If you’re searching for an economical compact car, consider the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. It recently earned the top spot as U.S. News’ best hybrid car for the money in 2022. So, what makes the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid better than the competition? 

What does the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offer?

As the winner of U.S. News’ “Best Hybrid and Electric Cars for the Money in 2022,” the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers the lowest five-year cost of ownership than its rivals. But that perk alone doesn’t make the Elantra Hybrid the best buy for the money. 

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid comes in two trim levels: Blue and Limited. Though the interior has more plastic pieces than necessary, both models offer spacious seating for five adults and plenty of amenities. The list of standard features in both trims includes:

• Performance tires with pressure monitoring and aluminum wheels
• Back-up camera
• Auto-off headlights
• Keyless, remote engine start
• Hands-free liftgate
• Heated side mirrors
• 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Dual-zone air-conditioning
• Heated front bucket seats

The two Elantra Hybrid trims also pack the same 139-hp hybrid powertrain. A 104-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with a 240-volt lithium-ion battery and a 32-kW electric motor providing an additional 43 hp. A six-speed automatic transmission handles the shifting, and front-wheel drive puts the power on the road.

In addition, both 2022 Elantra Hybrid trims have the same safety equipment and advanced driver-assistance systems. They include:

• Airbags to protect all occupants
• Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes
• Brake assist
• Electronic stabiility control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist

Is the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue the better trim?

With a relatively low cost of entry for a hybrid sedan, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Blue starts at $23,750 and gets an estimated 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg on the highway, compared to 49 mpg and 52 mpg for the Limited. However, although the Blue is cheaper to own and drive, it gives up some high-end features that only the Elantra Hybrid Limited provides. 

Or is the Limited model the better option?

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited, though less fuel-efficient than the Blue, brings solid fuel economy ratings. It gets an estimated 49 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway. The Limited also has a higher MSRP of $28,600, but it adds the following features:

• Power sunroof
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear parking aid
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Memory mirror
• Premium sound system
• Built-in navigation
• Leather memory seats
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and ventilation
• Pass-through rear seat
• Integrated turn signal side mirrors

Why is the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid the best hybrid car for the money? 

Including its $23,750 purchase price, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid has a projected five-year ownership cost of around $40,000. That number makes this compact the best hybrid car for the money. 

For comparison, the $27,380 2022 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE — the Elantra Hybrid Blue’s closest competition on U.S. News’ list — has a projected five-year ownership cost of about $41,700 while getting an estimated 51 mpg in the city and 53 mpg on the highway.