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Abhinandan Banerjee Senior Correspondent Updated on: December 8, 2019
With the rapidly reducing sales of the compact sedans in the market, manufacturers are trying everything to increase the same. Hyundai plans to achieve this, by refreshing its current inventory and presenting something fresh in the market, every year. For 2020, Hyundai has refreshed it’s Elantra and added some additional features to keep it at pace with the rising competition.
Best-in-Class Warranty
Extensive List of Features
Plush Ride Quality
Good Noise Insulation on the Inside
High MPG figures
Measly performance from the base 2.0L Motor
Smaller Rear Seats against Rivals
Jittery Response from Transmission at Low Speeds
Upgraded Transmission
Additional Standard Safety Features and Driver AidsÂ
Dual Zone Climate Control becomes Standard
$18950
4dr Sedan
5
FWD
122 cu.in.
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
132 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 rpm
7 speed auto shift manual
Unibody
Independent front strut suspension w/anti-roll bar
Semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension
61.5/61.9
106.3 in.
181.9 in.
70.9 in.
56.5 in.
2844 lbs.
5.3 in.
95.8 cu ft.
14.4 cu ft.
1080 lbs.
8.2 sec.
31/35/41 mpg
434 mi.
574 mi.
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
10 yr./ 100000 mi.
12 yr. / 100000 mi.
7 yr. / unlimited
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
6.6
OVERALL RATING
$18,950
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | Starting at $18,950 MSRP | (31/35/41) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | continuously variable-speed automatic | TBD | 5 | |
SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 2-CVT) | Starting at $18,950 MSRP | (30/36/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, I-4, regular unleaded | 2-speed CVT w/OD | front wheel drive | TBD |
$19,700
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | Starting at $19,700 MSRP | (30/34/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | continuously variable-speed automatic | TBD | 5 | |
SEL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 2-CVT) | Starting at $19,700 MSRP | (30/36/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, I-4, regular unleaded | 2-speed CVT w/OD | front wheel drive | TBD |
$20,600
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Value Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | Starting at $20,600 MSRP | (30/34/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | continuously variable-speed automatic | TBD | 5 | |
Value Edition 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 2-CVT) | Starting at $20,600 MSRP | (30/36/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, I-4, regular unleaded | 2-speed CVT w/OD | front wheel drive | TBD |
$21,250
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Eco 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) | Starting at $21,250 MSRP | (33/36/41) | 128hp @ 5500 rpm, 1.4 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | 7-speed automated manual | TBD | 5 |
$22,800
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | Starting at $22,800 MSRP | (30/34/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | continuously variable-speed automatic | TBD | 5 | |
Limited 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 2-CVT) | Starting at $22,800 MSRP | (30/36/40) | 147hp @ 6200 rpm, 2 L, I-4, regular unleaded | 2-speed CVT w/OD | front wheel drive | TBD |
$23,800
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sport 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) | Starting at $23,800 MSRP | (26/29/33) | 201hp @ 6000 rpm, 1.6 L, inline 4, regular unleaded | 7-speed automated manual | TBD | 5 |
Overall Rating
The 2020 Elantra comes with just a Single Motor Option- A 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Motor, and has been tuned for efficiency, rather than performance. Hyundai claims a staggering, 31MPG mileage figure for the Elantra and claims it, as the Best-In-Class. In terms of features, you do get added safety and driver aids as standard. The Manual transmission has been ditched in favor of a CVT unit. Warranty figures, as before, stays Best-In-Class as well.
Prices for the 4 trims- SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited, ranges from $17,950 to $21,800. The Elantra has to take on the likes of the All-New 2020 Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Chevrolet Cruze and the Volkswagen Jetta.
7.8/10
Features
6.0/10
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
Interior
7.0/10
Exterior
For 2020, Hyundai is offering the Elantra in just 4 trims- SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited. Engine offerings are just limited to the sole 2.0L Naturally Aspirated Motor that generates 147hp and 132lbs.ft. Of torque. On the plus side though, all the trims offer a whole bunch of features on all the trims and have been priced very aggressively, against its rivals.
