Flash Drive

2017 Hyundai Elantra

July 22, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited

The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra is handsomely restyled.
The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra is handsomely restyled.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4 gas, 147 horsepower 132 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 28/City—37/Highway—352Combined

Base Price: $22,350

As Tested: $27,710

Performance:

Smooth highway ride

Very pleasant on long trips

Outstanding fuel economy for a non-hybrid

Our best mpg was 42.8

Three drive modes: Regular, Sport, Eco

Noticeably higher shift points in Sport

The sloped roofline does mean tall rear seat passengers need to duck.
The sloped roofline does mean tall rear seat passengers need to duck.

We didn’t like electric power steering feel

Excellent safety features standard and optional

Electronic stability control

Hill assist control

Comfort:

Supportive, comfy seats

Stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom

Three temp heated front seats

Driver power lumbar support

Thick, contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel

Excellent auxiliary controls

Tilt/telescopic column

Back seat a little tight with fronts all the way back

Front seat room and comfort are excellent.
Front seat room and comfort are excellent.

OK rear headroom

Low rear floor hump

Heated outboard rear seats

Utility:

LED taillights

Door handle approach lights

Big, wide trunk

Flat floor

Noticeable lift-over height (approx. 10-inches)

Inexpensive trunk carpet/flocking

Seatback release at trunk edge

Folded seats have upward slope

Substantial height difference between trunk and folded seats

Rear seat room is good as long as the front seats aren't all the way back.
Rear seat room is good as long as the front seats aren’t all the way back.

One cheap cargo net on back of front passenger seat

Long, narrow rear door bins

Medium front door bins

Medium, non-locking glovebox

Rearview camera

Digital and analog speedometer

WOW Factors:

New, more handsome styling, sharp grille

Impressive fuel economy

Standard blind spot detection system

Great warranty

Whines:

Roof slope necessitates ducking into back seat

LED taillights are standard.
LED taillights are standard.

Cheap, flocked headliner

Hard plastic on backs of front seats

Cheap single seatback cargo net

Bottom Line:

The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan has handsome styling, a comfortable interior, excellent fuel economy, and a superior warranty. Multiple drive modes help extract the most power and fuel economy out of a relatively low horsepower engine. Actual performance belies the low hp ratings. Lots of impressive options are available although they significantly boost the attractive base price.