MotorWeek | Road Test: 2017 Hyundai Elantra
When we last left the Hyundai Elantra, its styling may have impressed us; but when it came to road manners, we thought it was more of a step back in time for this fastly progressing brand. Well, Hyundai certainly hasn’t gotten to where they are today by ending with a cliff hanger. Well, now there’s a new gen Elantra for ’17. So let’s tune in, and find out what happens next.
The Hyundai Elantra sedan has had its ups and downs since going on sale here in the early 90s. And despite our misgivings over the last generation, sales have skyrocketed of late to well over 200,000-units per year. Sounds like a lot, but that’s about 100,000 less than either the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. So needless to say, Hyundai is eager to boost their sales further with this 6th-generation 2017 4-door.
Styling is perhaps not as daring as last gen, but it’s still a compact looker and fully in line with larger 4-door stablemates, Sonata and Genesis. Especially up front, where it now shares their larger grille and available signature DRLs.
Same basic platform as before, but it’s had a complete onceover; with a stiffer structure, progressively more isolated suspension, and a modest increase in overall size.
It’s 1.0-inch wider; and just shy of an inch longer, though wheelbase remains the same. 17-inch alloy wheels come with Limited trim, base SEs are equipped with 15-inch “steelies”.
Most appreciably, things are a lot quieter inside, thanks to thicker glass and additional sound deadening materials.
Helping too is a new, standard 2.0-liter I4 that’s a bit more powerful than the previous gen’s 1.8-liter; at 147-horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque.
It’s smoother, quieter operation is readily apparent at cruising speeds. A 6-speed manual transmission is available, but only in base SE trim. A 6-speed automatic is fitted to our Limited tester.
A 128-horsepower 1.4-liter I4-powered Eco model is also available for maximum efficiency, up to 40-highway; though truth be told, the 2.0-liter is not bad in that regard either.
2.0 Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 28-City, 37-Highway, and 32-Combined. We averaged a very good 35.6 miles-per-gallon of Regular. Thus the Energy Impact Score is a good one at 10.3-barrels of oil used annually with C02 emissions of 4.7-tons.
Front seats are plenty wide and offer above average for its class comfort. Likewise in the rear, there’s adult-size room and adequate coziness.
Trunk space is fine at 14.4 cubic-ft., but it’s cheaply finished and the deck lid feels very flimsy. However, we liked the hand-free opening smart trunk.
Limited trim delivers a display audio system with 7-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Adding the Tech package ups it to 8-inches and adds navigation and Infinity premium audio, as well as heated seats.
Gauges are clean and simple with a 4-inch color TFT info display. The interior has definitely moved upscale in appearance, with the Ultimate package adding seat memory plus the latest in safety including blind spot detection, cross traffic alert, and even emergency braking.
Useful room is up too, so like Civic and Corolla, the Elantra is now classified as midsize by the government.
But middling is how we found full-throttle acceleration, taking 9.3-seconds to hit 60 miles-per-hour with lots of 4-cylinder wail. But, acceleration does remain steady; thanks to minimal lag between shifts. So the Elantra feels faster than the numbers; which were 17.3 in the ¼ at 83 miles-per-hour.
Things certainly have improved in the handling department. There is plenty of grip at a moderate pace; and a playful amount of understeer when pushed harder. The car reacts quickly to steering inputs; and a nicely responsive throttle enabled us to easily keep it right on the edge, inspiring confidence as speeds increased.
Brakes were another pleasant surprise. Panic stops from 60 took a good 123-feet with minimal fade; along with a nicely firm, short travel pedal.
So with all of the improvements, the Elantra’s value proposition is also stronger than ever, as base SE pricing is actually reduced by 90-bucks to $17,985. Limited trim starts at $23,185.
Far more competent, more refined, and more consistent with Hyundai’s increasingly upscale ambitions; plus an outstanding warranty; all things that help make the 2017 Hyundai Elantra a vehicle worthy of your compact consideration. One that might finally be ready to give Corolla and Civic a real run for your money.
Пікірлер: 119
Update, my 17 elantra is 3 year's old now and has 52.000 miles on it. Still absolutely flawless, o repairs, 0 issues, and original tires still have decent tread on them. Love this car.