Trim |
SE |
SEL |
Value Edition |
Eco |
Limited |
Sport |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (IVT) |
$18,950 |
$19,700 |
$20,600 |
- |
$22,800 |
- |
MSRP (DCT) | - | - | - | $21,250 | - | $23,800 |
Key Features |
Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines |
Adds these features from the SE Trims |
Adds these features from the SEL Trim |
Adds these features from Value Edition trim |
Adds these features from the Eco Trim |
Adds these features from the Limited trim |
15” Wheels with Wheel Covers |
16” Alloy Wheels |
Hands-Free Smart Trunk Release |
15" Alloy Wheels |
17” Alloy Wheels |
18" Alloy Wheels | |
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist |
Blind Spot Collision Warning |
Heated Front Seats |
Dual Charging USB ports | Leather Seating Surfaces | Sport Front Seats with Red Contrast Stitching | |
Lane Keep assist |
Automatic Headlights |
Power Sunroof |
LED Daytime Running Lamps | Full LED headlights with Auto High Beam Assist | Black headliner | |
Driver Attention Warning |
7” Touchscreen Infotainment System |
Blue Link Connected Car System |
Infiniti Premium Audio with Clari-Fi |
Sport Instrument Gauge Cluster | ||
Bluetooth Hands-free telephony |
Apple Car Play and Android Auto |
One-Touch Auto Up/Down Driver Power Windows |
Wireless Device Charging |
Sport Front Grille and Bumper Fascia | ||
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel and Gear Shift Knob |
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Homelink |
Sport Side Sill extensions with Rear Diffuser |
Package Name |
Ultimate Package for Limited Trim |
Premium Package for Sport Trim |
---|---|---|
MSRP |
$3,350 |
$2,050 |
Features |
8” Touchscreen navigation system |
8 Speaker Infinity Audio system with Clari-Fi |
Safe Exit Assist |
Auto-Dimming IRVM with Homelink, Compass | |
4.2” Color TFT Instrument Display |
Blue Link connected package for 3 years | |
Smart Cruise Control |
||
Memory Setting for Driver’s Seat |
||
Memory Setting for Exterior Rearview Mirror |
Trim to choose?
The Top of the line ‘Limited’ trim offers plenty of high tech equipment like Leather Seating, Premium Audio, Sunroof and a lot more. What is surprising is the fact that this trim costs somewhat similar to the base trims of the Hyundai’s rivals and which is why it’s the trim to go for.
One of the Biggest Changes for the 2020 Elantra line up, comes in the form of the availability of just 1 Motor for the entire range. Hyundai is now offering the 2020 Elantra with just a 2.0L Naturally aspirated motor that squeezes out 147 horses and 132 lbs.-ft. Of torque. While the Performance seems weak for a Sedan of this segment, Hyundai says that they have done it specifically to aid the MPG figures of the Sedan.
Speaking of Transmission, you do have an upgraded CVT unit in the 2020 Elantra and is the option on offer. The Intelligent Variable Transmission, as Hyundai likes to call it, offers minimal “rubberband” effect at Motorway speeds. At City Speeds or while moving through School Zones, you will feel the Jutter from the CVT and a little more prominence of the Rubber Band effect.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sport* |
Chevrolet Cruze LS* |
Volkswagen Jetta* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$18,950 |
$19,500 |
$20,250 |
$20,240 |
$20,400 |
$20,240 |
Engine |
2.0L Inline 4 Naturally Aspirated |
1.8L Inline 4 Naturally Aspirated |
2.0 L inline-four |
2.0 L inline-four |
1.4L Turbo Inline 4 |
1.4L Turbo Inline 4 |
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
CVT |
6-speed Auto |
6 Speed Automatic |
8 Speed Automatic |
Horsepower |
147hp @ 6200rpm |
169hp @6600rpm |
158hp @ 6500 rpm |
155hp @ 6000 rpm |
153hp@5600rpm |
147hp@5000rpm |
Torque |
132 lbs.-ft. @ 4500rpm |
151 lbs.-ft. @ 4800rpm |
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm |
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm |
177lbs-ft@2000-4000 |
184lbs-ft@1400rpm |
*2019 Figures used for representational purposes only
While drawing a comparison with its rivals, the Hyundai seems to fall short of most of them by some margin. The VW Jetta matches the Hyundai’s power figures but is way ahead in terms of torque, courtesy of its turbocharged unit. The New Gen Toyota Corolla manages to upset all its adversaries in terms of power figures but loses out on overall torque against the VW. The rest 3 are similar to each other in terms of power and torque and not much separates them.
