Skip to Content

2024 Hyundai Elantra

Starting at $22,000 est

8.5/10 C/D RATING
2024 hyundai elantra koreaspec
Hyundai
8.5/10 C/D RATING

Select a year

  • Highs Sharp styling, easy-to-use infotainment system, spacious cabin.
  • Lows The base powertrain could use a bit more spunk, we'd love a manual transmission option, hybrid disappoints on highway fuel economy.
  • Verdict Its design is eye-catching, but the Elantra's bland on-road character won't raise any eyebrows.
By Drew Dorian

Overview

Compact sedans such as the 2024 Elantra are widely viewed as basic transportation—great for first-time car buyers, fuel-efficient, and easy to park in tight spots—but the Hyundai also brings a ton of style and a whole lot of value. The sharp exterior design turns heads but the Elantra doesn't skimp on traditional compact-car traits. Its cabin is spacious for its size and an available hybrid powertrain boosts the Elantra's fuel-sipper cred. The base powertrain is a breathless 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the N-Line model comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter that offers a bit more zest. Even so, none of the Elantra models will raise its driver's pulse. Its handling is less entertaining than rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, both of which offer crisper steering and a more agile overall feel. For performance-oriented drivers, the full-on Elantra N model (reviewed separately) is far more satisfying than the regular Elantra, but it also costs a lot more.

What's New for 2024?

Hyundai's compact car is sold under the name Avante in Korea, which has been facelifted with a sharper-looking front end, updated exterior lighting elements, and new wheels. We expect the U.S.-market Elantra to adopt these new styling changes for the 2024 model year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

SE
$22,000 (est)
SEL
$24,000 (est)
Blue hybrid
$26,000 (est)
Limited
$28,000 (est)
N Line
$29,000 (est)
Limited hybrid
$31,000 (est)

    The midrange SEL model offers the best balance of price and features. Standard content over the SE includes a hands-free trunk release and SiriusXM. Additionally, opting for the SEL over the SE makes more worthwhile options available. For instance, we’d tick the box for the SEL Convenience package, which adds a 10.3-inch digital cluster in addition to a 10.3-inch center display for the infotainment system with built-in navigation; adaptive cruise control; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; a wireless smartphone charging pad; heated front seats; heated mirrors; and more.

    Engine, Transmission, and Performance

    The standard nonhybrid Elantra powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes out a not-very-exciting 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque under the hood of SE and SEL models. Opting for the sportier N Line model drops displacement to 1.6 liters and adds a turbocharger, resulting in a much livelier 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid models also utilize a 1.6-liter four-pot but it’s paired with an electric motor rather than a turbo, which results in slightly less horsepower than the base engine at 139 but more torque at 195 pound-feet–equal to that of the N Line. The SE and SEL’s base 2.0-liter engine is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) while the N Line, Blue Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid models get a DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Notably, the N Line gets a seven-speed DCT compared to the hybrids’ six-speed DCT. The hottest, enthusiast’s pick of the Elantra line by far is the performance-oriented N, which we review separately. But those who can't quite stomach that car's price tag could consider the tamer N Line model. After a brief test drive, we came away impressed with the N Line's perkier acceleration and its adept handling, which ups the athleticism without compromising the ride.

    2024 hyundai elantra koreaspec
    Hyundai

    Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

    The EPA estimates the Elantra with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder will earn up to 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four have estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 36 highway. The thriftiest hybrid Elantra is rated at 53 mpg city and 56 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the Elantra hybrid managed only a 48-mpg result while the nonhybrid Limited with the base engine netted 38 mpg. By comparison, a Corolla hybrid hit 56 mpg in our highway test. For more information about the Elantra's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

    Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

    To match its dramatic exterior, the cabin of the Elantra looks appropriately futuristic. The dashboard and center console wrap around the driver while the passenger's side takes a more minimalist approach. A single LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent across the width of the car from the steering column to the passenger's-side door panel. Passenger volume is generous, particularly in the rear seat, which helps the Elantra compete with roomier rivals such as the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. It’s not as luxurious as it looks in photos, though; there’s plenty of hard plastic inside, which isn’t surprising in this price class. In our testing, the Elantra fit six carry-on suitcases inside its trunk.