@FloridaPlayzYT
3 жыл бұрын
My elantra has 40k miles on it got it November 2020 at 27k. It's a 2017 SE in silver with the popular package
@andrewmartin9995
Жыл бұрын
It’s not 3 years old anymore! Hahahaaa
@joeb2588
Жыл бұрын
I have the 2018 2.0 liter, manual transmission. It's pretty much a base model. 109k car has been such a great value. I keep up on all the general maintenance. Sounds new at idle. I've done 2 things only in 109k. One wheel bearing and a water outlet (part of coolant system) a little over $200. Car has been so good. I'm very impressed. The only thing I would say is it's not powerful. BUT...I get upper 40's mpg.
Update, owned my 17 Elantra 2 years this month. 33.000 miles now, been flawless, o problems. Still very happy with my purchase.
@johnfranklin5277
4 жыл бұрын
Hey all , another update on my 17 Elantra I bought in june of 2016... just turned 71.000 miles now, still 0 repairs, 0 issues. I did just replace the original wiper blades as they weren't working as good As when new. And I had the transmission fluid changed at 50.000 miles. Not due till 60.000 but I figured Aa little early was probably a good idea! I'll do it again at 90.000 , and every 40.000 miles from now on. Still very happy with it.
This Gen is really the best looking Elantra ever
I have had my 2017 elantra for 1 year now . a little over 14000 miles and O problems. as that should be. a new car shouldn't have any problems. it is very comfortable, handles well . I can set the cruise at 80,85 mph on my trips to Vegas and it does not feel stressed. even at that speed, gas mileage is still very good. I am in so calif. Ac is cold in summer, heat is hot in winter, and the heated seats work great. I am very happy with my purchase.
@Karen-pl8kd
4 жыл бұрын
I have 2009 elantra bought in feb 2020. Bought it for $2014. I say the same things as you. Had 53k miles on it.
I really like the exterior styling. Looks much better than a Corolla or Civic.
@ChuddleBuggy
4 жыл бұрын
You'll notice that Hyundai is capitalizing in the esthetic quality of their vehicles in addition to the pretty much problem free ownershp and generous warranty.
@chipfukmaster5928
3 жыл бұрын
@@ChuddleBuggy yes, just overlook the theta engine recall.
This car's front look so futuristic
I got my new Elantra with the Popular Equipment package and 16 inch wheels two weeks ago. I love it. There is nothing "compact" about this car. It's roomy, quiet and it can move. It's about the size of the current Honda Civic. Don't sleep on this vehicle and it's corporate cousin the Kia Forte.
Update, 67.000 miles now on my 17 Elantra, 0 repairs, 0 issues. Everything works like new, and uses no oil, always at full when time to change it. Love this car.
I just bought a 2014 Limited. Tan leather seats, pearl paint, beautiful car! Paid just a little over 16k when it was all said and done. It’s a fancy feeling car even tho older to get extras. Gas mileage is great! Always above 35. It only had less than 19k miles with one leaser. I’m very happy!
A bit over five years and the only issue was the coil pack at 20,000 miles covered under warranty. Other than that it’s been flawless
Bought the basic SE model with auto transmission. Really pleased with it, feels roomy inside, I always drive in Eco mode and average just shy of 40 mpg. It was a year old when I bought it and had 44,000 miles, now has 55,000. There are holes in the plastic skid plate below the engine to facilitate easy oil changes. I would say it is probably a little behind the Honda and Toyota in terms of refinement and quality, but expected this as I only paid a little over $11,000 out the door from a non Hyundai franchised dealer. If you're looking for a basic no frills commuter then I would definitely recommend the Elantra. Our other vehicle is a 2019 Subaru Forester Premium, would recommend this also!
I love this show and host. Been watching the reviews on this show lately and it takes me back to the 80s !!
I can’t even explain how happy I am with my Elantra it’s so perfect
Video does not even mention two of the best features of the fully loaded Limited trim- driver memory seats and dynamic aiming headlights (turn slightly with steering). Those 2 features are not even offered by other compacts.
I bought my 2018 Elantra SEL new and currently have 18k miles on it. Issues aside, I really love this car. It's a nice balance between all the pros of an economy, such as low price and running costs, combined with upscale looks, good built quality, comfort and nice all around performance. Reliability has been a sore point for me though. This generation Elantra is known to have defective ignition coil packs on the 2.0L engine, causing poor running performance at random. One minute mine feels great. The next minute the engine hesitates, sputters and pings while accelerating. The dealership has been no help either.
