2024 Hyundai Elantra

The base powertrain is a breathless 2.0-liter four-cylinder, but the N-Line model comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter that offers a bit more zest. Even so, none of the Elantra models will raise its driver’s pulse. Its handling is less entertaining than rivals such as the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, both of which offer crisper steering and a more agile overall feel. For performance-oriented drivers, the full-on Elantra N model (reviewed separately) is far more satisfying than the regular Elantra, but it also costs a lot more. The 2024 Hyundai Elantra widely viewed as basic transportation—great for first-time car buyers, fuel-efficient, and easy to park in tight spots—but the Hyundai also brings a ton of style and a whole lot of value.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard nonhybrid 2024 Hyundai Elantra powertrain is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pushes out a not-very-exciting 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque under the hood of SE and SEL models. Opting for the sportier N Line model drops displacement to 1.6 liters and adds a turbocharger, resulting in a much livelier 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid models also utilize a 1.6-liter four-pot but it’s paired with an electric motor rather than a turbo, which results in slightly less horsepower than the base engine at 139 but more torque at 195 pound-feet–equal to that of the N Line.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra SE and SEL’s base 2.0-liter engine is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) while the N Line, Blue Hybrid, and Limited Hybrid models get a DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Notably, the N Line gets a seven-speed DCT compared to the hybrids’ six-speed DCT. The hottest, enthusiast’s pick of the Elantra line by far is the performance-oriented N, which we review separately. But those who can’t quite stomach that car’s price tag could consider the tamer N Line model. After a brief test drive, we came away impressed with the N Line’s perkier acceleration and its adept handling, which ups the athleticism without compromising the ride.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the 2024 Hyundai Elantra with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder will earn up to 33 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four have estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 36 highway. The thriftiest hybrid Elantra is rated at 53 mpg city and 56 highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, the Elantra hybrid managed only a 48-mpg result while the nonhybrid Limited with the base engine netted 38 mpg. By comparison, a Corolla hybrid hit 56 mpg in our highway test. For more information about the Elantra’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

To match its dramatic exterior, the cabin of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra looks appropriately futuristic. The dashboard and center console wrap around the driver while the passenger’s side takes a more minimalist approach. A single LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent across the width of the car from the steering column to the passenger’s-side door panel. Passenger volume is generous, particularly in the rear seat, which helps the Elantra compete with roomier rivals such as the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. It’s not as luxurious as it looks in photos, though; there’s plenty of hard plastic inside, which isn’t surprising in this price class. In our testing, the Elantra fit six carry-on suitcases inside its trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An optional 10.3-inch digital gauge display rubs elbows with a second 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that sprouts from the top of the Elantra’s dashboard. The standard infotainment setup is an 8.0-inch center display and analog gauges for the instrument cluster. Hyundai’s latest infotainment interface takes center stage here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is a Wi-Fi connection. A voice-recognition feature allows the driver to adjust things such as the climate control or the heated seats by simply uttering specific phrases. A six-speaker stereo is standard, but Limited and N-Line trims come with an eight-speaker Bose stereo instead.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Driver-assistance features are on the menu and many of them are offered as standard. For more information about the 2024 Hyundai Elantra’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature

Photos

Specifications