The 2017 Hyundai Elantra marked a significant step forward for the popular compact sedan, bringing a wealth of segment-first features, enhanced safety technologies, and improved efficiency to the market. Arriving in dealerships in January 2016, this all-new Elantra boasted a bold and aerodynamic design, a modern and spacious interior, and a suite of user-friendly technologies, all while maintaining Hyundai’s reputation for exceptional value. Starting at a competitive price of $17,150, even less than the outgoing model, the Hyundai Elantra 2017 aimed to solidify its position as a leader in the competitive compact car segment. Let’s delve into the details of what makes the 2017 Elantra a compelling choice for car buyers.
Confident and Aerodynamic Exterior Design
The exterior of the Hyundai Elantra 2017 exudes confidence and sophistication with its sculpted body forms and smoothly flowing lines. Hyundai’s design philosophy of “dynamic precision” served as the inspiration, resulting in a harmonious blend of striking aesthetics and functional aerodynamics. The collaboration between designers and engineers ensured that the Elantra’s form not only turned heads but also contributed to enhanced performance and fuel efficiency.
The front fascia of the 2017 Elantra is immediately recognizable thanks to Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille. This bold grille, combined with modern lighting elements, gives the Elantra a distinctive and premium appearance. Available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights and unique vertical LED daytime running lights further enhance the front’s visual appeal and are segment-first features for the Elantra. The sporty lower front fascia incorporates functional air curtains, a design element borrowed from the Sonata Hybrid. These air curtains strategically manage airflow around the front wheels, minimizing turbulence and reducing drag. Further contributing to the Hyundai Elantra 2017’s aerodynamic efficiency are underbody covers, an aerodynamic rear bumper spoiler, and a rear decklid designed to optimize airflow. These elements work in concert to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.27.
The side profile of the Hyundai Elantra 2017 is characterized by a sleek character line that accentuates the sweeping side window silhouette. Available premium features elevate the Elantra’s sophistication, including stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, all-new LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal indicators, and LED taillights with high-tech graphics. The 2017 Elantra was offered in a range of eight exterior colors, with five of them being new to the model, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle. Dimensionally, the Hyundai Elantra 2017 grew slightly, with an increase in overall length and width, resulting in a more athletic stance and a stable presence on the road.
Modern and Intuitive Interior Space
Stepping inside the Hyundai Elantra 2017 reveals a modern, driver-centric interior meticulously designed for intuitive control, enhanced spaciousness, and premium comfort. High-quality materials and thoughtfully integrated technology create an inviting and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers.
The instrument panel of the 2017 Elantra features a wide design, contributing to a sense of spaciousness. An available 4.2-inch color TFT LCD instrument display improves driver visibility and provides easy access to important vehicle information. The center stack is horizontally oriented, with buttons and controls logically grouped by function and subtly angled towards the driver for optimal ergonomics. Premium convenience features further enhance the driving experience, including a segment-first integrated memory system for the power driver’s seat and side mirrors, dual automatic temperature control with an auto-defogging system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The ergonomically designed front seats of the Hyundai Elantra 2017 utilize high-tension lightweight frames for improved collision performance and multi-firmness seat pads to minimize driver fatigue on long journeys.
All seats in the Hyundai Elantra 2017, whether upholstered in cloth or available leather, are constructed with SoyFoam™. This eco-friendly seating foam replaces petroleum-based polyol with soybean oil, optimizing both comfort and environmental consciousness. Heated front and rear seats are available for added comfort in colder climates, along with a versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seat for flexible cargo and passenger configurations. The Hyundai Elantra 2017 also boasts class-above interior volume, classified as a Midsize car by the EPA, surpassing competitors in the compact segment in overall passenger and cargo space.
Hyundai engineers prioritized minimizing cabin noise and road noise in the Hyundai Elantra 2017. To reduce engine sound intrusion, a hood insulator is standard on most models. The size of the aperture in the front dash panel was reduced, the thickness of the front door window glass was increased, and sound-absorbing materials were strategically placed throughout the pillars, inner fenders, and floorpan. Plastic and rubber bushings were applied to the front sub-frame, and the size of the lower control arm bushings was increased to further refine NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) characteristics, resulting in a quieter and more comfortable ride.
Refined and Responsive Chassis Dynamics
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 is lighter than its predecessor, yet features a more rigid chassis. The use of advanced high-strength steel was significantly increased to 53 percent, compared to 21 percent in the previous model. This enhanced steel application results in a 29.5 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 25.3 percent increase in bending strength. These improvements translate to better ride and handling, reduced noise and vibration, enhanced durability, and improved overall driving dynamics for the Hyundai Elantra 2017.