    2024 hyundai elantra koreaspec interior
    Hyundai

      Infotainment and Connectivity

      An optional 10.3-inch digital gauge display rubs elbows with a second 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that sprouts from the top of the Elantra's dashboard. The standard infotainment setup is an 8.0-inch center display and analog gauges for the instrument cluster. Hyundai's latest infotainment interface takes center stage here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a Wi-Fi connection. A voice-recognition feature allows the driver to adjust things such as the climate control or the heated seats by simply uttering specific phrases.

        Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

        Driver-assistance features are on the menu and many of them are offered as standard. For more information about the Elantra's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

        • Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
        • Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
        • Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature

        Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

        The Elantra comes standard with Hyundai's legendary 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The only competitor that can match the Elantra in terms of standard warranty protection is its corporate sibling, the Kia Forte, although it should be noted that while Hyundai offers three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, Kia does not.

        • Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
        • Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
        • Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles
        Arrow pointing downArrow pointing down

        Specifications

        Specifications

        2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited
        Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

        PRICE
        Base/As Tested: $26,455/$26,610
        Options: carpeted floor mats, $155

        ENGINE
        DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
        Displacement: 122 in3, 1999 cm3
        Power: 147 hp @ 6200 rpm
        Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm

        TRANSMISSION
        continuously variable automatic

        CHASSIS
        Suspension, F/R: struts/torsion beam
        Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
        Tires: Kumho Majesty Solus
        225/45R-17 91W M+S

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 107.1 in
        Length: 184.1 in
        Width: 71.9 in
        Height: 55.7 in
        Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
        Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
        Curb Weight: 2895 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS
        60 mph: 8.1 sec
        1/4-Mile: 16.3 sec @ 88 mph
        100 mph: 22.1 sec
        120 mph: 37.5 sec
        Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
        Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.5 sec
        Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
        Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
        Top Speed (mfr's claim): 124 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.88 g

        C/D FUEL ECONOMY
        Observed: 35 mpg
        75-mph Highway Driving: 38 mpg

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY
        Combined/City/Highway: 35/31/41 mpg

        -

        2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited
        Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

        PRICE
        Base/As Tested: $29,105/$29,260
        Options: carpeted floor mats, $155

        POWERTRAIN
        DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, 104 hp, 109 lb-ft + AC motor, 43 hp, 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
        Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic

        CHASSIS
        Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink; Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc; Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT 225/45R-17 91W M+S

        DIMENSIONS
        Wheelbase: 107.1 in
        Length: 184.1 in
        Width: 71.9 in
        Height: 55.7 in
        Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
        Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
        Curb Weight: 3088 lb

        C/D TEST RESULTS
        60 mph: 8.4 sec
        1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph
        100 mph: 24.4 sec
        Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
        Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
        Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
        Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
        Top Speed (gov ltd): 116 mph
        Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
        Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g

        C/D FUEL ECONOMY
        Observed: 40 mpg
        75-mph Highway Driving: 48 mpg
        Highway Range: 520 mi

        EPA FUEL ECONOMY
        Combined/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg

        C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

        More Features and Specs

        Shopping Tools

        What's My Car Worth?
        Car and Driver values are calculated from the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.
        Insurance Marketplace
        See what you can save on car insurance.
        Auto Loans & Financing
        Our finance experts answer any questions you may have about financing a vehicle.

        Hyundai

        2024 hyundai ioniq 5 n prototype

        2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

        2024 hyundai kona nline

        2024 Hyundai Kona

        2024 hyundai elantra kona electric

        2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

        2023 hyundai ioniq 6 us spec

        2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6

        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
        Logo
        youtube icon
        facebook icon
        instagram icon
        Hearst Autos - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

        A Part of Hearst Digital Media

        We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

        ©Hearst Autos, Inc. All Rights Reserved.