2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition

Highlight: The Elantra Value Edition includes a standard hands free radar-activated trunk!

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $21,360 (Base model $17,985)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; airbags; driver’s blind spot mirror (outside mirror); Daytime Running Lights; electronic stability control; traction control; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base SE Model): 15-inch wheels; a manual transmission; cloth seats; manually operated front bucket seats; a manually operated ventilation system; a remote keyless entry system; rear seat cup holders; and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (Value Edition): 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; 10-inch rear brakes; three driving modes; automatic headlights; door handle welcome lights; silver surround grille; power driver’s seat; heated outside mirrors; blind spot detection mirrors; power sunroof; front passenger seat back pockets; heated front seats; illuminated vanity mirrors; leather shift knob; a chrome parking brake handle; cruise control; a 7-inch infotainment screen; HD radio; satellite radio; a keyless ignition starter system; and a hands free smart trunk

Options On Test Vehicle: carpeted floor mats; cargo net; and cargo tray

Other Trim Level:

SE
Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM with a satellite radio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Higher Trims Only

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/147-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
26-city/36-hwy

What’s New: The sixth generation Hyundai Elantra is all-new, inside and out. The vehicle not only wears a new design, but it’s also outfitted with the latest high-tech safety features. And for the 2017 model year, Hyundai adds a new price-sensitive Value Edition model to the portfolio.

Why: The grown up Hyundai first hit the market in 1990. Since that time, it has transformed itself into a high contented, value package, with a warranty that outmatches any of its competitors. The restyled 2017 model, especially when outfitted with all of the bell and whistles mimics that of a luxury vehicle. The newly restyled Elantra is available in a variety of trims: a SE, Value Edition and a Limited model.

With its more mature look, the vehicle rides and drives more like a near luxury vehicle than an entry level compact. Inside the spacious cabin, Hyundai designers paid close attention to detail by creating supportive and comfortable front seats along with roomy rear seats, too. It’s no wonder that the interior cabin is large enough to be classified in the same league as such midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Yes, no gripes for lack of interior room should ever appear as one of the slights of this compact.

In fact, our Elantra Value Edition is a best bet in terms of the content. Buyers can expect everything from a push button ignition starter system to a handsfree trunk to satellite radio to a power sunroof to a power driver’s seat with lumbar seat.

Just like in Hyundai’s midsize premium and family sedan, the Genesis 80 and the Sonata, in which it mimics in terms of the instrument panel layout, the features and controls are straight-forward and easy-to-use. Furthermore, like in its larger siblings, Hyundai has used a combination of both knobs and a touchscreen system to navigate everything.

But: The 2017 Hyundai Elantra styling mimics that of its big brother, the Sonata. Unlike the previous generation Elantra, this vehicle has more of a mature design, losing its eye-popping curves. And while the base SE model comes in approximately $100 lower price than the model it replaces, this is somewhat justified because of the lack of standard content. Hmm. Go figure.

Also, after reviewing a Honda Civic and a VW Jetta with in recent weeks, the Elantra definitely needs more power to make the vehicle more engaging and spirited to drive.

Lastly, the vehicle is only available in one bodystyle. Unlike the Honda and Kia, don’t expect a coupe or a hatchback.

Verdict: While the Elantra may have lost its styling edge, it has stepped up its game, as far in the size department. With the high level of content and its improved ride and driving capabilities, the Elantra is a segment standout. 

The Value Edition is one of the best bets in the segment in terms of content. As consumers taste shift toward crossovers and SUVs, those yearning for a sedan should be able to get a sweet deal.

Competition: 2016 Chevy Cruze; 2016 Ford Focus; 2016 Dodge Dart; 2016 Honda Civic; 2016 Nissan Sentra; 2016 Kia Forte; 2016 Mazda3; 2016 Subaru Impreza; 2016 Toyota Corolla; and 2016 Volkswagen Jetta