Structural adhesives, commonly used in aerospace applications, were applied 40 times more frequently at high-stress points on the chassis and to reinforce welding areas. These adhesives further contribute to improved NVH and vehicle dynamics by adding stiffness to the chassis. Hyundai’s engineering focus on creating a more rigid body structure for the Hyundai Elantra 2017 was aimed at achieving top safety ratings from both the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 achieves improved ride comfort, handling, and stability through a redesigned rear suspension geometry. The angle of the rear shock absorbers was modified, and the position of the coil springs on the coupled torsion beam axle was changed. Larger rear bushing diameters also contribute to long-term durability. The front suspension utilizes an optimized McPherson strut design with coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a front stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system provides responsive steering feel and adapts to changing driving conditions while also improving fuel economy. Increased caster enhances steering feedback and stability at highway speeds for the Hyundai Elantra 2017.
All-New Powertrain Options for Efficiency and Performance
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 introduced two all-new powertrains designed to deliver both enhanced fuel efficiency and satisfying everyday driving performance. The standard engine for the SE and Limited trims is a 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb. ft. of torque. This Atkinson cycle engine, unique in the compact class when combined with multi-port injection, prioritizes efficiency by maximizing the expansion ratio and reducing pumping losses. A high compression ratio of 12.5 further contributes to efficient operation.
This 2.0-liter engine in the Hyundai Elantra 2017 is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Hyundai’s next-generation six-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission improves efficiency by 3.3 percent and features enhancements like a new valve body for quicker shifts and a multi-clutch torque converter for better lock-up control.
For even greater fuel economy, the Hyundai Elantra 2017 Eco trim features an all-new 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 128 horsepower and a robust 156 lb-ft. of torque, available at low engine speeds for responsive acceleration. Mated to an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Elantra Eco is projected to achieve an impressive combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. Features like an integrated cylinder head and exhaust manifold, optimized intake port, and a single-scroll turbocharger with an electric wastegate actuator contribute to the 1.4-liter engine’s efficiency and performance in the Hyundai Elantra 2017.
Both engine options in the Hyundai Elantra 2017 incorporate friction-reducing and cooling technologies to maximize fuel economy and performance. The Drive Mode Select feature, standard on all trims, allows drivers to customize the driving experience by selecting between Eco, Normal, or Sport modes, adjusting powertrain performance and steering effort to suit their preferences.
Occupant Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance
Safety was a paramount concern in the design of the Hyundai Elantra 2017. In addition to the strengthened chassis, structural improvements were made to enhance crash protection. The front side members now feature a hexagonal design, and the dash-to-cowl connection was reinforced. Hot stamping was applied to key structural elements to further enhance strength and rigidity. The B-pillar assemblies utilize partial softening hot stamping to effectively absorb side impact energy, and the rear doors feature dual impact beams. A seven-airbag system, including a new driver’s knee airbag, is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The Hyundai Elantra 2017 aimed for and achieved top safety ratings.
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 also offers a suite of advanced safety technologies often found in luxury vehicles. Available Automatic Emergency Braking with class-exclusive Pedestrian Detection utilizes radar and camera sensor fusion to detect vehicles and pedestrians and can automatically apply emergency braking to help avoid or mitigate collisions. Additional available safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidance, providing comprehensive safety and driver assistance for the Hyundai Elantra 2017 driver.
Intelligent Technology and Connectivity Features
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 distinguishes itself in the compact car class with innovative technology features designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience. A segment-exclusive hands-free Smart Trunk allows for easy trunk opening when approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob, a convenient feature when hands are full.
Available Dynamic Bending Light and Smart Cruise Control further enhance the driving experience in the Hyundai Elantra 2017. Dynamic Bending Light improves nighttime visibility by turning the headlights in sync with the steering wheel, while High Beam Assist automatically dims the high beams when approaching other vehicles. Smart Cruise Control maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed in varying traffic conditions.
For connectivity and multimedia, all Hyundai Elantra 2017 models come standard with iPhone®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM® satellite radio. Available infotainment systems include a 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and Hyundai’s next-generation 8.0-inch navigation system. Both systems feature Apple® CarPlay and Android® Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. A second USB port is available for charging, a first for a Hyundai vehicle. The premium 8.0-inch navigation system offers an enhanced display, pre-loaded apps, voice control, and SiriusXM® features like Pandora® capability and real-time SiriusXM® Travel Link®. An available eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system with Harman’s Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology provides an exceptional audio experience in the Hyundai Elantra 2017.
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 also features the next-generation Hyundai Blue Link system, offering enhanced safety, service, and infotainment telematics. Blue Link provides features like Remote Start w/ Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery, accessible via smartphone app, web, or buttons in the car.
Conclusion: The Value Proposition of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra 2017 successfully combined a striking new design, a spacious and refined interior, advanced safety and technology features, and efficient powertrains into a compelling package within the competitive compact car segment. With its segment-first features, class-leading safety technologies, and improved efficiency, the Hyundai Elantra 2017 offered exceptional value and solidified its position as a top contender for car buyers seeking a well-rounded and feature-rich compact sedan.