5 years into a 2018 Elantra GL SE. Just hit 100,000kms, so far just oil changes, front brakes, a faulty hood latch sensor and 3!! Cracked windshields. Other than that flawless. And that's in harsh East Coast Canadian climate. Cold, moisture, and road salt....
Big grills are the popular element currently.
I miss my mom's '06 Elantra so many good memories.
Waiting for the track test of the Eco and Sport model.
I like the styling looks better here than Sonata. Noise is much lower than last gen over bumps. Interior quality is vastly improved on limited trim, even the SE's cabin is nothing to sneeze at. More rear legroom is also a +, but the trunk like you said is cheaply finished. And 14.4 cubic feet is actually down a bit from 14.8 cubic feet in the last gen.
@ThorMaxx
8 жыл бұрын
Canadians get different trimmed models... L,LE, GL, GLS, LIMITED, ULTIMATE. The L model is the only one with a manual transmission.
I own a RSX-S which has 201hp/139lbs torque and weighs less. Strangely, my dad rented one of these cars and the reviewer got one thing absolutely right: this car "feels" faster than what it is and feels faster than my Acura. Looking at the performance figures of this car, in this review, I'm shocked by the 0-60 and 1/4 mile times because if you drive the Elantra it feels like it has a lot more peep.
@jalopysandwich
8 жыл бұрын
I thought the previous model was faster by the numbers. Compared to others in its class, it seems that Hyundai is falling behind in performance in favor of improving overall comfort. The new Chevy Cruze (automatic) did a 0-60 in 7.6 seconds, others seem to average within the 8 second range.
@TheBikemaster94
8 жыл бұрын
after I test drove one and it felt a bit slower than my 1.5l civic but there's also a weight difference
@HodsBroo
8 жыл бұрын
if you want sporty get a mazda, trust me
@bbokdoong
8 жыл бұрын
I think it feels much faster than it is because new engine produces most of its power/torque at very low rpm. You don't have to push the car to get decent performance... It helps in efficiency too...
@ErwinSchrodinger64
8 жыл бұрын
***** Nope, car still 0-60 in about 6.2 seconds. The RSX-S is a Honda screamer which means it's torque-less.
Got one a few months ago I traded my 2006 Tucson which was my first car. So Happy I chose this car it drives perfect and very comfy. And I love the Apple CarPlay and blind spot detection. I have the 2018 SEL
@NathanCouture-pn3tn
Ай бұрын
Still have it and love it very surprised with the gas milage I’m a bigger guy and I have the AC blasting a lot of the time and it gets 40 mpg
hyundai usually get more MPG than what the sticker says I think they do that to avoid any lawsuit, it's the case with any other hyundai cars, people say you get 48-50 on eco model
@williamfarmer9896
8 жыл бұрын
I have the 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE with 16'' wheels and tires and 6 speed auto, I drive it in eco mode and in the city, I am always seeing between 31 to 35 and on the highway between 42 to 47. I think you are right about Hyundai being afraid of lawsuits, so they lower the numbers . Also it really does depend on how one drives a car.
@bbokdoong
8 жыл бұрын
Hyundai also post seperate EPA number based on the trim levels.... Their EPA ratings are fairly conservative...
@haydendrywall
6 жыл бұрын
Just got my first Hyundai, the Elantra. I was shocked when i got 40+ mpg driving in the city in eco mode. Feels like I got a hybrid without the worrisome of a battery. With $3,000 in rebates Hyundai offered, I got a steal of a car for under $16,000 brand new. Not to mention a warranty that is basically double that of every other brand. Extremely happy with the purchase.
@palebeachbum
4 жыл бұрын
Cruising on long interstate trips @70mph, I routinely average around between 45-47mpg according to the trip computer.
@dannyfields2065
4 жыл бұрын
@osp80 most cities have city streets, not highways, i get between 20-25 m.p.g. in the city, in the performance mode, i want to get a little performane out of the car. not drive like a 100 year old.