The 2.0L naturally aspirated motor of the Hyundai lags behind its rivals in terms of power and torque. What further weakens its cause is the CVT transmission that couples the rubber band effect and in return, makes it one of the slowest accelerating cars in the segment. Hyundai, however, says that all these compromises in performance aids the MPG figures of the Elantra and is an acceptable compromise.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sport* |
Chevrolet Cruze LS* |
Volkswagen Jetta* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH(sec) |
9.0 |
7.8 |
8.2 |
8.0 |
7.7 |
7.7 |
Quarter mile(sec) |
16.8 |
16.3 |
16.3 |
16.2 |
16.3 |
14.05 |
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
5.2 |
N/A |
8.4 |
11.2 |
5.6 |
5.2 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
2844 |
2840 |
2742 |
2899 |
2870 |
2959 |
While the Cruze and the Jetta, turn out to be the fastest accelerating cars in this comparison, the New Gen Corolla manages to match them closely. The Mazda comes next in line after the trio and the Civic follows it next.
Considering Hyundai’s of the past have had this reputation of being too soft and not much sporty, Hyundai engineers have managed to somewhat mitigate and address the same issue. The New 2020 Elantra offers the same comfort as before but blends in sportiness with its stiffened suspension. The Torsion Beam Rear Suspension adds the Stiffness in the suspension, that many owners were looking for and strikes a nice balance between ride comfort and stability.
The Steering has been worked on as well and it now offers way more feedback on the highways than any previous Elantra ever did. The Steering is light at low speeds but still doesn’t match the feel of the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3. We, however, feel that most consumers will be satisfied with the Plush Ride of the Elantra in the cities as that is where its strength lies.
Hyundai has been constantly emphasizing the efforts it has put in improving the braking of the Elantra. We have to say that the efforts have paid off. The reduction in weight and upgrades in the brakes makes the Sedan go form 70-0 in an astounding 168ft. In the real world, the brakes feel confident under normal application and don’t fizz out of juice under any circumstance. The Vehicle maintains its composure at all instances and there is very little swaying away of the vehicle under the same conditions.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sedan* |
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan* |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Front (in.) |
11 |
10.8 |
10.2 |
10.7 |
11.5 |
10.8 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
10.3 |
10.2 |
9.8 |
9.5 |
10.8 |
10.4 |
70-0 MPH (ft.) |
168 |
174 |
180 |
179 |
191 |
161 |
When comparing the Hyundai to its rivals, you will find that the Hyundai, manages to beat most of them quite handsomely. The new-generation Toyota Corolla, comes the closest, in terms of braking performance to the Elantra. The Civic and the Mazda have similar braking performances and both fare lower than the Corolla. The Jetta, surprisingly enough, fares the worst here, despite its better dynamics.
