Explore whether the Hyundai Elantra is the right compact sedan for you in this comprehensive review. Discover its design, performance, features, and how it stacks up against the competition.
The Hyundai Elantra: A Stylish and Value-Packed Sedan
The Hyundai Elantra has long been a popular choice in the compact sedan segment, and for good reason. This 2024 model boasts a modern and eye-catching design that sets it apart from many of its competitors. With its sharp lines, sleek profile, and distinctive front grille, the Elantra commands attention on the road. While the base model may lack some of the more premium features, the midrange SEL and top-level trims offer an impressive array of amenities, making the Elantra a great value proposition in its class.
One of the Elantra’s standout attributes is its spacious and well-appointed interior. The cabin offers generous passenger volume, particularly in the rear seats, allowing the Elantra to compete with larger, more expensive sedans. However, the use of some hard plastic materials throughout the interior may be a slight disappointment for those seeking a more premium feel.
Exterior Design
2024 Hyundai Elantra showcasing its modern and aggressive exterior design.
The exterior design of the Hyundai Elantra is both modern and aggressive, featuring a bold front fascia that includes a large grille and striking LED headlights. The sculpted sides and sloping roofline contribute to a sporty look that appeals to a younger demographic. The Elantra’s design is not just for show; it also enhances aerodynamics, which can contribute to fuel efficiency. The available alloy wheels and various color options allow buyers to customize their Elantra to their personal tastes.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside the Elantra, and you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes comfort and usability. The front seats are supportive and spacious, making long drives more enjoyable. The rear seat area is particularly impressive, offering ample legroom and headroom, which is beneficial for families or those who frequently transport passengers. The layout of the dashboard and controls is intuitive, making it easy to access various features without distraction.
Value for Money
When it comes to pricing, the Elantra is competitively positioned within its segment. Starting at around $22,775, it offers a robust set of standard features, including a user-friendly infotainment system and a suite of advanced safety technologies. The Elantra provides excellent value for money, especially when you consider the level of comfort, technology, and safety features included, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Elantra Trims and Powertrain Options
The Hyundai Elantra lineup offers a variety of trim levels and powertrain choices to cater to a wide range of buyers. The base SE and mid-level SEL models come equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and delivers respectable fuel economy.
For those seeking a bit more pep, the Elantra N-Line model is the way to go. This sportier variant features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out a more robust 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line is also equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides a more engaging driving experience.
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, the Elantra Hybrid model is worth considering. It pairs a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 139 horsepower and an impressive 56 MPG in highway driving.
SE and SEL: The Practical Choices
The base SE and mid-level SEL trims of the Elantra are the most affordable options, offering a good balance of features and value. While the 2.0-liter engine may not be the most thrilling, it provides adequate power for daily commuting and light-duty tasks. The CVT transmission, while not as responsive as a traditional automatic, helps maximize fuel efficiency.
Both trims come equipped with essential features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. The SEL trim adds more convenience features, including a larger touchscreen, a premium audio system, and additional driver assistance technologies.
N-Line: The Sporty Enthusiast’s Pick
For those who want a bit more excitement behind the wheel, the Elantra N-Line is the variant to choose. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission deliver a more dynamic driving experience, making the N-Line a compelling option for enthusiast-minded buyers.
The N-Line also comes with sport-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes, allowing for sharper handling and improved responsiveness. If you enjoy spirited driving, the N-Line is designed to deliver a more engaging experience compared to its more sedate counterparts.
Hybrid: The Fuel-Sipping Eco-Friendly Option
The Elantra Hybrid offers the best of both worlds — impressive fuel efficiency and a comfortable, well-equipped cabin. With its hybrid powertrain, the Elantra Hybrid can achieve an EPA-estimated 56 MPG on the highway, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel savings and environmental consciousness.
The hybrid model retains the spacious interior and cargo capacity of its gasoline counterparts, making it a practical option for eco-minded buyers who do not want to sacrifice comfort or space.
Driving Experience and Performance
While the Hyundai Elantra may not be the most thrilling compact sedan on the market, it delivers a comfortable and competent driving experience. The Elantra’s handling is composed and predictable, with a smooth ride quality that helps absorb road imperfections. However, it doesn’t quite match the agility and driver engagement of rivals like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Elantra’s suspension setup strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections well, providing a smooth ride even on less-than-ideal surfaces. The steering is precise, though it may lack the feedback that driving enthusiasts crave. Overall, the Elantra is designed for daily driving, making it an excellent choice for commuters and families alike.
Acceleration and Power
The base 2.0-liter engine, while adequate for everyday driving, can feel a bit underwhelming when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic. The CVT transmission, while efficient, can sometimes exhibit a rubber-band effect, with delayed responses to throttle inputs.
