of Colorado’s better-known mountainous attractions, Garden of the Gods and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The Elantra’s success was based on reasonable expectations. The four-door sedan is Hyundai’s smallest vehicle with a hybrid powertrain. It advanced in sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s and endured rain, light snow and temperatures in the mid-30s.
One of three hybrid trims, the Limited, like its stablemates, has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine. It’s paired with an electric motor and a 1.32 kWh lithium-ion battery to produce 139 horsepower. It’s front-wheel drive and has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
As one of the country’s most efficient hybrids, the Elantra Hybrid is EPA-rated with 50 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. It averaged 52.3 mpg during the recent week’s trip. It included more than 600 miles of freeway driving at the 75 mph speed limit (sometimes faster via traffic flow) and at slow speeds on twisting, narrow-road ascents.
The Elantra Hybrid has Normal, Sport and Smart driving modes. The manufacturer describes the trio from “balanced driving” to “heightened responsiveness” to “optimized performance.” Smart mode, as also detailed, “adjusts settings based on driving conditions and habits, optimizing performance and efficiency as needed.” It proved the most useful setting even when the engine struggled for the right gearing on long inclines in thin air.
Debuting in the United States in 1990 as a 1991 model, the Elantra is in its seventh generation and features its most sporting exterior styling. The Hybrid option arrived in 2021. Several changes were made last year, only minor adjustments this year. The 2026 models have several refreshes.
Pickup trucks and SUVs comprised 75 percent of 2024 vehicle sales in the United States, with hybrid models a niche among the shrinking consumer sedan preferences. Regardless, the hybrid choices are strong with the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic and Kia Niro all worthy and with the Elantra Hybrid firmly in the top-choice mix.
The Kia Niro and Toyota Prius hatchbacks have more interior space. But the Elantra’s interior room is satisfactory, with 42.3 and 38.0 inches, respectively, of front and rear seat legroom. The trunk, which can be opened in four ways, has 14.2 cubic feet of storage.
The exterior design combines sharp lines with a sloping roofline, a geometric-patterned large front grille and slim LED headlight and daytime running lights. The side profile gives the sedan sporty leanings. It’s sleek with angular door creases and a modern, confident look. The hybrid includes 17-inch wheels; the geometric-designed covers add to the futuristic theme.
A 10.25-inch digital display shows real-time information, including hybrid system status, speed and navigation prompts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with various connected services available with enrollment. The center console, cupholders and door pockets have adequate room for personal items. Leather upholstery, highway driving assist and a Bose audio system are also standard.
Comfort and convenience features also include a 60/40 split folding rear seatback with an armrest and cupholders, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, dual automatic temperature controls and a wireless charging pad.
While the Elantra isn’t likely a buying choice for mountain dwellers, it’s a proud hybrid with plenty to offer in a reviewed model’s modest price of $30,810.
It held its own in Colorado’s season of fall colors and with the beginning of winter weather’s driving difficulties teasing what’s to come. The family all-wheel drive SUV would then serve at its best.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].
