Used 2018 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai’s 6th-generation Elantra compact sedan and hatchback add more available safety and technology features for 2018, continuing its move to conquest best-selling rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. The Elantra boasts stylish looks, premium amenities and a class-leading warranty that includes 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. The standard 2018 Hyundai Elantra continues with a blend of refinement, eager driving manners, and efficiency. The Eco sedan achieves noticeable fuel economy of EPA ratings of 35 mpg combined, outfitted with a compact 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. At the other end of the spectrum, the Elantra Sport model, outfitted with a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, puts a bit more zip into driving, as does the new Elantra GT which adds the driving dynamics and features of a compact hatchback.

The 2018 Elantra impresses, blending comfort, efficiency and even some sportiness. The standard Elantra’s new 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 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.

Hyundai’s emphasis on design is just as important as its fantastic warranty. The Elantra looks more sophisticated than its price tag suggests. It’s not gaudy, either, though we admit the large hexagonal grille is borderline gaping. The Elantra further stands out with an athletic stance, front-wheel air curtains, and an integrated rear spoiler built into the trunk lid. The Elantra feels larger from the passenger compartment, yet is easy to navigate in tight spaces at just 179.9 inches long and 70.9 inches wide.

POWER TRUNK, WITH A TRICK
The 2018 Elantra offers a power-operated trunk, a feature made even more convenient thanks to its hands-free operation. With the key fob in your pocket or purse, all you have to do is walk behind the car, wait a few seconds, and the trunk will open.

DUAL-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION
With the Elantra Sport and GT Sport offering a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it injects a whole new driving dynamic to the Elantra lineup. And on the gas-saving side of the ledger, the Elantra Eco model uses that dual-clutch transmission for improved fuel economy.

Even the most basic 2018 Elantra includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a 6-way driver’s seat with height adjustment, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and AM/FM/CD audio with USB and auxiliary jacks. For 2018, the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment package is replaced by the SEL model, which includes a 7-inch touch-screen display, backup camera, Bluetooth, cruise control, hood insulation for a quieter ride, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. All new Elantras come with a generous 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and five years of roadside assistance.

Aside from the automatic transmission ($1,000), most major options for the 2018 Elantra are bundled into packages. 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, and push-button start. Adding the Tech package to that trim includes navigation with an 8-inch screen, Infinity audio, heated rear seats, and a power sunroof. The 2018 Elantra Value Edition adds plenty of up-level features for about 21 grand. The list includes hands-free trunk release, heated front seats, outside door handle approach lights, and dual-zone automatic temperature control. Go for the Ultimate package, and you’ll get automatic emergency braking, smart cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, the driver’s seat memory system and high-intensity headlights that turn in the direction of the steering.

The 2018 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 2018 Elantra Sport and Elantra GT Sport 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 an estimated 40 mpg.

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2018 Elantra Eco)
128 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
156 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400-3,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 32/40 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 (2018 Elantra SE, SEL, Limited and Value Edition)
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
Elantra SE — 26/36 mpg (manual), 29/38 mpg (automatic)
Elantra SEL, Limited and Value Edition — 28/37 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4 (2018 Elantra GT)
162 horsepower @ 6,200
150 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (manual), 24/32 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (2018 Elantra Sport and GT Sport)
201 horsepower @ 6,000
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
Elantra Sport — 22/30 mpg (manual), 26/33 mpg (automatic)
Elantra GT Sport — 22/29 mpg (manual), 26/32 mpg (automatic)