Radical styling cloaks some peculiar efficiency within the Elantra—no less than, in variations with out the N on the finish of the badge. It sports activities enough acceleration for the bottom variations and above-average trip and dealing with, for a 5 right here. The Elantra N would rating a 6, and even increased.

Is the Hyundai Elantra 4WD? 

All Elantras have front-wheel drive.

How briskly is the Hyundai Elantra?

Not very fast, in base spec. A 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 powers most low-cost editions and ships its energy by way of a CVT to the entrance wheels. It really works arduous, however the payoff isn’t there: the CVT saps the energy, lagging to reply to requires acceleration even when it’s clicked to Sport mode. Freeway passes require timing and the powertrain generates its share of engine and street noise.

That stated, the Elantra handles fairly effectively, with crisp steering turn-in offsetting some highway-speed wandering. The entrance strut and rear torsion beam suspension isn’t the stuff of spec-sheet goals, however it’s tuned right here for all-around compliance and works effectively with 16- and 17-inch wheels that include mid-range Elantras. 

Elantra Hybrid efficiency

We’d take the Elantra Hybrid, in any case. It adopts a 1.6-liter inline-4, and pairs it with a 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery pack and an electrical motor, then ships the ensuing 139 hp to the entrance wheels by way of a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. It’s extra frugal, and it’s extra nice to drive round city, since its battery boosts low-end energy and smooths out stoplight launches—that, and it has precise transmission gears which have a extra participating really feel. Gasoline financial system is stellar, at as much as 54 mpg mixed.

With a extra refined rear multi-link suspension, Elantra Hybrids even have a extra secure and exact really feel. They’re higher planted and nook with extra confidence, although often the gas-electric powertrain stutters because the engine is clutched in and clutched out as energy wants require it.

Elantra N efficiency

The Elantra N Line takes the Hybrid’s smaller-displacement engine and turbocharges it for a web 201 hp, teamed to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With 0-60 mph occasions of about seven seconds, the N Line hits a vibrant be aware. It’s fast, and has the fitting transmission to reply swiftly to the driving force’s inputs, with a blattier exhaust be aware backing it up.

It handles effectively, too, outcornering and outgripping all however one of many Elantra household because of stiffer springs, an impartial rear suspension, and a rear anti-sway bar, to not point out larger entrance brake rotors. The trip tightens dramatically with out getting upset at minor pavement blisters, and the steering’s hefty and taut, however not unmanageably so. At proper round 3,000 lb, the Elantra N Line strikes a terrific steadiness between responsive tuning and on a regular basis consolation.

However for the final word model of this compact, go for the Elantra N. Its 2.0-liter turbo-4 churns out 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, lighting up the entrance wheels by way of both an 8-speed dual-clutch automated or a 6-speed handbook. Computerized fashions have an “NGS” button that enhances energy in brief bursts to 286 hp and weapons the transmission for even sooner shifting; after 20 seconds the spell is damaged, and the automotive wants 40 seconds earlier than it might probably execute the “N Grin Shift” maneuver as soon as extra. Hyundai claims a plausible 5.0-second 0-60 mph time for the dual-clutch model, and regardless of some low-end turbo lag, the Elantra N streams foolish energy with a really well-mapped shift schedule—the handbook’s an afterthought. With a three-mode adjustable set of dampers, an digital limited-slip differential, and Michelin Professional Pilot Sport 4S summer time tires, the Elantra N makes essentially the most of stiffer tuning, faster steering, and sport bucket seats to breathe new life into the compact-car nameplate.

Overview continues under