The 2017 Hyundai Elantra marked a significant redesign for the popular compact sedan, aiming to offer a blend of affordability, appealing aesthetics, and a host of high-end features. Staying true to its reputation, the Elantra continued to provide reliable and practical transportation, arriving at an opportune moment for the Hyundai brand. While Hyundai also offered the Elantra GT hatchback, this review will concentrate on the sedan model and its various configurations, focusing on what makes the Elantra Car 2017 a compelling option in the competitive compact car market.
We recently spent a week test-driving a fully-loaded 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited to thoroughly assess its improvements and overall appeal, particularly when compared to other affordable five-passenger compact sedans. It’s worth noting that our test vehicle was equipped with options that pushed its price well beyond what typical buyers might anticipate for a Hyundai in this class.
Pricing and Trim Levels of the 2017 Elantra
The base 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE sedan started at a competitive $17,150, slightly undercutting rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda3 in terms of entry price. However, it’s important to consider that some competitors offer more standard features at their base price points. An automatic transmission was available for an additional $1,000 on the SE model. Hyundai also offered optional packages for the SE trim, including a Popular Equipment package for $800 and a Tech package for $1,300, allowing buyers to customize their elantra car 2017 to their preferences.
For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Elantra Eco trim started at $20,650. This model was specifically designed for gas savings, featuring a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 128 horsepower. The Eco model achieved impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 32 MPG city and 40 MPG highway, making it an attractive option for экономичные drivers seeking an elantra car 2017.
At the top of the range, the Elantra Limited trim started at $22,350. The Limited trim came generously equipped with standard features and offered further high-end options. Notably, Hyundai’s suite of active safety and driver assistance technologies was available in the Limited Ultimate package for $1,900. An additional Tech package, priced at $2,500, provided upgrades to the audio and infotainment systems, allowing for a truly premium experience in the elantra car 2017 Limited.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited we tested was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a smooth and responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivered ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, providing confident acceleration for merging and passing. The Elantra Limited also featured Hyundai’s Drive Mode Select system, offering Normal, Sport, and Eco modes. For the majority of our driving, the Normal mode proved perfectly adequate, balancing performance and efficiency for the elantra car 2017. All 2017 Elantra models were front-wheel drive.
EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited were estimated at 28 MPG city, 37 MPG highway, and 32 MPG combined. Our real-world testing largely confirmed these figures. A 57-mile trip, incorporating both city and highway driving with some spirited acceleration tests, yielded an average fuel economy of 31.9 MPG. This is commendable for a vehicle in its class, making the elantra car 2017 a practical choice for daily commutes and longer journeys. Interestingly, the window sticker classified the Elantra Limited as a midsize car due to its generous interior volume as measured by the EPA, although it competes in the compact sedan segment.
Exterior Styling and Lighting
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra’s exterior design represented an evolution rather than a revolution compared to its predecessor. The side profile remained largely similar, however, Hyundai implemented noticeable changes to the front and rear fascias. LED daytime running lights positioned low in the front and a more assertive grille design refreshed the overall front-end appearance. The Elantra Limited further distinguished itself with striking HID headlights featuring Dynamic Bending Light technology. This feature not only enhanced nighttime visibility but also contributed to the elantra car 2017‘s modern and sophisticated aesthetic.
Thoughtful details like door handle approach lights, illuminating as you approach the car with the key fob, added a touch of premium feel. The 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with an angled split-spoke design also enhanced the visual appeal of the Limited trim. Our test vehicle was finished in Blue Titanium, a vibrant and sporty color option that accentuated the Elantra’s lines, highlighted the lighting elements, and ensured the elantra car 2017 stood out from the crowd. For those preferring a more understated look, Hyundai offered a range of more subdued paint hues as well.
