Beneath its radical pores and skin, the Elantra presents three distinct energy selections, with a fourth on the way in which. The Hybrid’s our hypermiler favourite, and the Elantra N excites. Base vehicles do nice commuter element—and the Elantra N guarantees ripe efficiency for a sliver of sedan patrons. We give the Elantra a 5 right here for the Hybrid and base variations, however N variations may charge a 6 or extra.

Is the Hyundai Elantra 4WD? 

It’s front-drive throughout. 

How briskly is the Hyundai Elantra?

Base vehicles and hybrid Elantras aren’t fast. In base spec, the Elantra’s 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 does its finest to sip gas whereas it sends energy to the entrance wheels. It’s diligent, however there’s not a lot gusto right here. The CVT that doles out energy tries to muster gear modifications like these on a typical computerized, but it surely lags even when it’s dialed into Sport mode, and responds slowly even when the fuel pedal’s floored. Passing on the freeway takes some calculation.

On the upside, the Elantra could be entertaining to drive. This Elantra has notably higher dealing with than prior variations, with crisp steering really feel undercut by some wandering on the freeway. It isn’t fabricated from unique stuff, with its entrance strut and rear torsion-beam suspension, but it surely’s damped effectively for that type of low-key driving, and its brake pedal tuning provides to the dutiful air. 

Elantra Hybrid efficiency

We want the Elantra Hybrid’s higher off-the-line efficiency. It pairs an electrical motor and a 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery pack to a 1.6-liter inline-4 and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, for a internet of 139 hp. It’s the higher of the extra frugal Elantras: the electrical battery enhance responds higher at stoplight launches, and its transmission clips by way of actual gears with extra pure really feel than the CVT. They mix for stellar EPA scores of as much as 54 mpg mixed, too.

Hybrids additionally don a extra complicated rear multi-link suspension that drives with a stronger sense of stability. It’s planted, and that reveals up in the way in which it corners. The powertrain can stutter because the fuel engine clutches out and in, however that’s a minor trade-off for the hovering gas economic system scores.

Elantra N efficiency

Minus the Hybrid’s gas-sipping add-ons, plus a turbocharger, the 201-hp Elantra N Line expenses up drivers otherwise. Fast sufficient to scoot to 60 mph in about seven seconds, it additionally presents a 6-speed guide as normal gear, with a $1,000 7-speed dual-clutch choice. It’s vibrant and fast, with a light-touch clutch and an extended throw that appears much more satisfying than it’s uncommon.

The Elantra N Line handles effectively, too. On 235/40 R18 Goodyear Eagle F1 tires in manual-transmission spec, the Elantra N Line outcorners and outgrips all different variations of the automotive, and it isn’t simply the tires speaking. It has an impartial rear suspension, stiffer springs, and a rear stabilizer bar paired with larger entrance brake rotors. It’s taut with out upsetting the journey an excessive amount of—and at about 3,000 lb, it strikes the appropriate stability between on a regular basis consolation and responsive tuning, whereas additionally leaving a lot of upward potential for the upcoming Elantra N.

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