2017 Hyundai Elantra
New for 2017
The Elantra is completely redesigned for 2017.
Pushing the envelope
Even a decade ago, buying a compact car meant settling for a Spartan economy model, especially if said compact car was a Hyundai. But now compact cars have the same styling, technology, and features of larger models, and Hyundai is about more than bargain-basement transportation. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra shows just how far both the segment and Hyundai itself have come.
Powertrains and Performance
Everything about the Elantra is new for 2017, including the powertrains. There are three available, and each emphasize efficiency without sacrificing fun.
Standard equipment on the Elantra SE and Limited models is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine called “Nu.” It runs on the Atkinson cycle like the gasoline engines in many hybrids and produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an improved version of the old Elantra’s six-speed automatic that Hyundai says alone is worth a 3.3 percent gain in efficiency.
With the six-speed manual, the Elantra SE returns an EPA-rated 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway),* while automatic models get 33 mpg combined (29 mpg city, 38 mpg highway).* The Elantra Limited is only offered with the six-speed automatic, and in that configuration, it gets 32 mpg combined (28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway).*
Hyundai also offers a 1.4-liter turbocharged “Kappa” four-cylinder engine on the Elantra Eco. The turbo engine produces 128 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, and is offered exclusively with a seven-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission that delivers an EPA combined rating of 35 mpg.*
The Hyundai Elantra Sport gets a 1.6L Turbo-GDI engine that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.This powertrain is rated at a combined 25 mpg with the manual transmission* or 29 mpg with the dual-clutch automatic.*
All 2017 Elantra models are also equipped with a new Drive Mode Select feature, which allows drivers to choose from Eco, Normal, or Sport modes by pressing a button on the center console. Each alters the car’s character for its respective type of driving.
Features and Trims
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a four-door, five-seat compact sedan available in four main trim levels and priced starting from $17,150.**
Reflecting Hyundai’s traditional emphasis on value, the base Elantra SE is remarkably well equipped for an economy car. Standard features include power exterior mirrors, projector headlights, premium cloth seating, a 60/40 split folding rear seatback, tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, USB and auxiliary input jacks, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more.
The SE is also available as the SE Value Edition, which adds optional features such as the Popular Equipment package (heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth®, Android Auto™, and Apple CarPlay™) and the Tech package (LED daytime running lights, hands-free trunk, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats) as standard as well as a sunroof.
The fuel-efficient Eco shares the same features as the Value Edition (minus the sunroof) as well as 15-inch alloy wheels and the 1.4-liter turbo engine. Moving up to the Elantra Limited carries over all of the features of the Value Edition, and adds chrome exterior trim, LED taillights, and a BlueLink telematics system.
The Sport model is similarly equipped to the Limited, but features a turbo 1.6-liter engine with larger wheels, performance-tuned suspension and steering, unique front and rear fascias, and other sporty highlights.
In addition to the standard equipment, optional features include HID headlights, a power sunroof, heated rear seats, a memory system for the driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink and compass, navigation system with 8.0-inch display screen, Infinity eight-speaker premium audio system, SiriusXM® data services, and a 4.2-inch TFT gauge cluster display.
Design
The 2017 Elantra’s handsome new exterior styling shows just how far Hyundai has come in the last decade or so. Representing the second generation of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, the Elantra looks both mature and distinctive. It’s also practical, with integrated aerodynamic features like front-wheel air curtains, underbody covers, and a rear bottom spoiler that help contribute to a slick drag coefficient of 0.27.
The interior was designed with an emphasis on functionality, while extensive use of soft-touch materials and an elegant design aesthetic lend it an upscale feel. The wide design of the instrument panel creates a feeling of spaciousness and accommodates the optional touchscreen display.
Controls on the center console are grouped, logically, according to function, and the console itself is tilted seven degrees toward the driver. The front seats have high-tension lightweight frames for better performance in collisions, and all seats are made from environmentally friendly SoyFoam®.
The Elantra also boasts impressive interior space. At 95.8 cubic feet, it has more passenger volume than a Ford Focus, while its total interior volume of 110.2 cubic feet is actually greater than that of a Cadillac CTS, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, or Acura ILX. The Elantra’s 14.4 cubic feet of cargo volume beats those luxury cars, too.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Vehicle Stability Management, and a full array of airbags. Optional features include Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Bottom Line
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a stylish and tech-filled compact car that’s also a great value.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at Heritage Hyundai Towson to schedule a test drive.
* EPA estimates for comparison. Your actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle’s condition.
**MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.
Image: Hyundai