In contrast, the Elantra N-Line’s turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission provide a more responsive and engaging driving experience, appealing to those who prioritize performance. The extra power and sporty tuning make the N-Line a joy to drive, particularly on winding roads.
Braking
Braking performance is a strong suit for the Elantra. The sedan’s four-wheel disc brakes provide reliable and confident stopping power, making it easy to quickly respond to emergency situations. The brake pedal feels firm and responsive, giving drivers confidence in their ability to stop quickly when needed.
Interior and Technology
The Hyundai Elantra’s cabin is a pleasant place to spend time, with a generally spacious and comfortable interior. The dashboard and center console feature a modern and intuitive design, and the available 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is user-friendly and responsive.
Interior Design and Comfort
Step inside the Elantra, and you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes comfort and usability. The front seats are supportive and spacious, making long drives more enjoyable. The rear seat area is particularly impressive, offering ample legroom and headroom, which is beneficial for families or those who frequently transport passengers. The layout of the dashboard and controls is intuitive, making it easy to access various features without distraction.
Infotainment System
Interior of the Hyundai Elantra highlighting its modern infotainment system.
The Elantra features a user-friendly 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration for seamless smartphone connectivity. This allows you to access your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly from the display.
In addition to its connectivity features, the Elantra offers a range of options, including navigation, music streaming, and a premium audio system for those who enjoy high-quality sound while driving.
Safety Features
In terms of technology, the Elantra comes standard with a host of advanced safety features, including automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The available digital instrument cluster and wireless charging pad further enhance the Elantra’s tech-savvy appeal.
Hyundai’s commitment to safety is evident in the Elantra, which has received high marks in crash tests. The advanced safety features provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike, making it a smart choice for families.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
One of the Hyundai Elantra’s key strengths is its impressive fuel efficiency. The base 2.0-liter model is estimated to achieve up to 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway, according to the EPA. The Elantra Hybrid, however, is the true standout, boasting an EPA-estimated 56 MPG on the highway.
EPA Fuel Economy Estimates
The Elantra Hybrid offers the best fuel economy in the lineup, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize fuel savings. In real-world testing, the non-hybrid model managed 38 MPG on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, while the Hybrid version achieved an impressive 48 MPG. These figures put the Elantra among the more fuel-efficient offerings in the compact sedan segment.
Real-World Fuel Economy
In real-world testing, the Elantra has delivered respectable results. The non-hybrid model managed 38 MPG on our 75 mph highway fuel economy route, while the Hybrid version achieved an impressive 48 MPG. These figures put the Elantra among the more fuel-efficient offerings in the compact sedan segment.
Hyundai Elantra vs- the Competition
When compared to its key rivals, the Hyundai Elantra holds its own in several key areas. Against the Honda Civic, the Elantra offers a more distinctive exterior design and a comparable level of features and value. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, may offer a more engaging driving experience, but the Elantra counters with a more spacious cabin and a lower starting price.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is often regarded as one of the best compact sedans on the market. It offers a more engaging driving experience and a higher-quality interior. However, the Elantra’s unique design and value proposition make it a strong contender.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 provides a more engaging driving experience but may have a smaller cabin and a higher starting price. The Elantra counters with a more spacious cabin and additional features at a competitive price point.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla matches the Elantra in terms of reliability and affordability but may not offer as refined driving dynamics or interior quality. The Elantra’s more modern design and advanced technology features give it an edge in this comparison.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra offers good value but may fall behind the Elantra in terms of style, features, and overall refinement. The Elantra’s combination of performance and comfort makes it a more appealing choice for many buyers.
FAQ
Q: What is the starting price of the Hyundai Elantra?
A: The 2024 Hyundai Elantra has a starting price of around $22,775.
Q: How reliable is the Hyundai Elantra?
A: The Hyundai Elantra is generally considered a reliable car, and it comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is a testament to its durability.
Q: Is the Hyundai Elantra good for families?
A: Yes, the Elantra offers a spacious cabin and a generous amount of cargo space, making it a suitable choice for families.
Q: What are the pros and cons of the Elantra Hybrid?
A: The Elantra Hybrid offers excellent fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 56 MPG on the highway. However, it may have slightly less power than the non-hybrid models, and the hybrid system adds some additional weight, which can impact the overall driving dynamics.
Conclusion
The Hyundai Elantra is a compelling choice in the compact sedan segment, offering a winning combination of style, value, and practicality. While it may not be the most thrilling driver’s car, the Elantra delivers a comfortable and competent driving experience, with a spacious cabin and impressive fuel efficiency.
For prospective buyers seeking a well-rounded sedan that provides a good balance of features, comfort, and affordability, the Hyundai Elantra is certainly worth a closer look. Test-driving the Elantra and comparing it to other compact sedans in your consideration set will help you determine if this Hyundai model is the right fit for your needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize fuel efficiency, advanced safety features, or overall value, the Elantra stands out as a strong contender in its class.