2019 Hyundai Elantra

Overview

In short order, Hyundai has elevated the Elantra from rental-fleet staple to rising star in its class. Its attractive looks and plentiful options make it an affable, high-value choice. Its refined and fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines pair with either a manual or automatic transmission. An Eco model boasts more low-end power and a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic. Apart from the base model, every Elantra has a fantastic infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Despite its charm, the Hyundai is compromised by a smallish back seat and lackluster driving dynamics. Even so, it's good enough to put its biggest rivals on notice.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 Elantra receives a significantly updated front-end design, with distinct wedge-shaped headlights, a wider grille, and an all-new hood and fenders. Its rear end features a new trunklid, taillights, and a lower license-plate housing. The interior changes include a redesigned instrument panel with cool, new air vents, updated climate and audio controls, a new storage tray, and more. Hyundai makes several driver-assistance features standard on the SEL model and above, such as crash-avoidance technology and a driver-attention monitor. While the base model gets a new 5.0-inch color display as well as Bluetooth and audio controls on the steering wheel, the Value Edition adds a three-year subscription to Hyundai's BlueLink services and the Limited model adds wireless charging and a newly available premium sound system. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra gets several updates, including a newly available continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) along with other desirable standard and optional features.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Don't be fooled by the name: The Eco model has a speedy and efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pairs exclusively with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It's also loaded with desirable standard features, such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and heated front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Likes: Eco model has punchier engine, comfortable and composed ride.
Dislikes: Standard four-cylinder is forgettable, lackluster steering feel.

Elantra models equipped with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder provide acceleration numbers that are about average for the compact-sedan class. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but the engine doesn't feel all that spirited unless you get into the higher rev range. The Eco model's turbocharged engine, which provides more power low in the rev range, combines with the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission to make for a more responsive feel around town. The Eco does have duller throttle response; along with the different transmission type, this means you have to depress the throttle further to get the car to accelerate with gusto. A six-speed manual transmission is only found on the base SE, a model that doesn't have many standard or optional features.

The Elantra's suspension tuning is firm but not harsh, with a nicely controlled ride that soaks up bumps with minimal reverberations in the structure. The Eco model's low-rolling-resistance tires don't provide as much grip as the Limited model's larger wheel-and-tire setup, but the difference isn't noticeable in everyday driving. Braking performance is a strong suit for the Elantra, as it stops from 70 mph in a short 168 feet. The pedal feels firm, engendering confidence in a panic-stop situation. The Eco model's tires again hinder its performance in this test, but its pedal feel is equal to the standard 2.0-liter model's.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

If you look only at official EPA fuel-economy ratings, the Elantra's numbers are competitive overall but fall short of being best in class. However, we gave the Hyundai top marks when it comes to fuel economy because both engine choices we tested outperformed the government's ratings in our real-world testing. The Limited model achieved 42 mpg at a steady 75 mph, surpassing its EPA rating by a whole 5 mpg, while the Eco version achieved an impressive 43 mpg, beating its EPA number by 3 mpg.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Nicely laid-out interior, user-friendly infotainment system.
Dislikes: A few cheap-feeling plastics, not the roomiest in its class.

The Elantra's dashboard has an attractive design and ergonomic controls. Its driver's seat is positioned well, with a natural-feeling relationship among the seat, the pedals, and the steering wheel. The front seats are relatively comfortable, although the flat bottom cushion isn't as supportive as we'd like. The rear seat is less roomy than some competitors, and the bottom cushion is relatively low and could use better thigh support.

The Elantra offers the latest infotainment options and connectivity features. While base models have a basic 5.0-inch display, every other version has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interface is clear and easy to use, with well-organized menus and plenty of hard buttons and knobs. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging for phones, and a more powerful sound system are available, but a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot is not.

The Elantra doesn't have the biggest trunk in its class, but a wide trunk opening makes it easy to load larger items. The trunk hinges impinge on some space when the trunk is closed, however. The glovebox and center console are spacious, although the door pockets front and rear are smaller than average.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Elantra offers nearly all of the latest driver-assistance technologies and achieves good crash-test results from U.S. testing agencies. While the entry-level SE trim is still not available with any driver assists, stepping up to the SEL model adds standard equipment such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Key safety features include:

• Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai is known for its impressive warranties, and the Elantra is no exception. Its coverage is among the best in its class, although Hyundai does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance as do some competitors.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance