The compact sedan segment is shrinking, but hidden gems like the 2024 Hyundai Elantra prove there’s still plenty of life – and value – in these smaller cars. After spending a few days driving the latest Elantra, it’s clear this isn’t just a budget rental car; it’s a genuinely impressive vehicle that deserves a closer look. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra and see why it might be the perfect sedan for you.
First Impressions: More Than Just a Rental Car
Initially, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra might give off “basic rental” vibes. Arriving late at the rental lot, tired and wanting to get to our destination, anything with four wheels would have been acceptable. However, the Elantra quickly proved to be more than just transportation.
Upon closer inspection, the Elantra’s design begins to reveal its character. While the sharp lines and sculpted body might seem a bit much at first glance, they contribute to a distinctive and modern look. It’s a design that grows on you, moving beyond the generic sedan mold.
The Elantra manages to balance a practical sedan shape with eye-catching details. It’s not just another forgettable car; it has personality and a willingness to stand out in its class.
Bold Styling and Design: A Touch of Italian Flair?
The 2024 Elantra’s styling is undeniably bold. Hyundai’s designers took risks, creating a vehicle that’s far from bland. The numerous creases, sharp angles, and swooping lines give it a dynamic and almost sporty appearance. It’s as if a young, ambitious designer, dreaming of Ferrari, was given free rein at Hyundai – and the result is surprisingly appealing.
The Elantra’s design is not for those seeking understated subtlety. It’s assertive and modern, with a fastback roofline and distinctive lighting signatures. The more time spent with the Elantra, the more these design elements reveal themselves, becoming genuinely attractive.
Even details like the C-pillar design and the wheel patterns showcase this adventurous approach. The wheels, with their star-like shapes, add another layer of visual interest.
Up close, the headlight and grille assembly is particularly impressive, showcasing attention to detail. The rear end, with its Mustang-esque ducktail spoiler, adds a sporty touch that’s unexpected in this segment.
Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra’s styling is a significant departure from the typical compact sedan. It’s bold, distinctive, and ultimately, quite appealing.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Surprising Refinement
Hyundai interiors have come a long way, and the 2024 Elantra is a testament to this progress. The interior is surprisingly refined, offering a comfortable and spacious environment for both driver and passengers. It’s a space that feels well-designed and built to a higher standard than expected in this class.
Even if the exterior styling isn’t your cup of tea, the interior deserves serious consideration. It’s arguably one of the nicest interiors available in a compact car today, blending style and functionality effectively.
The seats continue the exterior’s design theme with sculpted shapes and supportive bolstering. They are not only visually interesting but also provide excellent comfort for longer drives. Hyundai has clearly focused on creating an interior that feels both modern and inviting.
The digital dashboard, while featuring large displays common in 2024 models, might be considered the least premium element inside. However, it’s functional and provides all necessary driver information. On the plus side, the fuel economy display is consistently impressive.
Thankfully, Hyundai retained physical buttons for essential controls like climate and audio. This user-friendly approach is a welcome feature in a world increasingly dominated by touchscreens.
Apple CarPlay integration, while present, proved to be a bit finicky initially. A wired USB connection is definitely recommended for a more stable experience. The placement of the USB port, tucked away under the climate controls, could be more convenient.
Despite minor quirks, the overall interior experience of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra is overwhelmingly positive. It’s a comfortable, well-designed space that surpasses expectations for a compact sedan.
Rear passenger space is surprisingly generous for a compact car, and the trunk offers ample cargo room. The Elantra is practical as well as stylish, making it a versatile daily driver.
Engine and Transmission: Efficient and Adequate
The SEL trim, like other non-N Line Elantra models, features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While not a powerhouse, this engine is sufficient for daily driving and prioritizes fuel efficiency. Hyundai brands it “Smart Stream,” a somewhat unusual name for an engine, but the focus is clearly on optimized performance and economy.
The engine bay is neatly arranged, and importantly, many components are easily accessible, suggesting reasonable maintenance accessibility. The engine itself is straightforward and functional, designed for reliability and efficiency.
Paired with the engine is a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVTs often receive criticism for their driving feel, but in the Elantra, it’s surprisingly well-tuned. In normal driving, it’s easy to forget it’s a CVT at all, providing smooth and responsive performance.
Driving Dynamics: Balanced and Enjoyable
The 2024 Elantra delivers a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience. It tracks confidently on the highway, and the suspension strikes a good balance between sporty handling and comfortable ride quality. It’s nimble enough for city streets and stable on longer journeys.
The driving position is comfortable and slightly sporty, contributing to a positive driving feel. Steering feedback is typical for the class – a bit vague but acceptable. Drive modes are available, though “Comfort” mode is likely sufficient for most situations, offering a good balance of responsiveness and efficiency.
Braking is adequate, and visibility is excellent in all directions, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. For daily driving, the Elantra is well-rounded and competent.
While the standard tires are acceptable for typical driving, upgrading to a better set would likely enhance handling and reduce road noise. The Kumho Solus tires are adequate but not performance-oriented.
Fuel Efficiency: Impressive MPG
One of the standout features of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra is its exceptional fuel economy. Achieving over 44 mpg in mixed driving conditions, including city and highway, is genuinely impressive. Even with occasionally spirited acceleration, the Elantra sips fuel, making it an economical choice.
For budget-conscious drivers, the Elantra’s fuel efficiency is a major selling point. It combines affordability with low running costs, making it a smart choice in today’s market.
Pros and Cons: Weighing the 2024 Hyundai Elantra
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra offers a compelling package, but like any car, it has its strengths and weaknesses.
Pros:
- Sporty Driving Position: Engaging and comfortable for the driver.
- Excellent Fuel Economy: Over 44 mpg is outstanding for a non-hybrid sedan.
- Well-Tuned CVT: Smooth and responsive, masking the typical CVT drawbacks.
- Refined Interior: Surprisingly upscale and comfortable for the class.
Cons:
- polarizing Styling: The bold design might not appeal to everyone.
- Apple CarPlay Connectivity Issues: Wired connection recommended for stability.
- Digital Dashboard Appearance: Could look more premium.
Conclusion:
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra is a surprisingly excellent compact sedan. It overcomes initial impressions with its bold styling, refined interior, enjoyable driving dynamics, and exceptional fuel economy. While the styling might be divisive and some tech features could be smoother, the Elantra offers remarkable value and practicality. For anyone considering a compact sedan, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra deserves a spot at the top of your list. Consider comparing it with the Kia K5, a close relative, to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs.