You really get a good look at the body at 3:34
@mikeoldham5094
4 жыл бұрын
Nice
+jalopysandwich I might be wrong but I've noticed motor week consistently has slower times 0-60 then other car reviewers. Car and Driver rates it at 8.5 which is better then the 10 second appliance economy compacts like the Scion iM, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra. It's time is on par with the 2.0 civic's 8.2 seconds, the 1.4 Jetta's 8.4 seconds and the 2.0 Focus's (foci?) 8.5 seconds. Personally I consider the compact segment to have four major groups, funky cars like Bugs and Minis, sporty cars like the GTI and Focus RS, good handling cars like the Mazda3 and to a lesser extent the Civic, finally there are appliances like the Corolla and the Elantra. All these cars have a specific purpose to serve and I think they do it well. Although I'd recommend everyone pretend the sad Sentra and Lancer don't exist anymore. www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2017-hyundai-elantra-20l-automatic-test-review www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2016-honda-civic-20l-cvt-test-review
The only problem with the Elantra is that it has a torsion bar rear suspension instead of an independent one which would improve the ride quality especially for those int he back seat. The ride on my Mazda 3 is great because of the independent suspension of every wheel. Honda and Toyota do the same. The Limited model should have a rear independent suspension just like the Sport model does.
@johnfranklin5277
5 жыл бұрын
Well, now the Mazda 3 has the same setup in back. They say it works just as well. So there you go.
It's sad this is still being built with the torsion bar rear suspension. However this will all be remedied by the Sport Turbo version coming out later.
@johnfranklin5277
4 жыл бұрын
Nothing wrong with torsion beam suspension. Independent is SO overhyped. Even Mazda ripped out the independent rear suspension on the Mazda 3, saying their twist beam is just as good. Honestly, I've owned many cars with both types, and really never noticed much of a difference. Maybe pushing it to its limits taking tight corners at 90 mph you would notice a difference, but just everyday driving, nah, dont notice a difference.
I just bought a Mazda 3 but this new Elantra would be a good alternative. I'm seeing a lot of them and my neighbor just traded her '13 for a new '16. BTW MotorWeek, I'm sure if you asked for some volunteers to come out to the track and spruce it up a little, they would gladly come.
@AndresSalazarAutos
8 жыл бұрын
I think your Mazda is better in most accounts (except perhaps for rear seat room), mazda is faster, sportier, as economical and has better quality interior materials. I also have a Mazda3 S, and it is great for people like me who like to drive (it also has rear independent suspension, something rare in this class). But I have to say the Elantra seems a very rational choice, I even think it looks good and better than most in this class.
@Fussinated
7 жыл бұрын
Yes you just want to promote Hyundai over Japanese competition ... That's why you are here saying these fater buying another brand car,
i have one, everything is good except that you lose power if your left foot is on the brake (a good amount of people, more than half, are 2 foot drivers) try curb parking on a hill, not enough power to back up, then take your foot off of the brake, and your lucky if you don't smash into the car in back of you. my driveway is steep, and if you are going into it front ways, it will roll front ways even if you have it in reverse. a very bad and dangerous thing, who the heck thought up this monstrosity of a braking system?
@na-tv6rn
4 жыл бұрын
Two foot driving is extremely dangerous and should not be used at all.
@dannyfields2065
4 жыл бұрын
@@na-tv6rn wrong, i learned on a stick shift, and have had more manuels than automatics. a good driver has his left foot over the brake, when he comes to a situation, like using a clutch. a left foot over the brake, is much quicker than lifting the right foot off of the gas pedal, sliding it over to the brake pedal and pushing it down. i have avoided several accidents when cars pulled right out in front of me and had to hit the brakes immediatly. if you cant get the hang of this, then your not a very good driver.
@dannyfields2065
4 жыл бұрын
@@na-tv6rn how many feet do you use if you have a stick shift?
@johnfranklin5277
4 жыл бұрын
You ADMIT that your dragging the brakes, which will warp rotors and drums, wear out brake pads, or cause a fire, hurt fuel economy. Overwork engine fighting the dragging brakes, and still think it's a good idea, really?? Nope, nobody should drive using both feet. On a manual, left foot only for clutch, not brake.
