The Elantra has always been an excellent choice in terms of entry-level sedans. Since the first model launched, people were quite pleased with its comfort and performance. Now, for the 2017 edition, Hyundai finally fixed everything that could be wrong. The vast majority of the big names in the specialized media are quite pleased with the results.
The 2017 Elantra fixed the structure and stiffness problem it had in the past. The Asian car maker decided to do things right and made an extra effort in those terms. Plus, with its price, it became quite hard to beat it, delivering an impressive cost-value ratio.
In the meanwhile, the Corolla remains on the top of this segment, but models like the Elantra and the Sentra are fighting harder each year. With two trims already revealed, the 2017 Elantra is also planning to announce a more powerful, sporty version during this year SEMA, which is going to be on November.
Let’s take a closer look to this cheap sedan.
Powertrain and Specs
First at all, the 2017 Elantra is going to be available in three trims; SE, Limited, and Sport. Right now, only the first two were revealed with all the corresponding information. This front-wheel-drive sedan will feature two engines at first: a DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-capable 2.0 L inline-4 and a turbo 1.4 L inline-4. The first one mentioned will be the one onboard the more capable Limited trim.
In terms of transmission, the bigger engine will have two gearboxes to choose: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with manual shifting capabilities. The turbocharged powerplant, on the other hand, will enjoy a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
The power output for the 2.0 L engine onboard the Limited model is 147 hp at 6200 RPM and a maximum torque of 132 lb-ft at 4500 RPM. In this same terms, there are no details for the more conservative model. Now, the top speed is rated at 125 mph, while acceleration times are around the 8 seconds from standstill to 60 mph.
The required stiffness and rigidity that previous Elantra models lacked was now fixed with big amounts of aerospace-use adhesive applied by a robotic arm during the assembling phase. The entire suspension layout was greatly improved as well. The noise isolation inside the cabin suffered several enhancements as well.
Design, Looks, and Comfort
The 2017 Elantra seems agile and compact from every flank. The front fascia features an elegant grille with vertical LED lights at each side, inserted on emulated air intakes. The headlights are equality elegant and represent more than their real value. In the rear, things get more interesting. The taillights are sexier than expected and the overall look is mean and brawny. The 17-inch standard wheels on the Limited trim comes wrapped with 225/45 rubber.
For an enhanced experience, the extra Tech Package adds several fancy elements to the interior. Among the additions, we can find an Infinity high-grade audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen for the nav, heated seats, and a sunroof. Also, the Ultimate Package represents an importance chance to make the 2017 Elantra even more secure. This optional pack includes emergency automatic braking, adaptive cruise, control, HID headlights, and several other safety-related technologies.
The Bottom Line
Despite the above-average performance and comfort delivered, the Elantra proves itself as one of the best options in the entry-level sedan market. But there are big flaws are present. The available driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport) doesn’t make big, notable changes on the overall performance of the sedan.
The base price for the SE trim is US$17.985 while the one for the Limited version US$23.185.
About the author
William Getty lives and breathes cars. He started driving cars as a 12 year old on the racetrack with his dad. Since then cars has always been a big part of Williams life.
In his garage you can find his beloved 2005 Ford Mustang, as well as a 2020 Audi A3.