Used 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT

Just two years after launching an all-new model, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra gets an extensive makeover. The compact-sedan market changes quickly and Hyundai is determined to stay on top of the competition. Flying in the face of such radical designs as the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Nissan Sentra, the updated Elantra takes a more sophisticated approach, placing an emphasis on style, luxury, safety and as always, an unbeatable 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Beneath its seductive new skin, the Elantra remains unchanged, offering the same roomy interior, engines and suspension as before. Models range from the entry-level SE to the fuel-efficient Eco to the 201-horsepower Sport. The hatchback Elantra GT carries over with no changes, but likely will get an update in 2020.

The 2019 Elantra impresses, blending comfort, efficiency and even some sportiness. The standard Elantra’s 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine feels peppier than its 147 horsepower indicates, and its available 6-speed automatic transmission with Drive Mode Select is a willing partner. Whether romping around mountain 2-lanes enjoying the Sport mode’s responsive steering and sportier shift patterns, or darting through city avenues where Normal mode provides smooth shifts and throttle response, we were impressed with the Elantra. For Green Party members, the Elantra Eco’s gas-sipping 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder achieves a combined city/highway EPA figure of 35 mpg. And for party animals, the Elantra Sport rocks a 1.6-liter turbo delivering 201 horsepower and mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While the Elantra sedan and GT hatchback continue to use a torsion-beam rear suspension the Elantra Sport and GT Sport models raise the sport coefficient thanks in part to a multi-link rear suspension.

Hyundai is proud to point out that the Elantra’s interior is a size higher than its class. So while this is a compact car, its 110.2 cubic feet of interior room qualifies it as a midsize vehicle, according to the EPA. It may not be quite as roomy as the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra, but it’s still a testament to modern engineering that no longer means a small car has to be a “penalty box.” We especially appreciate the driver-centric dash layout, and the fact that controls for audio, climate and the like are actually buttons and knobs vs. multi-step touch-based systems.

Just two years into its cycle, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra sedan gets a complete makeover. The front grille, bumper and fenders impart a more sophisticated look on par with the larger Sonata sedan. A massive trapezoidal grille and sharp-angled headlights accentuate the new design, with Limited and Sport trims touting LED headlights. Around back, a similar remake of the trunk, taillights and rear fascia coincides with new wheel designs on every trim. Despite its new exterior, the Elantra remains a manageable size, measuring just 181.9 inches and riding on a long 106.3-inch wheelbase.

POWER TRUNK, WITH A TRICK
The Elantra’s trunk isn’t just power-operated; it’s smart enough to open itself. All that is required is you have the key fob somewhere on your person while standing behind the Elantra and after a few seconds, the trunk will open.

QI WIRELESS CHARGING
Given how much our smartphones are now integrated with our cars, a wireless charging pad should be standard on every model. For now, you’ll have to settle for the plushness of the Limited trim to get a Qi charging pad, but you can say goodbye to that tangle of wires.

The entry-level SE trim includes such must-haves as power windows, power locks, air conditioning, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel plus an AM/FM/CD stereo with 5-inch color screen, rearview monitor, USB and aux jacks. The SEL elevates the game with SmartSense suite (Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert), 7-inch display audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. All new Elantras include Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile standard warranty covering just about everything else.

Aside from the automatic transmission, most major options for the 2019 Elantra are bundled into trim levels. When you select the high-line Limited trim, your Elantra includes a leather interior, power driver’s seat with lumbar support, hands-free power trunk, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, Infinity audio, Qi wireless charging, high-beam assist and push-button start. Adding the Ultimate package to that trim includes navigation with an 8-inch screen, a power sunroof, safety exit warning, Forward Collision Assist with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control. The Sport includes many of the Limited’s features plus a multi-link rear suspension, a flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel and 18-inch wheels.

The 2019 Elantra offers a choice of 4-cylinder engines. The standard powerplant is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In the Elantra SE and Elantra GT, that engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, while the SEL, Limited and Value Edition models all come exclusively with the automatic. The 2019 Elantra Sport models are equipped with a more powerful 1.6-liter turbo engine and the choice of a standard 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The frugal might look toward the Eco model offering a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 7-speed automatic transmission, and achieves 40 mpg on the highway.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Eco)
128 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
156 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-3,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 32/40 mpg (automatic only)

2.0-liter inline-4 (SE, SEL, Limited and Value Edition)
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
SE: 26/36 mpg (manual), 29/38 mpg (automatic)
SEL, Limited and Value Edition: 28/37 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 (GT)
162 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
150 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (manual), 25/32 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Sport and GT)
201 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: Sport: 26/33 mpg (automatic), 22/30 mpg (manual), GT: 25/32 mpg (automatic), 23/30 mpg (manual)