“The Elantra GT (Base) is a solid little car. Good fuel mileage, more than adequate interior storage space, and, best of all, can be had with a manual transmission. Plus, it comes with Hyundai's reputation for longevity and safety. 5/5 would recommend.”
2018 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is the completely redesigned GT hatchback, which has more cargo room, a stiffer body, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen. The sedan receives lighter trim and equipment updates rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Elantra sedan: 6th generation, second model year before the 2019 exterior and safety update. Elantra GT hatchback: first year of the redesigned 3rd-generation i30-based model in the U.S.
Hyundai positioned the Elantra family as a roomy, technology-focused compact with strong everyday value. The sedan emphasized an easy-to-use cabin, efficient powertrains, and comfort features often associated with larger cars. The GT added hatchback cargo flexibility and a more European-influenced driving feel, while Sport versions brought stronger turbo performance. Across the range, the main appeal was useful equipment and interior space without moving to a larger vehicle.
The 2018 lineup spans a straightforward SE sedan, the better-equipped new SEL, the efficiency-focused Eco, the comfort-oriented Limited, and Sport versions with a 201-hp turbo engine. The redesigned GT emphasizes hatchback cargo space and an 8-inch touchscreen, while the GT Sport pairs that practical body with stronger performance hardware.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The redesigned Elantra GT uses a 161-hp 2.0L engine, while the new GT Sport uses a 201-hp 1.6L turbo engine. The sedan’s main engines and transmissions carry over.
Styling
The Elantra GT is completely redesigned with a lower, wider hatchback body and Hyundai’s cascading grille. The sedan does not receive a significant exterior redesign.
Safety
The new SEL sedan makes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist standard. These features also become standard on the Sport sedan, while the Value Edition gains rear disc brakes.
Tech
The new SEL sedan has a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The redesigned GT gets a standard 8-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone integration. Limited gains an auto-dimming mirror with a built-in garage-door opener, and the Sport sedan gains a standard power sunroof.
Structural
The redesigned GT uses 53% advanced high-strength steel and more structural adhesive, making its body 18% stiffer. Cargo capacity also increases by 8%.
2018 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic / Automatic, 7-Spd w/Dual-Clutch | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28–29 mpg | 32 mpg | 28 mpg | 23 mpg | 22–26 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37–38 mpg | 40 mpg | 37 mpg | 31 mpg | 29–33 mpg | 37 mpg | 37 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 128 hp | 147 hp | 162 hp | 201 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 156 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.4 cu-ft | 14.4 cu-ft | 14.4 cu-ft | 55.1 cu-ft | 14.4–55.1 cu-ft | 14.4 cu-ft | 14.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in | 34.8 in | 34.8–35.7 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
The biggest change is the completely redesigned Elantra GT hatchback. It has a lower and wider body, 8% more cargo capacity, an 18% stiffer structure, and a standard 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Was the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan redesigned?
No, the 2018 Elantra sedan was not redesigned. Its body and main powertrains largely carry over, but Hyundai added the SEL trim and updated equipment on the Value Edition, Sport, and Limited.
What did the new 2018 Elantra SEL include?
The new 2018 Elantra SEL includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and rear disc brakes as standard equipment.
What changed on the 2018 Elantra Sport?
The 2018 Elantra Sport sedan gains a standard power sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assist. The new GT Sport hatchback combines the redesigned body with a 201-hp turbo engine, independent rear suspension, larger brakes, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
Is the 2018 Elantra meaningfully different from the 2017 model?
Yes for the GT hatchback, but only modestly for the sedan. The GT is fully redesigned, while the sedan mainly adds the SEL trim and receives targeted brake, safety, sunroof, and mirror updates.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra.
4.1
2018 Hyundai Elantra
(611 reviews)
“Great on gas, good performance and handling, and great comfort as far as the feel of the car. The seats on the other hand, are uncomfortable for rides longer than 30 minutes.”
“Great gas mileage and front seat space. Back seat is tight for a child's car seat. No power driver seat was a disappointment.”