2020 Hyundai Elantra Review

Is the Hyundai Elantra Right for You?

What Is It and Who Is It Meant For?

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is an affordable compact car that seats up to five people. It’s meant for people who don’t need all-wheel drive,want something with a smaller footprint than a midsize sedan and want to get great gas mileage.

What Makes the Hyundai Elantra Unique?

The Elantra is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, which is standard for the segment. The hatchback is called the Elantra GT and is covered separately.

Elantra vs. Other Hyundais

The Elantra is the smallest offering in Hyundai’s sedan lineup,  sitting below the midsize Sonata.

Hyundai Elantra vs. Competition

Compact sedans may not be as popular as they once were, but the Elantra faces strong competition from numerous competitors:

• Mazda3: More upscale, with available all-wheel drive.
• Honda Civic: Offered in sportier trims.
• Toyota Corolla: Has more safety features and is available in an efficient hybrid model.
• Kia Forte: More dynamic styling, with loads of standard equipment.

Is the 2020 Model Year Right for You?

Changes for 2020

• New continuously variable transmission replaces last year’s 6-speed automatic in SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited trims.
• The Eco trim has a new stop-start system to improve fuel economy.
• More standard features, including dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
• No more manual transmission available.

2020 Hyundai Elantra vs. Older Elantras

The last time Hyundai made changes to the Elantra was for the 2019 model year, when the sedan received new exterior styling. Before that, the Elantra was an all-new model in 2017. That means any Elantra from 2017 to 2020 will have similar features but may look slightly different. You could save money by choosing a used Elantra.

You can find used Hyundai Elantras with Carfax’s used car listings. Each used car comes with a free Carfax Vehicle History Report.

Research the Hyundai Elantra from other model years

Which 2020 Hyundai Elantra Trim Is the Best Value?

The original starting prices for each trim, including MSRP and the destination charge:

• SE: $19,880
• SEL: $20,630
• Value Edition: $21,530
• Eco: $22,180
• Limited: $23,730
• Sport: $24,730

We recommend the SEL trim. The SE also represents strong value, but for just slightly more money the SEL adds standard smartphone integration and a larger touchscreen. It should meet the needs of most buyers.

Find a used Hyundai Elantra SEL

Heated front seats are standard on the Value Edition, as is keyless entry, making it another strong value option.

2020 Hyundai Elantra Performance

Engine Options

The Elantra has three engine options:

• 128-horsepower turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
• 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive
• 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and front-wheel drive

Compared to the class? The Elantra’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, putting it in the middle of the class of standard powertrains. The Honda Civic and Mazda Mazda3 have more powerful standard engines.

Fuel Economy

• 1.4-liter 4-cylinder: 36 EPA-estimated combined mpg*
• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (manual/automatic): 30/34-35 mpg
• 1.6-liter 4-cylinder: 29 mpg

*The EPA uses a mixture of highway and city driving for its combined estimate.

Compared to the class? Leaving out its hybrid competitors, the Elantra ranks at the top of the class for fuel economy.

2020 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings & Features

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra received good crash-test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. IIHS named the vehicle a Top Safety Pick, while NHTSA gave the sedan a four-star overall safety rating. The Elantra also comes with a competitive list of standard features.

Key Standard Features

• Forward collision warning: Warns drivers of a potential front-end collision.
• Automatic emergency braking: Helps a vehicle avoid a collision – or reduce the severity of a crash – if the driver doesn’t respond in time.
• Lane keeping assist: Uses the car’s steering system to help keep the vehicle between lane lines.

Key Optional Features

• Blind spot warning
• Lane departure warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Pedestrian detection

2020 Hyundai Elantra Interior

Cabin Storage and Features

• Cupholders: 2 front, 2 rear
• Wireless smartphone charging pad: Optional
• Cabin storage areas: Glovebox, center console bin under armrest, door pockets front and back, sunglasses holder

Compared to the class? Average for the segment.

Cargo Space

• 14.4 cubic feet

Compared to the class? The Honda Civic and Kia Forte have larger trunks.

Seating Space

Compared to the class? It’s OK. The Elantra is near the top of the segment in terms of front and rear headroom but closer to the bottom for front and rear legroom.

2020 Hyundai Elantra Warranty

• 5 years / 60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper: Covers many parts and systems but doesn’t include consumables such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, shocks or struts.
• 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain: Covers major engine and transmission components.
• Both warranties are measured from the date the first owner purchases the car butare transferable to used-car buyers.

Compared to the class? Hyundai offers one of the longest warranties in the class.