Yahoo Autos Such a Tease: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Overall Rating:
The difference between good and great is wafer thin in the highly competitive compact-car class. While the Elantra GT has the style to garner attention, this handsome hatchback lacks the substance to challenge top contenders. The Hyundai has a well-built cabin and a full-featured infotainment system, but popular options are either missing or part of expensive packages. Its relaxed ride, balanced handling, and good highway fuel economy are offset by unremarkable acceleration and minimal active safety features. What’s more, its hotter body double, the Elantra GT Sport, is more fun for similar money.
What’s New for 2018?
The all-new Elantra GT is based on the Hyundai’s Europe-spec i30 hatchback. The distinction is noteworthy because that car uses a different platform than the U.S. market Elantra sedan. The hatch has a shorter wheelbase, a more powerful 2.0-liter inline-four, and divergent interior and exterior designs. The spicier version of this new car, the Elantra GT Sport, is reviewed separately and gets a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, a better-handling independent rear suspension, larger 18-inch wheels, and bigger brakes.
Trims and Options We’d Choose
The Elantra GT’s $20,235 starting price undercuts most competitors in this set. While we’re smitten with its pragmatic nature and lovely appearance, it lacks the lively handling and ancillary features that define our favorite alternatives (of which there are many). It also requires the $1000 six-speed automatic transmission to unlock the two available option packages. Buyers can then add the $1800 Style package, which includes:
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Heated front seats with power driver’s seat
• Passive entry with push-button start
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
That brings the total for our preferred setup to $23,035, which is close to the similarly equipped Honda Civic Sport hatchback ($22,540) and Volkswagen Golf SE ($24,505)-both 10Best Cars winners. Also, all the options on our Elantra GT are standard on the GT Sport, which is just $1100 more-$24,135-with a six-speed manual transmission.
Base Price Comparison
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