The Elantra delivers the roominess and fuel economy to compete in this crowded segment, but it fell short in refinement and performance when this generation debuted. For 2020, it received a round of improvements that improved ride comfort and reduced engine noise.
User-friendliness is an Elantra strong point, aided by a relatively spacious interior. Open and airy feeling inside, the cabin features a broad cockpit and one of the most spacious rear seats in the class. Controls are super simple, combining familiar buttons and knobs with a touch screen for the infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available.
Fuel economy impresses at 33 mpg overall, putting the Elantra on par with the class's most frugal entries like the Toyota Corolla. With the new continuously variable transmission that's part of the 2020 freshening, it's likely to be better still.
Driving the Elantra is an ordinary affair. Handling is sound and secure, but this Hyundai won't challenge the sportiest among the compact car bunch, such as the Mazda3. An Elantra Sport version adds more power and has a different, upgraded rear suspension.
Pre-2020 models tended to lose some of its resilience and the boisterous engine didn't help refinement. Fortunately, the 2020 edition rectified those deficiencies.
The standard cloth seats are only so-so, but the top Limited trim provides leather and power seats that improve support.
For 2020 the Elantra comes standard with a host of advanced safety equipment, such as forward collision warning, city speed automatic emergency braking. That's a significant plus.
Overall, the Elantra more than holds its own against its peers. It boasts good interior room, user-friendliness, frugal fuel consumption, and value.