Source: Hyundai.com
When people find out that I review cars they immediately ask about luxury and sports cars. When I tell them my latest is more every day like the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited they sometimes act let down. That’s a mistake. It’s the every day car that makes our commute worthwhile. It is cars like the Elantra that get us where we need to go and don’t let us down with temperamental behavior, but instead consistently keep performing day in and day out. We don’t give these cars a second thought but that’s partly what is so right about them.
Redesigned for 2017 the Hyundai Elantra Limited arrived at my door with all the features this car can possess. With more power than a Corolla (147 horsepower) and the hands-free Smart Trunk feature, like the luxury sedan the Hyundai Genesis, the Elantra looks pretty basic but it will wow you with its new tech features, updated engine and interior.
Love the new grill and standard LED daytime running lights on the Elantra.
Source: Victoria Mason
On the Outside
We own a Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which my husband drives on his daily commute. The new look on the Elantra is not that different from the Sonata. Less sporty and more conservative in its styling the updated Elantra looks elevated now. It is a move that I believe was warranted and instills more confidence in the consumer.
Step Inside
The Elantra is a compact sedan with a back seat that is roomier than some of its class competitors. The Limited model I tested offers leather interior, an 8″ touchscreen display at a comfortable angle with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and voice commands. The Push Button start, dual charging ports, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, rearview camera, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert all come standard in the Limited. Heated rear seats, an Infinity premium audio system and a sunroof only add to the driving experience.
Source: Hyundai.com
While I wasn’t initially super excited to be driving a compact sedan with three kids for a week, I quickly changed my mind. The more I drove the Elantra; the more I loved it. It’s quick, moves nimbly through all sorts of driving situations and has a quiet road noise factor that was surprising. It proves again that Hyundai knows how to build cars that offer value and a certain happiness quotient that is almost stealth-like. As my husband put it, “You may not think about the car when you are out of it. You don’t yearn to drive it like a sports car or performance vehicle, but you always feel satisfied and pleased with your choice every time you drive it.” He nailed it right there. He still loves his 2013 Sonata Hybrid and that feeling translated into how I felt every time I got into the Elantra.
Final Notes
I was honestly dismayed when I had to give back the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. It’s simple interior held more than originally meets the eye. The driving experience was pleasant and with an mpg of 37 on the highway, 28 in the city (32 mpg combined) and a starting price of just over $17k (MSRP on the tested Elantra Limited is $27,710.) any of the Elantra’s three trim levels would be a good car for your daily drive.
*Disclosure: TMC was not paid for this post. Vehicle received for review purposes only courtesy of DriveShop.com. Opinions are 100% my own.
We are so in the market for a new car…no joke…ours is rusting before our eyes.
I can totally help you narrow down your choices or suggest some vehicles that might have what you want/need. Really, just email me. I’ve helped a lot of people find a car.