For the latest Hyundai Elantra pricing and information:
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This is the 7th-generation Hyundai Elantra that’s all-new. And this little number looks better than ever.


On the outside the longer, lower and wider Elantra takes on more of the presence of its bigger sibling the Sonata.

And this is 100% a very good thing.


There is only one part of the exterior design language that vexes me and that’s the creasing in the door panels. It seems a bit overwrought. The rest of it is snazzy looking. Perhaps it’s vying for the personality plus award. Objectively, the Elantra is officially a handsome looking small car. I particularly like the view from the rear.


Inside the Elantra doesn’t disappoint either. It feels roomier than a compact sedan should. That’s because its passenger space is actually similar to some midsize sedans.

The seats are comfortable, and the rest of the cabin has an upscale and high-tech feel that the last generation lacked.

The cabin is pleasing to look at and comes with myriad standard features. A standard 8-inch touchscreen display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and driver assistance features including forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist.

0f course whatever Elantra you get comes with Hyundai’s industry-best 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The higher up the trim ladder of course there are more goodies to be had, including leather heated front seats, sunroof, more USB ports, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and dual 10.25-inch color displays. One for infotainment the other for driver information.

The Elantra gives you nice options in the engine compartment department as well. Say that five times fast.


The base engine that powers the SE, SEL, and Limited trims is a more than adequate 2.0-liter inline 4 (147 hp, 132 lb-ft torque)

That’s an upgrade on the base model from the previous generation that got a 1.4L. This 2.0L feels responsive and peppy. It’s mated to a CVT and while they’re not my favorite, I’m not feeling so put out by this one.


The acceleration feels solid and powers this small car well enough for when you’re in a pickle. Hybrid models come equipped with a dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission and the Elantra N can be had with a manual transmission. Yes, you heard me correctly, or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.


The new Elantra Hybrid model gets a 1.6L inline 4 paired with a 32 kW electric motor (139 combined hp, 195 lb-ft torque). The same 1.6-L turbo 4. (201 hp, 195 lb-ft torque) that used to power the GT Line now lives in the sporty Elantra N.


Of course, your gas mileage numbers go down as those power numbers increase, but even if you opt for more accelerative mojo, you won’t get gouged too badly at the gas pump. (2.0L inline-4 SE: 33 city/43 hwy; SEL, Limited: 31 city/41 hwy; 1.6L Hybrid: 50 mpg; 1.6L Turbo, Elantra N: 22 city/29 hwy)


Power numbers out of the way, how’s the handling I hear you ask. Well, as with the new styling, I am not disappointed.

Its new dimensions make for a lower center of gravity, which translates to a much greater balance than the previous Elantra. It rides on a new platform that feels more solid and sportier. The steering’s been improved and I absolutely love taking this thing into turns quickly now. To us, the handling is dramatically better on this seventh-gen model.


As a package, this is getting dangerously close to Civic and Mazda3 levels, and if I dare say surpassed Corolla for me. The Elantra’s making huge strides in catching up quickly, so hey, other guys, take notice. You’ve been served.


And consumers should stop saying they feel weird owning a Hyundai or a Kia or don’t know what they are. Both of these companies are killing it in both design and engineering departments. In my opinion, they are beyond a doubt the ones to watch right now.

For your excellent compact sedan, Hyundai will ask you to part with about $20,700 for the base Elantra. The Elantra N with that manual starts around $25,000.


The Hybrid top of the line Limited will take you for the most cash costing about $29,100.


If you’re still not convinced this is a good bet, other cars in the segment include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, and Subaru Impreza if you’re looking for something a bit more rugged looking.


But if you’re looking for a high-tech compact car that’s got sassy styling and some great R&D behind it, then don’t let the badge freak you out and take a look at Hyundai Elantra. I’m betting you’ll be pleasantly surprised.