The interior of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is handsome and functional. (Staff Photo by Mark Kennedy)The Basics
Model: 2018 Hyundai ElantraExterior Color: Lakeside BlueEngine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinderFuel Economy: 37 mpg highway, 28 mpg cityPrice (as tested): $27,460Local Dealership: Long Hyundai of Chattanooga
Often missed in the head-long rush by consumers to purchase small SUVs, compact sedans have become high-quality, high-tech transportation.
Hyundai's excellent Elantra small car is an example of the honest value that can be had if you don't require elevated seating and skid plates in your next auto purchase.
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We recently tested a 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited which packs tons of technology and luxury into a small package.
Our tester, which retails for $27,460, has such frills as 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sun-roof, leather upholstery, navigation, an Infinity audio system, heated front and rear seats and push-button start. It also has a host of safety-tech features such as smart cruise control, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Auto-makers have begun to recognize that compact car buyers are not always budget-minded; they just need less interior space. Not that cars like the Elantra are cramped. To the contrary, the Elantra can transport five in relative comfort.
JUST THE FACTS: The Hyundai Elantra is compact sedan that competes alongside the Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic and VW Jetta. Most auto journalists consider the Civic the gold standard in this segment, although the Elantra is competitive in most measures. There are at least a half-dozen trim levels of the Elantra, and our Limited version is the penultimate, just below the powerful Sport edition.
WORTHWHILE OPTIONS: The Limited edition comes well-equipped but our tester goes the extra mile, adding the $4,350 Ultimate Package which layers on navigation, premium audio with sub-woofer, power sunroof, emergency braking and more. Besides carpeted floor mats ($125), that was the only option group on our tester.
ENGINE: Our tester, like most Elantras, has Hyundai's tried-and-true 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine under the hood which makes 147 horsepower. There's also a 201-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbo-charged engine available in the Sport model. Meanwhile, a 1.3-liter turbo engine comes in the thrifty Eco model. The standard, normally-aspirated engine gets the job done, so there's no need to stretch in either direction unless you are hyper-focused on fuel economy or performance.
IT'S GOOD FOR CHATTANOOGA BUYERS BECAUSE: The Elantra offers compelling value, making a new-car purchase possible for those who might not otherwise be able to afford a car off the showroom floor. Also, Hyundai's 10-year or 100,000-mile power-train warranty is a gift to purchasers no matter what their income level.
COOL STUFF: Our Limited tester has three USB ports, which are especially important to younger buyers, many of whom will reject a vehicle that's not properly wired.
WHAT'S IT COST?: Our tester has a base MSRP of $22,100, but options and delivery fees push the bottom line to $27,460. If you're on a tight budget, a scaled-down SE trim version with automatic transmission starts at $17,950.
WE WISH FOR: A little more room in the back seat would make the Hyundai more of a family-car option.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645.