As we have seen earlier, the 2020 Elantra has somewhat compromised power for Fuel Economy figures and the weight reduction in the current generation, has helped its cause. With Hyundai, offering a somewhat milder engine tune in the 2020 Elantra, the MPG figures seem to have benefited from that. The Elantra delivers an astounding 35MPG overall and shines on the highway, by delivering an even impressive 41MPG. That gives a minimum driving range of 434 miles to the Elantra, which is a pretty impressive number nonetheless.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sedan* |
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan* |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (city) |
31 |
30 |
32 |
27 |
30 |
28 |
MPG (highway) |
41 |
38 |
42 |
36 |
39 |
38 |
MPG (combined) |
35 |
33 |
36 |
30 |
34 |
32 |
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.) |
14 |
13.2 |
12.39 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
13.7 |
With the Hyundai, improving on its mileage figures, it now comes close to the Segment King- The Honda Civic. The New Corolla also improves on its previous MPG figures but falls short of the Hyundai’s mark. The Turbocharged VW is next in line to the Corolla while the Mazda showcases the least figures.
The Interior Layout of the new Elantra remains mostly unchanged over the previous year model. The Interiors do feel big from the inside but it still doesn’t match the space offered in the Honda Civic. The Seats offer good support and sufficient bolstering to not tire you out on long drives. The Seats are heated and the Center Arm Rest adds to the convenience of the Cabin.
One of the best aspects of the Interiors of the Elantra has to be its driver-centric dash layout. The Controls for the Audio, Climate and the others are actual buttons unlike the touch screen systems used in the competition. This makes it easily accessible for the Driver while on the go without offering much distraction from the road.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sedan* |
VW Jetta Sedan* |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.3/56.2/42.2 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
39.3/57.0/37.1 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
38.5/55.9/41.1 |
38.9/54.8/42 |
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
37.3/55.3/35.7 |
37.1/54.8/41.4 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.6/54.4/35.8 |
37.2/54/37.4 |
37.3/53.7/36.1 |
Seating 5 inside the Elantra won’t be big of an issue. However, the Rear Glass Area isn’t as big as compared to the front and it may seem a bit claustrophobic. The 60/40 split seats also expand overall storage and add to the practicality aspect of the Sedan. The Elantra offers oodles of space on the inside, however, despite the smaller proportions, the Civic surprises on the inside. The Corolla feels spacious as well and has always been its forte.
The Hyundai Elantra always had one of the best Cargo Spaces of the Segment. It continues to trail behind the Segment Leader-The Honda Civic but has enough space for handling your weekly shopping luggage or your short weekend drive needs.
Models |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sedan* |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
VW Jetta Sedan* |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cargo Capacity (cu ft.) |
14.4 |
15.2 |
12.4 |
13.0 |
14.1 |
14.8 |
Nifty Features like the Hands-Free Trunk Release that opens the trunk automatically when the proximity key is sensed by the trunk for 3 seconds, adds to the Convenience of keeping luggage when your hands are full without Lifting a Finger.
Perhaps, one of the biggest changes done to the 2020 Elantra has to be in its Infotainment System and the features offered. The 2020 Elantra now gets Hyundai’s State of the Art AVN System with an upgraded processor that enhances the speed of the System. The base SE trim gets a 5” Screen for the infotainment while the higher trims have a massive 8” System.
Hyundai bundles a plethora of features inside all of their cars, and the Elantra is no different either. Here is a list of a few of the standout features on the inside of the 2020 Elantra.
Hyundai has completely changed the exterior look of the 2020 Elantra and has made it sharper and edgier than before. The Headlights are now of a Triangular pattern and house LED inserts which to some minds may resemble a certain “Japanese” brand. The Fog Lamps have also being given the Triangular Treatment while the Front Grill, called the Cascading Grill is now reminiscent of the design being followed by Hyundai’s all over the world.
There are new Tail Lamps in the Rear while a Big Hyundai Logo sits in between the Tail Lamps in the new redesigned Trunk Lid. Underneath the Logo, you will also find the ELANTRA name written in Bolder Words which again kind of reminds of Certain Japanese Brand.
The Elantra also has one of the lowest weights in the segments owing to the use of Aluminum in the Chassis of the Elantra by Hyundai. This has in return given the Elantra a higher fuel economy figure and a better performance as compared to its previous generation “avatar”. Other dimensions still remain the same which makes the Elantra one of the most Manageable Cars to drive in the city.
