The 2014 Elantra offers premium style and features at an economy car price point. It is available in three models -- sedan, coupe, or 5-door GT. The sedan offers SE, Sport and Limited trims, while the coupe and GT are single-trim models. No matter the body style, the Elantra packs a lot of car into a relatively small package. The base SE sedan and top Limited models are powered by a 148 hp 1.8L engine, while Sport sedans, coupes and GTs all feature a new 2.0L four putting out a healthy 173 horsepower and 154 ft-lb of torque. This configuration is rated at 24 mpg in the city. SE and Sport sedans feature a standard 6-speed manual transmission and optional 6-speed automatic, while the Limited is standard with the automatic. The Elantra coupe is automatic-only as well, though the GT offers buyers the choice of manual or automatic.
The SE comes equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and power windows with driver's side auto-down, as well as an AM/FM 6-speaker stereo with CD and MP3 compatibility. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback is also standard. The Elantra Sport, meanwhile includes 17-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension, projector headlights with LED accents and LED taillights, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors and many more exterior cues. Inside there is heated leather front seating, a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera, aluminum pedals, a power sunroof and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Lastly, the Limited sedan adds Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, which combines infotainment features, smart-phone connectivity and safety services. Also included are front and rear heated seats. Adding the Technology Package to the Limited adds a 7-inch screen housing a navigation system, dual-zone climate control and an upgraded 360-watt stereo system.
The Elantra coupe, meanwhile, is an excellent choice for people who value good style in a small package. It comes in a single, well-stocked trim, equipped similarly to the Elantra Sport sedan, with 17-inch alloys and a sport-tuned suspension, heated front seats, side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a rear spoiler. It also features front fog lights, iPod and USB input jacks, and steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls. A Tech Package adds a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and rearview camera, a power sunroof, leather seating, projector beam headlights and more.
Finally, the practical 5-door Elantra GT is about nine inches shorter than the sedan, while it's slightly taller and its wheelbase is about two inches shorter, which means there's slightly less rear legroom compared to the sedan. It rides on 16-inch alloys, with fog lights, daytime running lights, remote entry, cloth seating with heated front seats, tilt/telescoping steering with cruise and audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and a 60/40 fold-flat rear seatback. It also features a 3-position (comfort, sport, normal) Driver Selectable Steering Mode -- a segment first -- and a driver's side knee airbag, which is a Hyundai first. A Style Package adds larger alloys and the sport tuned suspension, along with aluminum pedals, Blue Link telematics, and LED taillights. A Technology Package features the 7-inch touchscreen navigation and rearview camera, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights.
Economical
Practical
Well-equipped, With Sophisticated Infotainment Features And Options
Available In A Variety Of Body Styles
Excellent Warranty
In 2013, Hyundai added a 2-door coupe and 5-door hatchback GT to the Elantra sedan lineup. For 2014, all three models carry over, with some important changes. Coupes lose the option of a manual transmission, while sedan trims are reshuffled into SE, Sport and Limited.
Big news is the addition of a new direct-injected 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which comes standard in the Elantra coupe and GT, as well as the Sport trim sedan. The engine packs 173 horsepower and 154 ft-lb of torque -- big gains over the previous 1.8L's 148 hp and 131 ft-lb, which still power the SE and Limited sedans. EPA estimates for 2.0L models are 24 mpg in the city and between 33 and 35 mpg on the highway, depending on the model and transmission.
Elsewhere, the sedan features mild exterior updates, including LED front accent lights and rear taillights in Sport and Limited trims, along with new wheel designs across the sedan trim range.
The Elantra is Hyundai's entry into the compact car market, battling against household names such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, as well as hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Mazda3. It is a competitive segment, but the Elantra stands out with its bold styling, roomy 5-door GT, high level of equipment and outstanding warranty. Starting at $17,200, the Elantra has plenty of standard features and even manages to top 38 mpg on the highway with its 1.8L engine, while a new 2.0L offers a big boost in power while sacrificing little in the way of economy.