Interior Space and Design
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited impressed with its surprisingly spacious interior. Despite similar exterior dimensions to the previous generation, Hyundai’s interior design team successfully created a cabin that felt considerably roomier. All five occupants should find ample space, and the front seats offered numerous storage compartments and cubbies within easy reach. Ingress and egress were effortless, and finding a comfortable driving position was straightforward, thanks to the power-adjustable driver’s seat standard on the Limited trim. The Limited also included a memory system for the driver’s seat and side mirror positions, a convenient feature for multiple drivers of the elantra car 2017. Leather upholstery was standard on the Limited, and our test car featured a pleasant gray hue. Heated front seats were available across most of the Elantra range and standard on all but the base SE model. Our test vehicle further included heated rear seats, adding to passenger comfort.
Infotainment and Audio System
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited’s infotainment system, centered around a 7-inch touchscreen, was generally user-friendly. While we encountered some initially perplexing audio settings left by a previous driver, these were easily rectified once understood. The system offered a high degree of audio customization, perhaps even bordering on excessive menu depth. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was a significant plus for smartphone integration in the elantra car 2017. However, we experienced some minor issues with Apple CarPlay connectivity during our test. Despite successful phone pairing, the system repeatedly prompted us to activate CarPlay on the iPhone itself, even when already active. The system continued to request on-phone interaction, somewhat defeating the purpose of in-car integration. This contrasted with a smoother iPhone integration experience in a recent Hyundai Santa Fe test vehicle that lacked Apple CarPlay, suggesting potential software refinement was needed for the elantra car 2017‘s system.
Available Features and Options
The redesigned Elantra came standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic available as an option. Even the base Elantra SE included essential features like power windows and locks, cloth upholstery, satellite radio, a USB port, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Available options for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra included upgraded audio systems with a 7-inch display or a navigation-equipped infotainment system with an 8-inch display. Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera, cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a power trunk, power front seats, leatherette or leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a power sunroof, and HID headlights were also offered, allowing buyers to tailor the elantra car 2017 to their desired level of comfort and technology.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance Technology
Hyundai aimed for and achieved the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for the 2017 Elantra, a significant improvement over the previous generation. However, the Elantra did not achieve the NHTSA’s top 5-Star Overall rating. In NHTSA testing, the Elantra earned one 5-star score and primarily 4-star scores across various crash tests. While still a safe vehicle, these ratings highlight the intensely competitive nature of the compact car segment where safety is a key differentiator.
The base Elantra SE lacked active safety and driver assistance systems, although competitors were increasingly offering rearview cameras as standard. A $1,300 Tech package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert to the SE trim. To access Hyundai’s most advanced safety technologies, buyers needed to opt for the Limited trim and additional options packages, as exemplified by our fully-loaded test vehicle. While Hyundai offered these advanced safety features, their cost as options made them less accessible to buyers on a tighter budget considering the elantra car 2017.
Standout Features
One particularly appreciated feature on the Elantra Limited was the hands-free smart trunk. Approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob in proximity triggered the trunk lid to automatically pop open and raise after a few seconds. This proved highly convenient when hands were full, though it required a slight adjustment to the timing to avoid accidental activation. Hands-free liftgates were becoming more prevalent on crossovers and SUVs, but this feature was relatively uncommon on compact sedans, making it a notable and user-friendly addition to the elantra car 2017. (It was also offered on the midsize Hyundai Sonata).
Hyundai backed the 2017 Elantra with its reassuring 5-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. While not groundbreaking, these warranties provided peace of mind and served as a positive factor for value-conscious shoppers considering the elantra car 2017.
Final Verdict
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra effectively competes within its class, offering a strong value proposition, particularly in its base SE trim. When comparing the entry-level elantra car 2017 to its rivals at a similar price point, the value is undeniably present. However, the fully-loaded Elantra Limited, as tested with a sticker price of $27,710 (including over $5,000 in options), might present a harder sell to buyers hesitant to spend that much on a Hyundai compact sedan or those who don’t require all the available technology and safety features.
The compact sedan segment is fiercely competitive, with many rivals undergoing recent redesigns, raising the overall bar. Despite minor criticisms, the redesigned 2017 Hyundai Elantra effectively addresses most key criteria for success in this segment, making it a worthy contender for shoppers in the market for a well-rounded and affordable compact car.
