2017 Hyundai Elantra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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A whole new design inside and out as well as a focus on technology, efficiency, and safety have brought the Hyundai Elantra to the front of the small-car pack.
Every year, compact cars get better and better. As early as the mid-2000s, it occurred to some automakers that commuters desired features like heated leather seats, navigation, and keyless entry in smaller cars. A daily driver that's good on gas and easy to park shouldn’t also be deprived of basic creature comforts. And from that climate, Hyundai began its ascension into value-oriented vehicles that don’t feel cheap. The culmination of that quality-small-car campaign is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. It builds on a very competent outgoing generation with some of the best styling, ergonomics, safety, and technology you can find for short money.
The Elantra has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1990s, and while the hotly contested small-car market has come a long way since then, it's the Elantra that appears to have made the most progress. But is a tech-laden redesign enough to take on the likes of the Ford Focus, the Toyota Corolla, and the Honda Civic?
The first thing you'll notice is the sharp new exterior appearance of the Elantra. The outgoing model had a pretty sharp look, but its busy face often felt homogenous in the crowded small-car segment. Not so with the 2017, which has a massive grille and aggressive LED headlights. In fact, you can even see inspiration from the Elantra’s bigger brother, the Genesis luxury sedan, which itself takes cues from the Germans when it comes to styling. The similarities to the Genesis are more apparent out back in the taillight assemblies. We can expect more Hyundai models to share these design cues, making the Elantra something of a thought leader for the conservative-yet-well-defined styling that will be found across the Hyundai lineup for years to come.
Inside the cabin is more Audi-inspired styling, but in a good way. The previous Elantra featured an eye-catching interior that was a bit cluttered, much like that of the Ford Focus. While the Focus continued to go for form over function, the Elantra’s interior offers both form and function, with emphasis on the latter. Its straightforward design returns audio and climate controls to very conventional layouts with knobs and buttons, which should make them easier to use.
Hyundai makes the whole trim-package thing pretty straightforward for buyers. In all, nine trims are sold in Canada, all packaged as-is with no options offered. At the entry level, you have the L trim, which is the value edition sold exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and offering heated front seats and keyless entry. From there, the LE, GL, GLS, SE, Sport, Limited, and Limited SE trim levels each offer incremental upgrades until you reach the top-of-the-line Limited Ultimate trim, where you’ll find advanced systems such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning to go with the leather seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, eight-speaker Infinity sound system, and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offered on upper trims. The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is not covered under this review.
Located right next to the shifter is a Drive Mode selector button. This tweaks the engine and transmission mapping and the steering feel for Normal, Sport, and Eco drive modes. Natural Resources Canada estimates fuel economy of the Elantra equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission at 8.3 litres per 100 kilometres city, 6.4 highway, and 7.4 combined. If you opt for the manual transmission, those numbers go up to 9.1 city, 6.6 highway, and 8.0 combined. A front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain is the only configuration offered.
Acceleration is rather brisk considering the drivetrain makes power specs of 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, but you can certainly tell how much the two-litre four-cylinder engine is working by the mechanical whine every time you get on the throttle. It's a lot of powertrain noise in an otherwise quiet ride.
As for our Limited, it featured a really supple suspension that soaked up some serious potholes. Despite its softness, the ride was never wallowy, and the Elantra's cornering still felt rather sprightly.
As stated before, the straightforward layout of its interior is one of the 2017 Elantra’s strong suits. While many new cars go for the most radical interior, their designers sometimes forget this is where occupants must live for their commute every day, and often neglect basics such as thoughtful storage. Not so in the Elantra, where a small compartment in front of the shifter reveals AC power ports, USB/auxiliary audio ports, and a place to put your wallet and phone—sometimes it’s the simple things.
Our test unit’s large touchscreen sits atop a centre stack with a very straightforward, traditional control layout. But with Hyundai’s Audi/BMW-inspired approach, “straightforward” also means “refined.” But unlike in German cars, the infotainment screen is an actual touchscreen and doesn’t rely on confusing proprietary controls like BMW's iDrive or Audi's MMI. This is just one more way the Elantra is just as useful as it is attractive.
The driver gets a tremendous amount of legroom—even at 6-foot-3, I had to move the power adjustable driver’s seat forward some. This is likely at the expense of rear seat leg room, but as long as you are carpooling with three people or fewer, this shouldn't be a problem.
Every 2017 Elantra comes standard with USB/auxiliary audio inputs, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Moving upmarket gets you the navigation system, which features turn-by-turn instructions in the colour display in the gauge cluster.
The voice-control system found in the Elantra is consistent with that of other higher-end models like the Genesis. This is a powerful voice-control system and can understand complex instructions, such as inputting a navigation address without having to go through several menus.
But the true cutting-edge infotainment tech comes in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Plug in your iPhone or Android phone via the USB port, and you can use these custom operating systems to operate many of your phone’s features directly from the touchscreen. When receiving a text, the system will read it out to you, and (in the case of the iPhone), you can use Siri to send a reply via voice control.
One other excellent piece of tech is the hands-free trunk system. If you have your hands full of groceries and need to open the trunk, simply make sure your key fob is in your pocket when approaching the rear of the vehicle, and you’ll hear three beeps before the trunk opens on its own.
Hyundai touts all the safety features you can get on the 2017 Elantra, and with good reason—many of these features were previously found only in higher-end cars and are now making their way into small cars like the Elantra. This includes electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a backup camera with rear cross-path detection are all available.
The 2017 Elantra earns a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives it a four-star safety rating while raising a concern about side impacts potentially causing injury to rear passengers. This rating was announced after this review was first published.
In Canada, the base L trim for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra sedan is priced at $15,999, and the Limited Ultimate is priced at $28,799. Destination charges add $1,705 on all trims. That puts it on par with pricing for the equally impressive albeit larger Honda Civic and higher on average than the Toyota Corolla.
But the Elantra is a much more impressive vehicle than the Corolla, although the Civic is larger and just as loaded with features. Still, this places the Elantra firmly among the pack leaders when it comes to small cars, and the Elantra now features cutting-edge safety and technology equipment. In short, it's arguable that the Hyundai Elantra Limited trim levels offer the best compact sedan for the money.
Note: Images and video show a US model.
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2017 Hyundai Elantra Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 3.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Air filtration: ionizing · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Air filtration: ionizing · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 8.0 · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leatherette · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: cloth · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.13
Engine
Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 3.5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low battery
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.70
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.73 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.6
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Air filtration: ionizing · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.07
Engine
Alternator: 120 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated · Window trim: chrome
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Blue Link · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: driver · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.9 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Rear shock type: monotube
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MyHyundai with Blue Link · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse