The Hyundai Elantra scored well on all major reliability indices. RepairPal gives Elantra a score of 4.5 out of 5.0, placing it in eighth place out of 36 compact car models. While the first generations showed average fuel economy, the last few years of the model grew more efficiently with each new generation. It's known for offering great value for money, top-notch reliability and solid handling, and has even won the North American Car of the Year award.
If the Elantra's lack of power has been holding you back, the N or N-Line model will be the best for you. The N-Line is powered by a 1.6 L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can produce 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It can be combined with a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual dual-clutch transmission. As for the N, it has a 2.0 L turbo that raises the power to 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque.
This option can be combined with the same eight-speed or six-speed or dual-clutch automatic and is expected to be available later in the year. Any of the new options provides invigorating power for a sedan of this size. The new N and N-Line models of the Elantra are surprisingly powerful, but the standard engine leaves much to be desired. It's a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that generates just 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the pleasant driving dynamics of the vehicle in general, the lack of power when stepping on the accelerator can quickly age. However, once it's caught up, the Elantra doesn't seem to be under pressure. Get up to 4 local dealers to compete for your business by offering competitive and free pricing. Find out more before you go to the dealership.
If I were to buy my first new car today, I think I would be surprised by the number of features included in an entry-level sedan like the Hyundai Elantra. Hyundai Elantra owners have complained about reduced braking force and total brake failure while driving. It also includes the Hyundai Blue Link connected car setup and the Hyundai digital key, where you can use your Android phone as a car key. While it's true that Hyundai doesn't claim that the Elantra is a luxury vehicle, it's still a bit disheartening to see the amount of hard plastics in the cabin.
Despite its impressive quality, the Hyundai Elantra, like any other car, has had a lot of problems over the years. N is Hyundai's performance division, named after the Namyang district in South Korea or the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where Hyundai has a technical center or the shape of a racetrack chicane. Ideally, Hyundai should update this sedan in the not-too-distant future to give the interior a cabin sophisticated enough to match the new exterior. If Hyundai wants these Elantra models to be taken more seriously as true performance-oriented options, that needs to change.
According to a recent Consumer Reports report, Hyundai is ranked as the eleventh most trusted automaker out of 28 brands. At Carproblemzoo, Hyundai Elantra owners reported 583 problems related to the vehicle's service brakes.