In brief: the 2013 Hyundai Elantra uses front MacPherson struts (a strut assembly that includes a coil spring and shock absorber) and a rear torsion-beam suspension with individual shock absorbers. So, it has struts up front and shocks at the rear.
To understand what that means for this specific model year, it's helpful to look at how the Elantra’s suspension is arranged at the front and rear, and what the terms "shocks" and "struts" refer to in practice.
Front suspension: MacPherson struts
The Elantra’s front end uses a MacPherson strut setup, a common arrangement in compact cars. This design combines the coil spring and the shock absorber into a single strut assembly at each front wheel, which also serves as a steering pivot in many configurations. Here is what this implies:
- Configuration: MacPherson strut assembly at each front wheel.
- Spring and damper: Coil spring is integrated with the strut; the shock absorber is inside the same unit.
- Maintenance implication: Front suspension components are typically replaced as a unit (strut assemblies) when worn.
- Ride and handling: The front strut design helps provide a balance of ride comfort and responsive steering common to compact sedans.
In short, the Elantra’s front suspension is strut-based, not a separate spring-and-shock setup. This is a characteristic feature of many modern small cars and contributes to a compact engine bay footprint and predictable front-end behavior.
Rear suspension: torsion-beam with dampers
The rear of the 2013 Elantra uses a torsion-beam (also called a twist-beam) type suspension with coil springs and separate shock absorbers at each wheel. This setup is typical for many compact sedans, offering a simple, cost-effective ride with adequate trunk and cabin space. Here are the key details:
- Configuration: Torsion-beam rear suspension with coil springs on each side.
- Shocks/dampers: Individual rear shock absorbers (dampers) control vertical motion at each wheel.
- Maintenance implication: Rear shocks are serviceable and are generally replaced in pairs to maintain balanced handling.
- Performance note: The rear torsion-beam design emphasizes durability and cost-effectiveness over the most aggressive handling traits, which is typical for this class.
Thus, while the front uses struts as part of the MacPherson setup, the rear relies on dampers (shocks) as part of its torsion-beam suspension system.
Additional context
Automakers often vary suspension details by market and trim level, but for the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sold in many regions, the described configuration—front MacPherson struts and rear torsion-beam with dampers—is representative of the model year.
Summary: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra employs front MacPherson struts (the strut assembly that includes the spring and damper) and a rear torsion-beam suspension with separate shock absorbers. In other words, you’ll encounter struts in front and shocks in the rear.
What year to stay away from Hyundai Elantra?
Frequently Asked Questions: Hyundai Elantra Years to Avoid
A: If you're in the market for a used Hyundai Elantra, avoid the following model years due to reliability issues: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2017.
What is the most common problem on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Engine Cooling.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Engine Minor.
- Paint/Trim.
- Body Hardware.
- Brakes.
- Transmission Major.
- Drive System.
How much does it cost to replace struts on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra?
The average cost for a Hyundai Elantra Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $1,320 and $1,469. Labor costs are estimated between $319 and $468 while parts are typically priced around $1,001. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location.
How much does it cost to replace struts and shocks on a Hyundai?
The average cost for a Hyundai Accent Suspension Shock or Strut Replacement is between $521 and $724. Labor costs are estimated between $165 and $242 while parts are priced between $356 and $481.