2024 Hyundai Elantra Review: All Set To Daily Drive You For The Next Decade

Although I exist to give you a detailed point of view of my experience reviewing cars so you can make an informed purchase, I too often get caught up in the cool, expensive stuff most people can’t afford. Yes, I’m guilty of this. Mostly because most vehicles that are put at my disposal for a review are generally over-equipped and ridiculously expensive. Carmakers rarely put back-to-basics cars, trucks and SUVs in their press fleets.

So, when I’m given the opportunity to review a normal car like the 2024 Hyundai Elantra, I immediately jump on the occasion. Plus, my wife and I once owned a 2018 Elantra. It was a car we liked quite a lot. It was simple, well-built, relatively enjoyable to drive and, above all, reliable.

The thing is, we tend to associate that last bit of information with well-established Japanese brands, like Honda, Toyota, Mazda and even Nissan. But, over time, the humble little Elantra has also built itself a solid reputation for reliability. So, this new one, which is frankly very good, should last you at least a good decade without worry.

2024 Hyundai Elantra First Impressions

Another reason I liked our 2018 Elantra is that it actually looked pretty good. In my opinion at least, Elantra designs have been downhill ever since, to the point where the car basically ended up looking like a squashed catfish.

Hyundai did facelift the car this year due to many complaints from buyers and the automotive media. The front end, mostly, has been revised, giving the car an overall meaner, more purposeful look. It’s better, and it’s more coherent with the rest of the Elantra’s jagged lines. But I personally find this car still looks weird. Even in its most potent N form, which I also drove not long after this (review coming soon), the Elantra isn’t much of a looker.

Exterior Dimensions

2024 Hyundai Elantra: Differences Between The U.S. And Canadian Market

Both markets sell the Elantra under four different trim levels, but those trim levels differ a lot in terms of overall packaging. They also employ different names, while the U.S. market offers more body colors. From a mechanical standpoint, however, both U.S. and Canadian cars offer the exact same engine and drivetrain, as well as a hybrid option.

U.S. Versus Canada Lineup Breakdown

Driving Impressions And Performance

Ever since that 2018 Elantra I used to own, Hyundais have had this sensation of solidity and quality that you normally don’t find in the lower spectrum of the automotive industry. And this new Elantra is no exception. The immediate sensation behind the wheel is a car that feels a lot more expensive than it actually is.

Power from the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder is adequate, pumping out a humble 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for more oomph, then I recommend you opt for the turbocharged 1.6-liter unit found in the N Line. But what this engine lacks in outright performance, it makes up for it by how smooth and effective it is for the daily commute.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) isn’t my cup of tea due to its elastic feel, but it gets the job done without attracting too much attention to itself. That said, its operation is not as linear nor consistent as what you’ll find in a modern Honda or even a Subaru.

Handling is fine. The Elantra is not as energetic nor engaging to drive as a base Mazda3 or even a Honda Civic, but it’s capable enough to carry speed effortlessly. This Hyundai doesn’t like to be pushed around. It’s more at home doing basic daily duties. But I did drive an Elantra N Line in the past, and in terms of performance and handling, it’s a formidable Civic Si fighter.

Performance Specifications

2024 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Consumption

The EPA rates the 2024 Hyundai Elantra at a segment-competitive 34 MPG combined. You’ll obviously get more out of the hybrid (54 MPG), but considering how affordable the base-engine Elantra is, and how non-complicated that 2.0-liter unit is, that’s still impressive. After a full week of driving the car during summer, I managed to pull a combined average of 33.6 MPG.

EPA And As Tested Fuel Consumption

Interior Design And Comfort

Just like its exterior, the Elantra’s cabin design is a mixed bag of sharp edges, lines and one of the most awkward-looking steering wheels in the segment. But it’s also a very well-built interior, with good quality materials. It also all presents itself with ergonomic brilliance.

Everything is where it should be in an Elantra, and the fact that Hyundai has recently doubled down on physical controls makes this compact’s operation that much more pleasant. Seat comfort is fine, but I do wish there was a bit more lateral support as I always felt like I was sliding around in the seat.

Overall visibility is fair, but that lifted rear end does limit rearward visibility. This is a common trend in most modern cars. A large, meaty gear selector and physical handbrake reminded me why old cars were better, and the overall amount of head and legroom up front was superb, even for a tall driver such as myself.

It’s actually just as good in the rear, where I had no problem sitting behind myself thanks to a generous amount of legroom. The shape of the car’s roof does slightly hinder rear headroom, but I could still see myself sitting back there comfortably for a long roadtrip.

Interior Dimensions

Technology And Ease Of Use

Most of the Elantra’s technology is a carry-over from the pre-facelift model, but its 10.25-inch infotainment system is now standard on the SEL trim level. There’s also an all-new 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster which looks both neat thanks to its light-blue, Terminator-like graphics. It’s all easy to grasp.

The Elantra’s technology is a wonderful blend of digital and physical controls. There’s a great level of redundancy where a button quickly gives you access to main functions, like climate control settings or audio. Most menus and features are generally well presented, with a nice graphical design and a quick-reacting interface.

This isn’t Hyundai’s latest system that it puts in more modern vehicles like the IONIQ 5, for instance, but it truly gets the job done without overwhelming you with too much technology.

Cargo And Storage Space

While many consumers flock to SUVs for their practicality, you’d be surprised at how much gear you can load up into a small sedan. The Elantra is actually one of the most spacious compact cars currently on sale, bested only by the Honda Civic (14.8 cu-ft) and the Nissan Sentra (14.3 cu-ft).

It’s Just A Darn Great Little Car

Sure, you can nitpick all you want about acceleration, handling and trunk space. You’ll probably realize that you’ll get a bit more of those from a Mazda, a Honda or a Nissan.

But the truth of the matter is that no matter which trim level of the Elantra you select, you’ll always feel like you’re getting more car for your hard-earned dollar. That’s because Hyundai is still well aware that its brand recognition in this segment is still not on par with its competing Japanese rivals. It needs to bank on value to make a difference.

But if you don’t care about any of that stuff, you should know from my personal experience that Elantras are tough as nails, cheap to run and currently one of the best kept secrets in the compact car world.