With multiple options starting at under $20,000, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra certainly qualifies as an affordable car, even if you want to buy new. Each of the six trim levels bundle features into a reasonably priced package so you can spend as much as you want and get the exact technology, comforts, and more than you want in your Hyundai sedan. There is even the option of the Elantra GT for those who want a hatchback instead of a sedan. Don’t forget that Hyundai also has a truly impressive warranty that can help save you money over your vehicle’s lifetime.
2018 Elantra Sedan
Styling
While the 2018 Elantra is not necessarily adventurous, it is a stylish vehicle with a lower and wider grille than on previous models. The doors feature deeper lines that meld nicely with the roofline and fenders. If you want the Elantra GT, you will get a more pinched version of the sedan’s trapezoidal grille along with a mesh insert. While the sedan has LED daytime running lights, the hatchback’s headlights differ.
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Efficiency
Thanks to its starting point and compact size, it should come as no surprise that the 2018 Hyundai Elantra prioritizes efficiency over power; after all, you don’t need too much power to move this sedan. There are three engine choices in total. The base 2-liter 4-cylinder delivers 147 horsepower in the sedan or 162 in the hatchback. You can choose between a 6-speed manual or automatic engine. You can also upgrade to a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder by going with a Sports trim, capturing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque with either the manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Elantra Eco sedan adds the final choice: a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to maximize efficiency, getting up to 35 mpg combined.
Spacious, Comfortable Interior
While the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a compact car, most agree that it feels more like a midsize model in terms of interior space. Both the driver and the front passenger will have plenty of room and comfortable seats. They even include improved bolsters along the bottom seat cushion. While the rear seats are not as comfortable as those in front, they do come with more than enough knee and head room – enough to accommodate people up to 6 feet tall. The 14.4-cubic-foot trunk in the Elantra sedan is average for the class. However, the split and folding rear seats make it even more versatile. While the Elantra GT hatchback has a bit more cargo space thanks to its body style, it also loses some length, reducing rear-seat leg room by an inch.
Elantra Interior
The Features You Need
Even with the Hyundai Elantra’s affordable starting price, most models have everything you want and certainly what you need. All but the base model have a 7-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and cruise control. You can also enjoy leather-wrapped surfaces, a sunroof, keyless ignition, an 8-inch infotainment screen, navigation, and more without breaking your budget. The common theme across Elantra trims is that they offer excellent value.