@dannyfields2065
4 жыл бұрын
@@johnfranklin5277 never had a problem with brakes, rotors, drums, brake pads, over many decades, using this method. i didn't say dragging the brakes, i said foot over the brake, when i come off of the accelerator i push down on the brake with my left foot, which is much quicker in an emergency or quick stop, then dragging a foot over from the gas pedal, to the brake pedal. this method has saved me from several accidents, when someone pulls out of a street right in front of me. or someone cuts me off on the street.
Genesis Motors (Luxury Car Company). Coming this year as well. 6 models before 2020. More to follow.
very happy with mine!
@andrewmartin9995
Жыл бұрын
Still happy with it?
@robbflynn4325
Жыл бұрын
@@andrewmartin9995 my son is, handed it over to him, now has well over 100,000 miles, only thing that has gone wrong was a failed coil pack, $80 from Autozone and a breeze to install.
@andrewmartin9995
Жыл бұрын
@@robbflynn4325 How did you manage to put 100,000 miles on a relatively new car in 4-5 years? You bought a new car as your daily driver? How far is your daily commute, 50 miles?
@JF930H
Жыл бұрын
@@andrewmartin9995 I take it from the over-projecting that you're not a fan of Hyundai? Lol.
@andrewmartin9995
Жыл бұрын
@@JF930H I drive the '23 Elantra N
how much??
I'm pretty sure they just updated the front end. They have been selling this car for the last few years basically.
@toddp7324
8 жыл бұрын
If you'd watched the review, you'd know that there's an all-new engine, new suspension, completely new styling inside and out, and new infotainment. So it's about as new as you can get these days.
@ThorMaxx
8 жыл бұрын
Wrong. This is a totally new car. The GT model is a simple front end refresh with a few minor tweaks.
Hmm this or the new Impreza
Back in 2013 I bought a Elantra Coupe. It had awful brakes that didn't stop me on wet pavement going 30. I wrecked it. Worst brakes ever. It's gone now. My 1998 Corolla has excellent brakes, so did my PT Cruiser.
@allamer35
6 жыл бұрын
Brakes mean nothing without good tires. Also worn shocks can be attributed excess weight shift to the front of front of the vehicle increasing braking distance. How old were the pads, rotors, and brake fluid?
The engine sounds tinny. Like maybe a belt is loose?
I'm waiting for the Cruze!
@johnfranklin5277
4 жыл бұрын
Long wait...they dont make them anymore!
I decided between this and a Mazda 3. I thought the decision would be really easy but it turns out the Elantra is zippy to drive. In the end I took the Mazda 3 but did go back and forth before deciding.
@theadventuremiata9533
8 жыл бұрын
Good choice. The Mazda is more powerful and handles much better, while mpg should still be better. The elantra just has a quieter interior and smoother ride.
@sportsMike87
8 жыл бұрын
+TheAdventureMiata yeah there is nothing wrong with it. the 3 was more fun to drive that was the deciding factor for me.
@Fussinated
7 жыл бұрын
You should have bought the new Civic.
@sportsMike87
7 жыл бұрын
nah not a honda fan. It looks good but their cars aren't fun to drive.
@fultonjackwaterloo4085
7 жыл бұрын
+Fussinated : the new civic is an unreliable POS
Kia Forte is the better buy. The 2.0 models hit 60 in 7.4, which is fairly good for a cheap car. The turbo is even quicker.
Why Americans pronunciation sound like Honda? I always got confused. The correct way to pronounce is HE-YUN-DAY!
@situationmoney
6 жыл бұрын
The corporate Hyundai TV commercials in the USA pronounce it HON-DAY...
@stevefranklin8052
6 жыл бұрын
Marc Kamo when I call the dealer they say hunday. May not be the way Koreans say it. But that's how Americans say it, and they seem to be ok with it. 😊
Man, the car looked good before the refresh. Look, there's no shame in the fact that the Elantra/Forte had fish styling. Hell, I lovingly refer to my '14 Forte EX as the minnow. Now they're oversizing grilles, adding low sills to the area under the doors, and generally 'Pontiac-ing' the design. Step forward in refinement as always for the Korean duo, but a loss of design purity.
@toddp7324
7 жыл бұрын
I really like the new styling--it should age well, and the interior is nicer. However, I agree with you that the exterior styling on the previous generation Hyundais was great, especially on the Elantra. I'm a little sad to see it go.
