Hyundai Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan with seating for up to five passengers. In the manufacturer’s lineup, it slots between the subcompact Accent and the midsize Sonata, and it also has some notable variants, including the liftback Elantra GT (discontinued after 2020), the performance-oriented Elantra N, and the fuel-efficient Elantra Hybrid, which are reviewed separately. The Elantra’s most recent (seventh) generation was introduced for the 2021 model year, featuring a bold new design language, improved interior quality, and additional standard technology features.

Hyundai offers the Elantra in a range of trims, including the base SE, the mid-range SEL, the sporty N Line (known as the Sport prior to 2021), and the top-tier Limited. The sixth-generation model (2016-2020) is also available in the more fuel-efficient Eco trim and the Value Edition, which builds on the SEL with additional convenience features.

Under the hood, the Elantra utilizes a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower. In 2020 and earlier models, it could be paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission; however, it switched to a continuously variable automatic (CVT) starting in 2021. The Eco trim employs a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 128 hp, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, while the performance-themed Sport and N Line trims boast a 1.6-liter unit with an impressive 201 hp, backed by either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

In 2017, Hyundai introduced an optional 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with an upgraded 8-inch unit available on the Limited. The 7-inch unit became standard on the SEL and above in 2018. Hyundai further improved the Elantra’s infotainment offerings in 2021, when an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility became standard across most trims, including the base SE, while the Limited got a more advanced 10.25-inch unit with built-in navigation. Note, however, that the larger unit offers only wired (rather than wireless) smartphone connectivity.

Since 2021, the Elantra has offered several advanced safety features as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist, which had previously been optional. Adaptive cruise control is also available on higher-level trims, starting with the 2017 model year.