I recently had the chance to rock around in a 2024 Hyundai Elantra for a few days. At the end of my time with it, all I could really think was how sad it is that there are very few small sedans available for sale here in the US anymore. At least brand new ones.
I frown in the general direction of my fellow Americans who wouldn’t dare to be seen in anything less than a 6000 lb SUV.
Compact cars (especially the Elantra) rule.
My full review of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra came in four trim levels: SE (base model), SEL (mid tier), Limited (luxury focused), and N (track-focused sport package).
The car you’ll see in the following pictures is what I believe to be the SEL trim level. Nowhere does it say anything than “ELANTRA”, so I’m just going on a hunch. It sure as sh*t wasn’t the N model.
First impressions
When you’ve arrived at the rental car lot 3 hours late (because of delayed flights), and it’s raining, and you’ve still got more than an hour’s worth of driving to your destination, it’s kinda hard to be upset with the car that you’ve been given. You’ll take pretty much anything at that point.
I was plenty satisfied with the Elantra given the circumstances.
Styling and design
Just like the 2025 Kia K4 that I recently drove, the styling and design of the 2024 Elantra takes some getting used to. It’s probably gonna seem a little bit weird (and jarring at first). Just wait though. It’ll start to grow on you, and you’re eventually going to like it. I promise.
Those of you looking for a good looking midsize car without all of the cuts ‘n scoops should probably check out the 2026 Nissan Altima. It’s very similar to the Elantra, but a lot more mature looking.
The interior
Seems like it wasn’t all that long ago when Hyundai was the butt of everyone’s jokes – at least when it came to automotive interiors. I’m happy to report that the interior of the 2024 Elantra is nothing short of phenomenal. It looks good, it feels good, and it’s spacious enough for daily driver duty. Even the abusive kind.
Engine and transmission
This SEL model featured a dual overhead cam 16 valve 2.0 L in-line four-cylinder featuring 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It proudly says “Smart Stream” on the top, which is an odd name for an engine IMHO. If it were up to me, I’d probably go with something along the lines of “Lowered Expectations.” It ain’t all that fast, and it kinda sounds like a lawnmower.
Probably the most interesting thing about the powertrain is the fact that the SEL (along with the SE and the Limited) features a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). If you recall from my recent review of the 2023 Nissan Rogue, I’m not a fan of CVT’s in general.
Honestly, I didn’t even know the Elantra has a CVT until I sat down to write this review. In normal driving conditions, I couldn’t even tell.
Driving impressions
I actually quite liked the way that this thing drove. It tracked dead straight on the freeway at high speeds. The suspension was stiff enough to be fun in tight corners, yet soft enough to be comfortable on long drives.
The driving position felt sporty. Steering feel was a little vague, but it’s to be expected of any car in this class.
Braking power is decent enough, and outward visibility is excellent in all directions. It basically the perfect daily driver IMO.
Gas mileage
Somehow I managed to eke out over 44 mpg in this thing – which is shocking considering how aggressive I can be when pulling away from stoplights sometimes. Not only that, it was a mix of both city and highway driving. Driving in traffic doesn’t usually bode well for those coveted mpg’s, but somehow I (I mean it) managed to pull it off.
Pros and cons
There’s a lot to like about the 2024 Elantra. Yeah, there’s some stuff not to like as well, but the good outweighs the bad IMHO. Pro tip: be sure to read my list of Kia K5 pros and cons to be absolutely sure if the Elantra is the car for you. The K5 is awfully competitive.
Pros
- I absolutely love the driving position. It’s sporty!
- Gas mileage from the 2.0 L four-cylinder is very good.
- I hate CVT transmissions, but I didn’t even know that this thing had one until I got home and did the research for this review. It’s tuned very well.
Cons
- It’s maybe not the best looking car on the road, OK?
- Getting Apple CarPlay connected was a bugger.
- The digital dashboard looks a little cheap IMHO.
The design of this car is top notch and elegant. You feel like you are driving luxury. Soon I will find out what car this man favors. Also, I drove a.rental of this kind an die was a very nice ride. Loved it inside and out
It’s a surprisingly nice car, isn’t it? This may be one of the most deceiving cars I’ve driven in recent memory. It doesn’t look like all that much from the outside, but boy is it ever good.
Good review! Renting one now as my Tesla is in getting a bumper repair. I’m actually impressed with the car. I don’t know what trim level it is but it has a very nice leather wrapped steering wheel. One of the best steering wheels I’ve ever experienced.
I also like the Corvette style grab bar! The interior is pretty good overall. The gauges could look better as it’s not difficult but I suppose they can’t look nicer than a more expensive model. Even though the zero to sixty isn’t quick it doesn’t feel like a dog.