The 2024 Hyundai Elantra looks to raise the bar in a segment where value—not style or performance—has long been the guiding principle. That’s not to say the Elantra isn’t affordable, but it’s this compact’s eye-catching style that really elevates it above the competition.
A recent mid-cycle refresh means it’s the perfect time to go on the hunt for a Hyundai Elantra for sale. To be frank, the Elantra really didn’t need much of a refresh in the first place—at least when it came to the compact’s exterior styling—as it has been one of the snappiest models in its class ever since the seventh-generation model was introduced in 2020, but we’re certainly not complaining.
While the Elantra’s alluring visage obviously wins us over, style can often serve as a stand-in for substance. This begs the question: does the Elantra offer a versatile alternative to the segment’s traditional best-sellers, or is it just trading on its good looks? We’ll attempt to answer that question as we give you an overview of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra…
Style
The most notable aspect of the Elantra’s 2024 refresh is its updated design. New front and rear fascias give this popular compact a thoroughly modern look, injecting a little sportiness into what has historically been something of an understated model. We’ll start with the headlights, which have been slimmed down into a noticeably sleeker design.
In the past, these smaller lights might have created some issues when it came to illuminating the road ahead, but the advent of LED technology has allowed automakers to pare down their headlights without losing any of their effectiveness. The headlights here are connected by a slender metallic bar that serves as a nice bit of flair on the front end, which has also been treated to a new two-piece grille with a body-colored accent piece that ties the whole design together. The rear lights also get a minor overhaul—and are upgraded to LED on the highest-end trim—but it’s the rear diffuser that really speaks to the Elantra’s performance-inspired design.
Drivers looking to customize their Elantra will have plenty of unique design elements to choose from. Hyundai has added four new color options for 2024, including some eye-catching standouts like Exotic Green and Ultimate Red. A new set of reimagined alloy wheels come in a variety of sizes with 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-inch designs to choose from. Those looking to really set themselves apart from the crowd should take a closer look at the N-Line trim, which replaces the black accents found on the lower trims with a moodier dark chrome finish
Performance
So, can the Elantra’s engine match its sporty design? It certainly puts in a valiant effort, though efficiency is where this compact truly shines. The engine lineup hasn’t changed when compared to the 2023 model, so those choosing the SE, SEL, or Limited trims will find the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood. At 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0-liter isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off, but it does deliver competitive efficiency with an EPA-estimated 33 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway. The SE and SEL trims come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but the Limited provides a more responsive alternative with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The Elantra N-Line—not to be confused with the Elantra N sport compact—provides a livelier ride thanks to its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This elevated performance does come at a cost, slimming efficiency to 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, but it’s a small price to pay for the performance potential and seven-speed DCT.
Those seeking the Elantra’s most efficient trim can choose between the Blue Hybrid and Limited Hybrid, which supplement a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed DCT with an electric motor to deliver 51 MPG in the city and 58 MPG on the highway. It’s not going to win many races with 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, but it will certainly keep you from becoming a regular at your neighborhood gas station.
Then there’s the Elantra N. For all intents and purposes, this should really be treated as its own standalone model, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you a peek at this sport compact’s stats. Debuting in 2022, the Elantra N features a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four that can put out 276 hp without breaking a sweat. With a zero-to-sixty time of just 4.8 seconds, the Elantra N is a standout in the performance-focused compact segment. In fact, MotorTrend ranked the Elantra N above other perennial favorites like the Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, and Subaru WRX—an impressive achievement for the fledgling sport compact.
Interior
The Elantra’s cabin has also been treated to a bit of a refresh for 2024, though the changes aren’t quite as dramatic as one will find on the outside. Plastic surfaces come with the territory, given the compact’s low price, but Hyundai has managed to gussy up the interior with a few simple design details like an LED strip that stretches across the width of the dash.
On the tech front, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display (or optional 10.3-inch upgrade) serves as mission control for all the expected apps, maps, entertainment options, and the like, though a voice-recognition feature also allows drivers to access many features without ever taking their hands off the wheel. Those opting for the Limited or N-Line trims will enjoy cruising along to their favorite tunes with a premium eight-speaker Bose sound system, while the other trims make do with a six-speaker setup. Drivers looking to up their screen time can also swap out the analog instrument panel for a new 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster for a more futuristic feel.
While the Elantra certainly punches above its weight on the tech front, it’s its ample interior cargo and passenger room that really distinguishes it from the rest of the compact class. The 14.2-cu.ft. trunk can accommodate up to six suitcases, while rear fold-flat seats allow the sedan to haul surprisingly bulky cargo. Those expecting to need to squeeze into the compact will be happy to learn that Hyundai hasn’t skimped on the head- and legroom with comfortable seating for up to five passengers.
We’ll start with headroom, where the Elantra boasts 40.6 inches in the front seat and 37.3 in the rear. That’s certainly an improvement over the model’s top compact rivals in the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, which max out at 39.3/37.1 inches and 39.3/37.1 inches, respectively. The contrast is even starker when it comes to legroom: the Elantra, Corolla, and Civic are virtually identical in the front seat, with between 42.0 and 42.3 inches of legroom, but the Hyundai bests the Corolla by almost four inches in the backseat.
Tech
The advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) found in many of today’s vehicles go a long way toward improving overall safety and convenience. From lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert to blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control, these features leverage cutting-edge technologies like infrared cameras, LiDAR (light detection and ranging), and sonar.
That said, they can also be a little too easy to tune out in an increasingly connected world full of text message pings, e-mail notifications, app alerts, and other digital noise. Hyundai has engineered around this problem in a novel way, outfitting every trim on the 2024 Elantra with haptic alerts that reverberate through the steering wheel itself.
Haptic feedback—which should be familiar to seasoned smartphone users—provides a tactile sensation that can add a little more depth and realism when interacting with a two-dimensional surface. Those little satisfying clicks you feel every time you type on your iPhone keyboard? That’s haptic feedback. While this feature has been available on some of Hyundai’s higher-end trims since 2022, it makes its way into the Elantra for the first time as part of the compact’s 2024 refresh.
The Revamped 2024 Hyundai Elantra
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra’s mid-cycle refresh does an admirable job of keeping this compact sedan relevant in an ever-changing market. A new front and rear fascia, color and wheel options, and exterior accents help this compact to maintain its curb appeal without totally reinventing the wheel. While the restyled exterior is an obvious highlight, it’s not the only reason to give the model a closer look when you’re on the hunt for your next vehicle.
The Elantra might be one of the most well-rounded offerings in its class. Sure, it’s no performance beast (save for the N model), but with ample cargo and passenger room, a well-appointed interior, and an impressive suite of comfort, convenience, and safety tech, it’s certainly a great value when you factor in the low starting price. While some think compact sedans have become a bit of an afterthought in the current crossover-obsessed market, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra manages to remain relevant while even packing a few fun surprises.
