Is the Hyundai Elantra Compact Sedan Worth It?

Photo Source/Copyright: Hyundai USA

The Elantra, a compact sedan, is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, or a hybrid option, and the EPA combined fuel economy ranges from 31 miles per gallon (MPG) to 54 MPG. That’s an unusually large difference within one model lineup. There’s a difference of about $2,800 between the starting prices of the gasoline and hybrid versions, a factor that will be important to some buyers and irrelevant to others.

Fuel Efficiency Across the Lineup

The engine gives a clear idea of what to expect: 147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque, and an intelligent variable transmission. It’s slow, and there’s no need to disguise that fact, although the transmission appears to be adjusted primarily for fuel economy rather than for responsiveness. If someone wants the car to feel speedy, they should consider the turbocharged 1.6 model, which produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch.

It’s the hybrid model of the Hyundai Elantra compact car that justifies its higher price. The engine, rated at 104 horsepower, together with a 43-horsepower motor, gives a total system output of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It’s estimated that the vehicle can achieve a range of up to 594 miles on an 11.0-gallon tank; if you do the math using the gas version’s 12.4 gallons of fuel, you end up with a figure close to 434 miles; it sounds rather like a fantasy to carry a smaller amount of fuel and yet go farther until you check it for yourself.

• EPA-estimated combined, 2.0L: up to 35 MPG
• EPA-estimated combined, hybrid: up to 54 MPG
• Hybrid driving range, full tank: up to 594 miles

Standard Safety Technology on Every Trim

All trim levels come with forward collision-avoidance assist featuring pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, high-beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and a safe exit warning. There is no options package and no paywall; that’s the point that should be highlighted on every lot, and it imposes no cost on the buyer.

More expensive variants come with a forward collision-avoidance system, which also picks up cyclists and junction turns, plus they have smart cruise control with the ability to stop and go, as well as highway driving assist. The hybrid models include a rear-occupant alert and a rear-view monitor, along with parking guidance.

Screens, Connectivity, and Charging

The lower trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen and offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly, but upper trims get a 10.25-inch display with navigation, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster instead of the 4.2-inch display, and the need for a cable to mirror your phone. Although it seems odd to have to pay extra to plug in, wireless charging, two front USB ports (one of which is USB-C), and USB-C ports at the back alleviate the inconvenience.

Cabin Space and Exterior Design

The interior figures hold up, with a passenger compartment volume of 99.4 cubic feet, the trunk providing 14.2 cubic feet, and legroom extending to 42.3 inches in front and 38.0 inches at the back.

The Hyundai Elantra compact sedan has a wheelbase of 107.1 inches and is 185.4 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 55.7 inches high; its low and wide dimensions give it the appearance of having been deliberately designed rather than simply the result of measurements. The dimensions for the hybrid version are the same, which means that the battery does not reduce cargo space.

Starting Prices and Ownership Coverage

The gas-powered vehicle has an MSRP* of $22,825 and the hybrid $25,650, representing a difference of $2,825. Whether you get that money back depends on how many miles you drive; driving 15,000 miles a year uses about 429 gallons in the gas car compared with 278 in the hybrid, while at 8,000 miles it’s approximately 229 and 148, respectively. Drivers who cover low mileages would therefore gain a lot from choosing the gas car.

The warranty conditions are identical for both powertrains, there being a separate clause relating to the hybrid battery.

*Starting MSRPs exclude destination fees.

• Starting MSRP, gas: $22,825
• Starting MSRP, hybrid: $25,650

Schedule a Test Drive

Specifications can settle debates. They won’t, though, show you which car you’d like. If you drive both the gasoline car and the hybrid over the same road one after the other, the answer will usually become clear on its own. Arrange a test drive if you want to make an informed choice. Whatever Hyundai Elantra compact sedan you’re considering, take the kind of commute that you actually make.