Hyundai Elantra:Review the specs, features and pros & cons

Hyundai Elantra Safety

Hyundai takes safety seriously, and the Elantra proves it with top safety ratings year after year. For one thing, there are plenty of airbags to protect against front, side and rear impact, even in 90s models.

Safety features in more recent models, from 2008, include:   

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control to prevent skidding 
• Front-seat side and full-length side airbags curtain airbags
• Anti-whiplash head restraints for extra protection during a collision
• Brake assist to shorten stopping distances
• Child locks 

Newer models from 2018 offer more advanced safety tech on their Limited Ultimate packages, such as:

• Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist sense to help you steer back into your lane 
• Forward collision warning to alert you of nearby pedestrians or vehicles

Hyundai Elantra Interior

Air conditioning and power windows are featured as standard, making for a comfortable experience. A redesign in 2017 simplified the dashboard and made it more intuitive, with well-placed buttons and a clean, smooth look. All models seat five and come with cloth upholstery. Leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated seats became available around the 2007 model year.

Hyundai Elantra Technology

Around 2015, more advanced tech systems come as standard on certain trims, such as a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth and USB port. Other available options include:  

• Push-button start
• Wireless-device charging
• 7- or 8-inch touch screen
• GPS navigation
• Satellite and HD radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 

Earlier models from 2009 offered their higher-tech features on their Popular Equipment package, like a CD/MP3 player, USB audio jack and satellite radio.

Hyundai Elantra Space

The Elantra is spacious, with plenty of head and legroom. Some point out that it has limited trunk space, but the sedan's 14.4 cubic-foot trunk is comparable to that of a mid-size sedan. The hatchback offers 24.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats—55.1 cubic feet with them folded. Split-folding rear seats are standard in both hatchback and sedan models, so when you need extra cargo space, you can have it. 

Hyundai Elantra Comfort

The well-tuned suspension flattens out the bumps in the road and makes for a comfortable ride with excellent handling. The 2 L four-cylinder engine runs smoothly, but there are those who suggest that it could be more powerful. Similarly, some feel that the seven-speed automatic transmission can be sluggish at slow speeds, which can affect the overall comfort level when in the driver's seat. However, the 2017 redesign resulted in a driver-oriented cabin and a well-engineered suspension for a smoother ride.