2018 Hyundai Elantra Ltd

2018 Hyundai Elantra Ltd

An Automotive Love Affair
By Joe Mavilia

Overview:

This is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited. The last time I reviewed the Elantra was 2015. It’s like visiting an old friend. Hyundai remains a favorite of mine. Daughter Jenny is on her third Kia (a Hyundai company) and she swears by the product. There are some things that children take a parent’s advice on. This is one of those, and I’m happy she has been happy with my recommendation. I was confident she should but you know kids.

Hyundai / Kia have matured well over the past decade, and although they have come up in price somewhat, they are still a good value. You’d expect price to rise over time, as consumers embrace the brand. The warranty is still at the top end of the competition. What has changed is that they’ve added high end luxury cars that rival the best of the best. As you probably know, Genesis was spun off as a separate brand in the past couple of years.

Fuel economy has improved since my last review but the competition was and is still a bit better. And finally, another bit of good news for US consumers is that it is made in the USA instead of Korea.

General Information:

It is assembled in: Montgomery, Alabama, USA; Parts: US/Canadian 46%, Korea 19%; Engine and transmission – USA; Classification is: Midsize Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.

Handling & Performance:

No turbo and for smaller engines I prefer that capability. But no real complaints otherwise because it handles well at freeway speeds.

Styling:

The interior cockpit has improved in appearance and functionality and it just seems more substantial and higher quality for this model since 2015.

Fit and Finish:

Very good.

Cost:

Still a great value even though the price has edged up a bit in the past few years.

Conveniences and comfort:

A little light on the high-tech features for the standard items as priced, but the test vehicle included the ‘ultimate package’. It includes Nav, premium audio, power sunroof, emergency braking system, smart cruise control and lane keep assist system which adds $4,475 for a total of just over $27,000 with delivery and handling.

Consumer Recommendations:

Of course, I suggest you test drive all these players and as for me it’s a toss-up because I like ‘em all.

Recognised Competition:

Good News:

Good pricing, roomy nice-looking commuter and family sedan.

Bad News:

On the lower end of fuel economy in this segment.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter 147 hp 4-cylinder engine, dual continuous variable valve timing, 6-speed automatic transmission, stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with brake force distribution, front, side and side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, 17” Alloy wheels, rear view camera, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, dual climate control, AM/FM/HD radio system with 6-speakers, Sirius XM radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Blue Link Connected services and remote start, steering wheel mounted audio controls, power driver’s seat , leather seating with heated front seats, proximity Key and push button start and hands free smart trunk.

Gas Stats:

$3.39-Gal avg. March 1, 2018

www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.

28 City and 37 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $27,460 as equipped with options noted above.