One-week vehicle loan was provided for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
| Type: Compact Sedan Price: $17,150 Fuel Efficiency: 28 city/37 hwy Seats: 5 |
Best Suited For: Families, city driving Notable Features: Nice look, tons of tech features, leg room for everyone Links: Official site |
In January, I was able to try out the 2017 Hyundai Elantra for the national press launch. But, we only had one day to test drive it and I ended up being car sick for half of it. (That’s what I get for working on my computer while on a windy road!) That’s why I was looking forward to giving the Elantra another spin. In this 2017 Hyundai Elantra review, you’ll see that this compact sedan continues to have a good amount of interior space. The ride, though, is rougher than one might expect.
The new body design looks great. Though no hatchback GT version is available, this model looks sleek enough and sporty enough to (almost) make up for it. The leather interior feels good and, again, has a modern flair to it.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Review — Performance & Technology
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra handles well and, as a driver, you feel in control at all time. But, the suspension is especially tight. It made driving the choppy California roads anything but relaxing. This also made for some jerky turns and a very nervous passenger at times. Even the braking seemed overly sensitive and harsh. The power was okay and gas mileage is decent at about 32 mpg.
Inside, the Elantra has loaded with current technology such as dual climate control, Smart Cruise Control, a memory power driver seat, Apple Play / Android Auto, heated seats, and an Infinity sound system. The HID bending lights come in handy while exiting the freeway at night or on poorly-lit roads. The navigation screen is clear and infotainment system is responsive. These are not features I’m used to for a car in this segment (compact sedan). I did feel that the plentiful use of that matte silver surface dates and cheapens the design, though.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Review — Seating & Space
I mentioned the interior space earlier. The Elantra has plenty of room for those with long legs to sit in the front AND back while still being comfortable. The trunk is also spacious and can fit a ton of luggage or groceries. I’m not too keen on the fact that it has those trunk supports that lower into the trunk. These taking up valuable space and can mess up a tightly packed cargo area.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is all new this year. There are some fantastic improvements when it comes to technology and materials used. But, the overall driving experience seems to have suffered. The rough ride could be agonizing on a long daily commute or on road trips. To get from point A to point B, though, this vehicle is fine. Plus, it has plenty of room for families for everyday use.