Model |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan |
Toyota Corolla Sedan |
Honda Civic Sedan* |
Mazda 3 Sedan* |
VW Jetta Sedan* |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan* |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs.) |
2844 |
2840 |
2724 |
2899 |
2767 |
2870 |
Length(in) |
181.9 |
183.1 |
182.3 |
180.3 |
185.1 |
183.7 |
Width(in) |
70.9 |
69.9 |
70.8 |
70.7 |
70.8 |
70.5 |
Height(in) |
56.5 |
57.3 |
55.7 |
57.3 |
57.4 |
57.4 |
Ground clearance (in) |
5.3 |
6.7 |
6.3 |
6.1 |
5.6 |
6.4 |
Wheelbase (in) |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
105.7 |
106.3 |
The Elantra has the lowest ground clearance in the Segment and this means that you will have to be extra careful while taking the car over speed bumps. However, the low ground clearance gives the Elantra an advantage in achieving better aerodynamic efficiency and lower drag than the others.
Like the Interiors, Hyundai isn't leaving any stone unturned, in bundling a ton load of features on the outside of the Elantra. There is an endless list of features on offer on the outside of the Hyundai but the standout ones include
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra was an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Picking up from there, Hyundai has added some great Safety Equipment as Standard for 2020. The Bodyshell has Energy Absorbing Columns which absorb a lot of impact in case of a collision. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are also present in the 2020 Elantra along with Rear LATCH for Children.
We don’t have the 2020 IIHS and NHTSA Ratings but we have provided the 2019 IIHS Rating to give you an indication of the Safety of the Elantra.
Small Overlap |
Good |
---|---|
Moderate Overlap |
Good |
Side Impact |
Good |
Roof Strength |
Good |
Head Restraint And Seats |
Good |
As we can see, the Elantra scores big on the Safety front and this is a Clear Indication of how much effort, Hyundai has put into making the Elantra a Safe Car.
The Japanese are good at making Reliable and Dependable Cars. The Toyota Corolla is a Testimony of the same with its record-breaking sales figures. The Corolla has been a segment champ in terms of Reliability, Cost of Maintenance and Resale value. However, the Corolla isn’t a Lively Car and certainly not one, which makes you feel enthusiastic when you drive. The Elantra has some amazing features in its sleeves and is certainly one of the best Handling Cars in the segment. In terms of power, it may not be at par with the Corolla but in terms of a daily driver, the Elantra will be the better of the two.
The Honda Civic is another one of the best selling cars in the segment as it offers a mix of great handling and superb practicality. The Civic has the Elantra licking its feet when it comes to the Space offered inside the Cabin and in the Cargo. The Honda, however, has an all-touch interface for the AC and other controls.
The Hyundai still comes with Buttons and Knobs for most of its controls which makes it easier for the driver to control the settings. The Elantra also looks Sleeker and sharper in its current “Avatar” and also beats the Honda in terms of the Features it has to offer.
The Mazda 3 was always known for its good looking interiors and great driving dynamics. The Engine inside the Mazda is one of the refined in its class with a good driving character. Mazda, however, is yet to refresh the Mazda 3 sedan for 2020 and the Mazda is starting to show its age. The Elantra manages to look better than the Mazda and has matched the driving dynamics of the Mazda, to some extent. The Hyundai also has a great looking interior and is packed with features that even the Mazda fails to provide the customers.
Hyundai has added some much-needed freshness and life in the Compact sedan with the new 2020 Elantra. The Elantra now looks much Edgier and sharper than its previous edition with its Triangular Headlamps, Bold New Grill and a New Trunk and Tail lamp design.
It also incorporates some fantastic equipment on board and a whole plethora of Safety Tech to match the latest safety norms. To sum up, then, Hyundai has done its bit to “WOW” buyers with the new Elantra. It’s got a “Love it or hate it” design which certainly can’t be ignored. It also has a good engine and with the number of Features inside the Verna, we certainly feel that the Hyundai Verna does present a strong case for itself.