2018 Hyundai Elantra Sedan

Driving Impression

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Ride comfort is a prime attraction. Elantras are quiet, solid, and refined. Non-Sport suspensions absorb quite a few pavement flaws. Only on seriously harsh surfaces does the hatchback’s premium suspension reveal its limitations.

A well-composed ride is the rule, but handing falls around the middle of the pack. Fitted with light, yet precise, steering, the GT hatchback feels firmly planted on the pavement, if a tad heavy in corners and curves. Sport models get a multi-link independent rear suspension, providing greater body-motion control.

Brake behavior in a Sport sedan failed to elicit full confidence, because of a dull pedal feel and significant fading in hard stops.

Sport models are the most enjoyable to drive. Base-engine performance falls short of enthusiastic, but the turbo provides a peppier experience. Sport models should accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Performance sags in the Eco edition.

Elantras are relatively fuel-efficient, if short of class-leading. Most Elantra sedans with the 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed automatic are EPA-rated at 28/37 mpg City/Highway, or 32 mpg Combined. SE models, which contain fewer features, are a tad thriftier at 29/38/33 mpg. The Elantra Eco does even better: EPA-rated at 32/40 mpg City/Highway, or 35 mpg Combined. Sport sedans manage only 22/30/25 mpg.

Hatchbacks with automatic are EPA-rated at 24/32 mpg City/Highway, or 27 mpg Combined. Manual-shift Sport hatchbacks get a 22/29/25 mpg rating.

Walk Around

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Less daring than past Elantra models, the current version is attractive in either body style. With their shapely sheetmetal, sedans are actually more aerodynamic, though the Euro-styled GT hatchback has a lower, wider stance.

The GT gets a tightened-up version of Hyundai’s large trapezoidal grille, with a mesh pattern. Hatchback daytime running lights differ from the sedan’s LED units. Sedans have three taillights flanking an upturned decklid, while the GT rear end is more rounded.

Interior Overview

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Even though the Elantra is considered a compact, interior dimensions approach midsize. Material quality is low-budget, black plastic.

Most controls and the touchscreen angle toward the driver. Front seats are generally good, but the sedan is more comfortable, with better bolstering on the seat cushions. Sport models feature deeper bucket seats, with fabric that maintains a stronger grip.

Back-seat riders get ample head and knee clearance, but seat cushions aren’t as comfortable. Sedan rear seats are on the low side, giving six-footers abundant headroom. Rear legroom is an inch tighter in a GT hatchback.

Sedans boast 14.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, appropriate for a compact. Cargo space in hatchbacks has grown to 24.9 cubic feet, expanding to 55.4 cubic feet with split seatbacks folded.

Upper models contain more sound-deadening material. Fit and finish tends to be better in GT models.

Summary

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The base Elantra is spartan but delivers good value. Upper trim levels aren’t quite as value-focused, but have nicer trim. GT hatchbacks promise greater utility and, in Sport form, driving delight. In addition to good infotainment systems, Elantras have an impressive warranty.

Driving impressions by Aaron Cole, The Car Connection. James M. Flammang contributed to this report.

Model Lineup

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Elantra 2.0L SE sedan comes with the 2.0-liter engine and manual ($16,950) or automatic ($17,950) transmission, 15-inch wheels, six-speaker audio, cloth upholstery, and a 3.5-inch screen. (Prices are MSRP and do not include $885 destination charge.)

Elantra 2.0L SEL sedan ($18,850) gets an automatic transmission, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 16-inch alloy wheels, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, and Bluetooth. Blind-spot detection also is standard. Elantra 2.0L Value Edition sedan ($19,850) comes with an automatic transmission and features from the Limited, including a sunroof an heated front seats.

Elantra 2.0L Limited ($22,100) includes an automatic transmission, chrome trim, leather seating surfaces, BlueLink telematics, and 17-inch wheels. An 8.0-inch infotainment screen with navigation is optional.

Elantra 1.4T Eco sedan ($20,550) is similar to SEL, but with the 1.4-liter turbo engine, dual-clutch transmission, and smaller (15-inch) wheels to improve fuel economy.

Elantra 1.6T Sport comes with a more potent turbo engine and manual ($21,800) or automatic ($22,900) and is trimmed similar to Limited.

Elantra GT hatchback comes is similar in equipment to SEL sedan, with the 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed manual ($19,350) or automatic ($20,350) transmission; an 8.0-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rearview camera are standard.

Elantra GT Sport hatch gets the 1.6-liter turbo engine with manual ($23,250) or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission ($24,350), along with a multi-link rear suspension and bigger brakes.