Fun, stylish and practical, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is entrenched as one of the auto market's best value buys. Hyundai's compact sedan is just a year removed from a full redesign, so this year's model doesn't offer much in the way of new features. Still, that's a good thing. The Elantra won't win any drag races, but drivers enjoy its comfy interior and its steady performance and handling. Other compact sedans might have more technology or power, but it's hard to beat the sheer value of the Elantra's entry-level price. Read on to learn more about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra and its best options.
Not much has changed since the Hyundai Elantra was fully redesigned a year ago. One notable change is the new SEL trim, which is a combination of the previous SE trim when upgraded with the Popular Equipment package.
The new Hyundai Elantra is available in six trims: The SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited, Eco and Sport. Each trim brings different features to the table.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra SE is a no-frills model that's great for drivers with the simplest needs. Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, air conditioning and split-folding rear seats. This trim can be upgraded with an automatic transmission, Bluetooth, steering wheel controls and cruise control.
The SEL is the new trim level, and it adds many extra features. Highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights and more.
The Value Edition should be called the Fun Edition -- it adds a sunroof and heated seats. This trim also gets LED running lights, an auto-dimming mirror, a hands-free trunk release and more.
The Eco trim is a more fuel-efficient version of the new Elantra. Sporting a smaller, turbocharged engine, this trim is rated at 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Otherwise, this trim gets most of the equipment found in the Value Edition but without the sunroof.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited builds from the Value Edition with 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, USB ports, LED taillights, the Hyundai Blue Link system and more. It can be upgraded with the Limited Ultimate package which ads a larger touchscreen interface, heated rear seats, active driver aids, premium audio, navigation and more.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport is similar to the Limited but with a turbocharged engine, better brakes, better tires and a sport-tuned suspension. It can be upgraded with the Sport Premium package, with adds premium sound, dual-zone climate control and more.
The new Elantra's base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit that pumps out 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Eco trim gets a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 128 horsepower with 156 pound-feet of torque, and the Sport gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.