The 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan sits midpack in compact automobile rankings. The 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan has a high-quality interior and a great predicted reliability score, but it lags behind several class competitions concerning performance and safety features.
Last year’s complete redesign gave the Hyundai Elantra sedan a modern look, a more elegant interior, and a better ride quality. The changes have created an Elantra that is downright pleasant to live with, and all but the base model spec include extensive technology updates. Have a look at the aptly named Value Edition spec level, as an example. For a fair price, it includes all kinds of desirable features, like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a sunroof, heated seats, and keyless entry and ignition.
If the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan has a drawback, it has to be the lack of performance. The base 2.0-liter engine that many Elantras come with is not as strong as those in some other leading compact sedans. Hyundai does provide two optional turbocharged engines, which could have additional allure, but the dual-clutch automatic transmission that they include does not have the smoothest-shifting characteristics.
If you are in the market for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan, there are a few other top compact sedans to have a look at, like the Honda Civic sedan. In general, however, the Elantra sedan has a lot to give, and it’s very worth checking out if you’re searching for a comfortable sedan which has plenty of features for an agreeable price.
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2018 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Configurations
There are six configurations for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan, with three engines and three transmissions shared among them. The base model SE has a fairly limited equipment list, but moving up to the SEL, the Value Edition and finally the Limited nets quite a few improvements. The Eco provides a more fuel-efficient engine with midlevel gear, and the Sport includes a solid turbocharged engine.
The entry-level model engine, and the only choice for the SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited trims, is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque). The SE spec comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission but can be upgraded to a six-speed automatic. All other configurations use an automatic transmission.
SE
The SE model is somewhat minimally equipped, with 15-inch steel wheels and tires, front disk and rear drum brakes, electric mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat, air conditioning, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and a six-speaker sound system using a 3.5-inch screen and a USB port. Adding the optional automatic transmission also adds cruise control, steering-wheel sound controls, and Bluetooth telephone connectivity.
SEL
Stepping up to this SEL model adds 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, rear disc brakes, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, blind-spot tracking with rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera, keyless entry with push-button beginning, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rear seat cupholders. Rounding out the SEL’s updates are the keyless entry with push-button start system, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, Bluetooth audio streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, satellite radio and — a special treasure for people who reside in sunny climates — sun visor extensions.
Value Edition
From that point, the Value Edition throws in a sunroof, LED daytime running lights, door-handle approach lights, and hands-free trunk release. Inside the cabin, the Value Edition configuration gets heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Eco
As its name implies, the Eco has a more fuel-efficient motor: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder (128 hp, 156 lb-ft of torque) paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It is equipped similarly to the Value Edition, but it does not get the sunroof or the auto-dimming rearview mirror and rolls 15-inch alloy wheels and tires.
Limited
In contrast to the Value Edition, the Elantra Limited moves up to 17-inch metal wheels and tires, LED taillights and one of a kind appearance tweaks. It receives an electric driver seat and leather upholstery, but it retains the sunroof. Additionally, it includes three USB ports and Hyundai’s Blue Link system. Blue Link connects your automobile to an app which enables you to control some basic functions like locking and unlocking, get diagnostic data, and search for destinations with Google.
Just a lone option package is available for the Limited model, the Limited Ultimate package. This package ups the infotainment display to 8 inches and provides navigation plus a premium eight-speaker stereo system. You also get the sunroof, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, a larger gauge cluster data display, the sunroof, and a complete set of driver aids: adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and intervention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
Sport
The 2018 Elantra Sport, if you receive it with an automatic or manual, is outfitted similarly to the Limited. (It loses the dual-zone automatic climate control but it includes the sunroof.) There also also a number of sport-oriented adjustments, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, with the six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic), a more sophisticated rear suspension with firmer tuning, 18-inch metal wheels and tires with grippier tires, stronger brakes, an appearance package and xenon headlights. In the interior, the sporty theme has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, special gauge cluster and leather-upholstered, heated front sport seats.
The only package is available for the Sport spec: the Sport Premium package. It features the 8-inch touchscreen navigation, 8-speaker premium audio system, Blue Link telematics, dual-zone climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Interior
Hyundai’s cabin controllers are almost always easy to figure out and use. There is nothing slick or fancy about them, but I can not fault the functionality. Taller folks may feel the door openings to tiny and limited headroom in the front.
The two Elantra body styles (sedan and hatchback) seat five. Front seats are a terrific place to spend some time; they are comfy and supportive. The rear seats could use more legroom, but they have sufficient space for adults to be comfortable.
For the most part, you won’t have trouble seeing from the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan. The rear view is unobstructed and the rear side windows have been pulled back, helping narrow out the rear roof pillars. The side mirrors and front columns do not obscure too much when the driver’s making left turns. A backup camera and rear cross-traffic alert are bonuses that are usable.
The Elantra has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors. The tether anchors are easy to discover and will not be confused for additional hardware. The lower anchors are also rather easy to use, although they’re set deep in the chair.
At 14.4 cubic feet, the trunk is not the largest, but it is above average. It’s a nice wide opening, but it narrows a bit toward the rear seatbacks. The split-fold seat releases are from the trunk and easy to access, though you must push the chairs down in the rear doors.
Final Thoughts
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan is a fantastic car that’s also offered in hatchback body styles. While its performance will not blow you away, it is no slowpoke, and the Elantra has an excellent interior with a great deal of available technology. However, there are lots of fine options in the compact car course, so it can be worthwhile to shop around.