@MJorgy5
2 жыл бұрын
This is the best looking Elantra to date.
This car is wheresome orher brands were about 5 years ago as far as entry level cars
This segment is hot but I don't get why.
@JEdmund81
8 жыл бұрын
Probably because it's what most people can afford. And they're packed full of options, so they don't feel like econoboxes any more.
@MJorgy5
2 жыл бұрын
It's a culmination of economy, practicality and a little fun to drive.
Cheap looking interior but nice features overall.
@bbokdoong
8 жыл бұрын
Actually, the interior looks pretty good in person. It looks better than my 2014 Accord....
@bilalahmed2123
8 жыл бұрын
Yea, let's just see how your 2014 Honda interior and this Elantra's interior would look a few years from now !
@drei9
5 жыл бұрын
The interior actualy looks like the 2014 mercedez Benz. I saw one.of these in a parking lot. I peeped in the interior. I kinda like it. Simple but has that elegant look.
I would love to see how this car would look 10 years from now in front of a Corolla or Civic. BTW - where are most of the 2006 or 2007 Elantra's ? Oh yea, at wreckers !
the styling is ok. not the best.
That car is a POS, let’s see if they are still on the road 10 years from now !
@joskjj3625
6 жыл бұрын
Bilal Ahmed that's because you never driven a Hyundai or a kia/genesis If you have ever owned one you'll actually appreciate it My 2018 genesis g80 sport is super reliable, until i got t boned,but that doesn't mean that my love for Hyundai, Kia and genesis is dead, i will continue on buying Hyundai genesis and kia for year's to come, until my new 2018 Lexus NX300 dies which will take a while
@joskjj3625
6 жыл бұрын
Bilal Ahmed plus on your channel You drive a bmw, that just shows how ignorant and annoying you bmw fanboys are,don't forget to turn your signal on My cousin had a bmw 5series crapped out at 45000 miles, unreliable disgrace to German engineering If you want reliable German cars Then get Audi or Mercedes benz
@joskjj3625
6 жыл бұрын
Bilal Ahmed plus i see more hyundai's on the road than your crappy BMW shit Disgrace to German engineering And what's even worse is the bmw drivers, so spoiled and douchey,they never driven Hyundai,Kia or genesis and automatically say that its unreliable crap Yet you have unreliable bmw crap
@barryervin8536
5 жыл бұрын
My 2000 Elantra was still running great when I sold it in 2010. The 2010 Elantra that I bought in 2010 is still being driven daily by my daughter and running fine in 2019. Neither of these cars have ever needed anything except brakes, tires and batteries. The 2009 Kia Rio I'm driving now has been amazingly trouble free for 10 years now. I expect my wife's new 2018 Elantra to do the same. You don't know what you're talking about. Maybe if I stuck some BMW emblems on it you'd like it better?
@johnfranklin5277
4 жыл бұрын
Your funny. You dis this car, but your site has nothing but BMW's with issues and problems....hilarious. by the way, my 17 Elantra now has 58.000 miles on it now and has had absolutely no problems whatsoever.
Ive owned 2 hyundais and they are VERY unreliable! I will never buy one again
@jlcii
8 жыл бұрын
really? I owned a Hyundai Elantra, and it was an excellent car, only lost it because my friend totaled it. meanwhile owned a Honda Civic, and that piece of crap blew a head gasket. I guess everyone has their own unique experiences. My parents own a Kia Soul, and absolutely love it.
@bbokdoong
8 жыл бұрын
Really? My family has owned 3 Hyundai/Kia products last 10 years without any major issues....
@williamfarmer9896
7 жыл бұрын
Really, did you not take care of it because I have owned a 2007 hyundai sonata that I drove for 5 years and put 170k plus miles on it. I only traded it in because I wanted a new car again but who ever got that car, if they kept taking care of it, it I bet is still road worthy ! Only problem my Sonata had was the one turn singal always burn out !
@toddp7324
7 жыл бұрын
I have two Kias, a 2006 and a 2016. Both have been extremely reliable--I had to replace an O2 sensor on the 2006 a few years ago, and that's it.
@LukeO-1234
7 жыл бұрын
Liam Rowe my brother has a 2003 Elantra with 335,000 miles. original everything still runs