“If you want excellent handling, acceleration and the option to have increased performance in a hatchback, I can't think of a better, more affordable option.”
2020 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Elantra gets a meaningful efficiency and safety update rather than a redesign, led by a new IVT automatic on the mainstream 2.0-liter sedan trims. The Elantra GT hatchback carries over without significant changes.
About the 2020 Hyundai Elantra
Sixth-generation Elantra sedan (2017-2020), final year; 2018-2020 Elantra GT hatchback, final U.S. model year.
Hyundai positions the Elantra range as a practical compact car with a high level of useful equipment, straightforward controls and multiple personalities. The sedan focuses on everyday commuting, fuel economy, safety and comfort, while the GT adds hatchback cargo flexibility. Eco emphasizes efficiency, Sport and N Line emphasize stronger acceleration and sharper handling, and Limited adds comfort and audio technology. The common theme is delivering substantial factory equipment in an easy-to-use compact car.
The sedan spans the straightforward SE, comfort-focused Value Edition and leather-trimmed Limited, while the 201-hp Sport serves as the performance version. Limited has heated leather seats, wireless phone charging, premium audio and LED lighting; Sport pairs its turbo engine with firmer suspension and larger front brakes. The Elantra GT is the practical hatchback, with an 8-inch touchscreen and up to 55.1 cubic feet of cargo room, while GT N Line adds a 201-hp turbo engine and a more responsive rear suspension.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited adopted an IVT automatic with their 2.0-liter engine, improving rated fuel economy. Eco added an engine stop-start system.
Safety
Forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance and a driver-attention monitor became standard on every Elantra sedan trim.
Tech
Dual-zone automatic climate control became standard on every sedan. On Limited, the touchscreen changed from standard to optional.
2020 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 | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 41 mpg | 41 mpg | 40 mpg | 32 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 40 mpg | 40 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 128 hp | 147 hp | 161 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp | 147 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 156 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 150 lb-ft | 195 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 cu-ft | 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 | 35.7 in | 34.8 in | 35.7 in | 35.7 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 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 | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||
| 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 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
The biggest change is the IVT automatic used by the 2.0-liter SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited sedans. It improves fuel economy compared with the prior year.
Does every 2020 Hyundai Elantra sedan have standard driver-assistance features?
Yes. Every 2020 Elantra sedan has forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance and a driver-attention monitor as standard equipment. This lineup-wide statement applies to the sedan, not the separately styled Elantra GT hatchback.
Do all 2020 Hyundai Elantras use the IVT automatic?
No. The IVT is limited to the 2.0-liter SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited sedans. Eco and Sport use seven-speed dual-clutch automatics with their turbo engines, while the Elantra GT hatchbacks retain their own transmissions.
How different is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra from the 2019 model?
The 2020 sedan is meaningfully updated but not redesigned. Its main changes are the IVT automatic on 2.0-liter trims, broader standard driver-assistance equipment, standard dual-zone climate control and engine stop-start for Eco.
Did the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback change?
No significant changes were made to the 2020 Elantra GT hatchback. The regular GT remains the cargo-focused version, while GT N Line keeps its 201-hp turbo engine and performance-oriented suspension.
2020 Hyundai Elantra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Hyundai Elantra.
4.1
2020 Hyundai Elantra
(239 reviews)
“If you're looking for a reliable balance of practical and sporty, this is the car to get.”
“It's a ""warm"" hatch, with tons of usability and tech features. Very few complaints (no Blind spot monitoring, gears are quite short) and a super complete package with tons of value. Plus I love the way it looks. If only the I30N with DCT were in the U.S.”