Hyundai Elantra Review

High Points

 * Large Interior
 * High feature content
 * High level of safety
 * High quality interior materials
 * Luxurious interior for class
 * Auxiliary input for stereo on most models
 * Good build quality
 * Contemporary looks
 * Good performance
 * Economical driver

Low Points

 * Dated engine
 * Still only has 4 gears in automatic transmission
 * No turn indicators on mirror or side of vehicle (U.S. models)
 * Largest wheel size is 16"
 * No daytime running lamps on U.S. models
 * No integrated iPod solutions
 * Average dynamics

Performance and Handling
The Hyundai Elantra was designed by two teams operating out of South Korea, and southern California. Tuned primarily for American roads, the Elantra offers a comfortable and composed ride. Through corners, the Elantra feels competent and secure. That may be due in part to the Elantra electronic steering system, which does not rely on [engine] speed to control the unit. While the Elantra would probably be slightly slower around a racetrack than a Honda Civic, it's not far behind and the trade-offs are in the Elantra's favor. The overall feel of the vehicle is somewhere between the Volkswagen Jetta and Toyota Corolla, and that should be thought of as a good thing.

The engine in the Hyundai Elantra is a 2.0L Beta II engine. It offers competitive performance against cars like the Civic, and Sentra and feels much more powerful than numbers suggest. Only the Chevrolet Cobalt offers more oomph in a standard engine setup. Although this engine is lacking in sophistication (it still has a cast iron block in a class where aluminum blocks are now the norm), it still offers a compelling amount of performance and economy. Versus a Honda Civic sedan with an automatic transmission, the Elantra is a much larger car that feels more powerful, yet only gets 2 miles per gallon worse.

Gas Mileage
(U.S. gallons)
 * 28 City
 * 36 Highway

Safety
In the U.S., all models come equipped with a comprehensive safety setup. With 6 airbags (two front, two front sides, and two curtains), ABS with EBD, and a rigid body structure, the Elantra is one of the safest vehicles in its class. Unlike its competition, the Elantra offers automated safety head restraints that shoot forward in the event of a rear-end collision. This is a feature usually reserved to more expensive cars.

Reliability and Maintenance
As build quality is improving with all Hyundais, there is an improvement in reliability and the Elantra is no exception.

Interior and Comforts
The Elantra has what many believe to be the best interior in its class. With two-tone elements, available leather trim, and tasteful use of aluminum throughout the cabin, it resembles a plausible attempt at economical luxury. Conveniences include available heated seats, a rear center arm rest with cup holders, and standard XM satellite radio on most models. Nice touches you'll find include a dampered glovebox, gate-style automatic transmission lever, blue gauge illumination, and a multitude of storage options. All buttons feel rich, and knobs seem better assembled than in comparable Toyotas. The dashboard features a seamless passenger airbag cover, meaning you cannot see where the passenger airbag comes out. This touch is indicative of the overall approach to design throughout the cabin.

Exterior
The Elantra's design is all about balance, almost in a daoistic way. For example, front headlamps mimic the shape of the rear taillamps. A chrome accented grille reflects a chrome strip across the back on Limited models. A distinctive side character line allows for originality within the segment without looking distasteful. The Elantra utilizes modern windshield wipers that reflect the quality of the rest of the vehicle. The satellite radio receiver on the top of the rear windshield adds a modern touch.

GLS
Offers similar levels of equipment to Honda Civic DX when based out, but comparable levels to Civic EX when fully equipped.

SE
Similar equipment levels to what is found in Honda Accord LX, and Honda Accord EX when fully equipped.

Limited
Similar equipment levels to what is found in Honda Accord EX-L I4.

Main Competitors

 * Honda Civic
 * Toyota Corolla
 * Volkswagen Jetta
 * Mazda Mazda3
 * Saturn Astra
 * Nissan Sentra
 * Ford Focus
 * Chevrolet Cobalt