Test-Driving The The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N ManualForbesJosh Max, ContributorFri, September 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM UTCAdd us on Google2026 Hyundai Elantra NCOPYRIGHT_2023The 2026 Hyundai Elantra N has taken a perfectly sensible compact sedan, sent it to racing school and here it is back again with a loud exhaust, serious brakes and a six-speed stick. It's the full-strength N mode, not the milder N Line, and its job is simple - deliver legitimate track-capable performance without making the car useless Monday through Friday.What's new for 2026?The Elantra N made its North American debut in August 2021 as a 2022 model. For 2026, Hyundai has left it alone - the company lists it as a carry-over model with no changes. Pricing starts at $35,300 before destination and fees, making it reasonable when compared to similar vehicles in its class.2026 Hyundai Elantra NEngineYou've got a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through either an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic or, in the car tested here, the standard six-speed manual. Premium fuel is required, says the company, to get the full 276 horsepower.AdvertisementAdvertisementEPA fuel economy is 21 mpg city, 29 highway and 24 combined with the manual, slightly better than the automatic's 20/27/23.And about that stick shift - the automatic is actually quicker and gets Hyundai's N Grin Shift feature, but the manual gives the driver direct control over the engine and makes you participate in the whole operation. Hyundai gives it rev matching, taking some of the drama out of downshifts without taking away the fun.LooksOutside, the Elantra N still looks wonderfully dressed up. The low nose, angular bodywork, matte-black grille, N-specific fascias, rear wing, diffuser, fat exhaust outlets and 19-inch forged wheels make sure nobody mistakes it for the rental-counter Elantra. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, sized 245/35R19, fill the wheel wells handsomely.2026 Hyundai Elantra NInsideIt's sporty without being cartoonish, difficult for an under-$40,000 vehicle. N Light Sport bucket seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara were particularly comfortable over long nighttime journeys, while a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and matching 10.25-inch navigation screen keep the dashboard modern. Heated seats, Bose audio, wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The leather-wrapped shift knob lands exactly where your right hand expects it.What's the drive like?The steering is quick, the electronically controlled suspension keeps the body planted, and the electronic limited-slip differential helps pull the car through corners. The brakes are substantial, the exhaust can be gloriously antisocial, and the manual gearbox turns even ordinary drives into something involving both hands and both feet. When you and the pedals get together, it's a lot of fun.2026 Hyundai Elantra NRoom for improvementThe summer tires transmit plenty of road noise, and some cabin plastics remind you this car began life as an economy sedan. The clutch and shifter are good rather than magical. I stalled repeatedly during the week's test, mostly because I could not hear the engine or feel the exact "bite" of the clutch's engagement consistently. One gets used to it, however.2026 Hyundai Elantra NConclusion: The Elantra N manual is an increasingly rare thing - a practical four-door that still asks its driver to do some of the work. That alone makes it worth a tire-kick.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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