2019 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

Name: 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT Review
Brand: Hyundai
Price: 7995 USD

Hyundai Elantra GT N Line 4dr Hatchback Exterior Exterior

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byDan Frio^{Reviews Editor
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Cabin is stylish and comes packed with features
Offers plenty of cargo space
Well-tuned steering and controlled handling make it fun to drive

Cons

Base model's lackluster fuel economy
Back seat has less room than many rivals
Disappointing acceleration and groaning base engine

What's new

New N Line trim replaces GT Sport trim
Sunroof and leather seating added to optional Style package
Entry-level Elantra GT carries over with no changes
Part of the sixth Elantra generation introduced for 2017

Fresh off a thorough redesign last year, the Hyundai Elantra GT enters 2019 with a new trim level or, rather, a new name for an old trim level. In addition to a base trim, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT now offers the N Line model. It's essentially a rebranding of last year's Sport trim, but it's significant for being the first model to bear the new distinction, which will find its way to other models including the Veloster coupe.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.49 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$155/mo

$176/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

In the case of the Elantra GT, no change is good. While it shares many mechanical components with the Elantra sedan, the GT is effectively the European-market Elantra and features exterior styling and interior design that's different not only from the sedan but also from the rest of Hyundai's lineup. It's a good look, less conservative than the sedan, but the GT still retains the brand's intuitive and user-friendly controls.

The Elantra GT is a smart pick for drivers seeking the space and cargo benefits of a hatchback with the value and fuel economy of a small sedan. While the GT doesn't match its sedan counterpart for fuel economy, the base version offers more power. The new N Line trim packs even more power and, unexpectedly, slightly better fuel economy than the base trim. Respectable fuel economy, sharp handling and impressive utility make the Elantra GT N Line the more desirable and competitive choice.

Buyers looking for a hatchback have several options, ranging from the redesigned-for-2019 Mazda 3 to the classic and charming Mini Cooper. The Elantra GT earns a spot among those rivals with its mix of space, performance and style.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.5

Its steering, brakes and suspension make it easy and fun to drive. The base 2.0-liter engine's power is livable, and the transmission does nothing offensive, but we would undoubtedly prefer the turbo 1.6-liter in the GT Sport (replaced by the N Line in 2019).

Acceleration

6.5

The available power isn't great, but it's livable. The strained moan from the engine during heavy acceleration will probably be more of a hurdle for most than the lack of power. When prodded, this engine has enough motivation for merging onto highways, accelerating to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

Braking

7.5

The brakes are easy to modulate, with no excess play or squishiness. They might not be performance-oriented, but they feel nice and are predictable. In our panic-braking test, the Elantra GT needed 124 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is average for the class.

Steering

8.0

The steering, one of the best aspects of this car, is well-tuned and direct with enough heft to feel secure at highway speeds. There isn't a ton of feedback, but it builds confidence and is well-matched to the suspension competence.

Handling

8.0

When it comes to handling, the Elantra GT acquits itself well. The low-rolling-resistance tires don't offer much grip, but the GT feels nimble and is willing to be tossed around. Bumps are largely dispatched without issue, although certain midcorner bumps can be unsettling.

Drivability

7.5

The transmission has no bad habits in routine driving, but it's programmed solely for casual cruising. Sport mode doesn't deliver any increased urgency in its shift logic. Everyday drivability is otherwise agreeable. It kicks down a gear when needed and does so without too much delay.

Comfort

8.0

A quiet cabin and great temperature regulation are the highlights of this car's general comfort. The ride is agreeable considering how well this car handles, too. But more than one driver found the seat cushions too stiff for comfort despite the good range of adjustability.

Seat comfort

7.0

The seats have a wide adjustment range, but the cushions are very firm and not great for long trips. The leather feels synthetic, but the optional seat ventilation system prevents the driver from getting swampy. Lateral support is modest, but the lumbar support is adjustable and well-placed.

Ride comfort

7.5

The ride is on the firm side but isn't harsh. It strikes a good balance between motion control and compliance. Most occupants will find the ride acceptable, and those who value slightly sportier dynamics will have no issue trading some ride comfort for the handling benefits.

Noise & vibration

8.5

There's some mild wind and road noise at highway speeds, but overall the cabin is quieter than the average compact car. At lower city speeds, road noise is particularly well-isolated, and there are no discernible interior rattles or creaks.

Climate control

8.5

The dual-zone climate control system is pretty straightforward to operate and maintains proper cabin temperatures well. It gets bonus points for having three levels of heated and ventilated seats in this segment. The cabin air ionizer effectively filtered out ambient smoke from a local wildfire.

Interior

7.5

Hyundai does a great job of making its cabin controls easy to learn and operate. They may not be fancy, but they are highly functional. The GT is a little short on rear passenger space, but on the whole, the cabin is well-executed.

Ease of use

8.0

In typical Hyundai fashion, the controls are straightforward and easy to operate and understand. There are a number of hard-button shortcuts for touchscreen menus, and the gauge cluster info display is also easy to thumb through and configure. There's no need to break out the owner's manual here.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The front doors have generous-size openings with good head clearance and an easy step-in height. The rear door openings have plenty of head clearance, too, but are rather narrow, which leaves less space to swing your legs.

Driving position

8.0

A wide range of seat adjustments means a variety of drivers should be able to find a comfortable position. The column tilts and telescopes to a decent degree. We especially like the generous tilt angle of the driver's bottom cushion. It's a shame that the cushions themselves aren't more comfortable.

Roominess

7.0

The front seats have a good amount of space in nearly all directions. The back seat is tighter than average on legroom and surprisingly short on headroom, even though the manufacturer-provided dimensions indicate otherwise. If you're 6 feet tall, you probably won't be comfortable in the back.

Visibility

7.5

Rear visibility is inherently quite good in hatchbacks. The GT's rear window is a good size. And although you can see the outboard rear headrests, they don't impede on the rearward view. The side mirrors create a bigger blind spot than they would if they were mounted to the door surface.

Quality

8.0

The interior reflects quality design. The dashboard has a uniform look even if it's a mix of soft-touch and matte-finished plastic. The central infotainment screen has an upscale look, and the door handles sport a smooth metal-like finish. The only cheap-feeling parts are the sideview mirror switches.

Utility

7.5

Hatchbacks are well-suited for cargo, and the Elantra GT is a model example of this. Cargo space is generous and in-cabin storage is well-thought-out with good options for all of your personal effects. If you're putting in a car seat, however, there are some suboptimal aspects to be aware of (see below).

Small-item storage

8.0

There's a good variety of cabin storage options. The front cupholders have an anti-tip design, and the decent-sized door pockets will fit a water bottle and other items. A console bin accommodates larger phones and has all the charging methods and music plugs handy. The center armrest is on the small side but it's usable.

Cargo space

8.0

Its deep trunk helps maximize cargo space but creates a steep lip, so loading heavier items will be tricky. Additionally, the rear seatbacks don't lie flat. The Elantra GT's 24.9 cubic feet of space is good for the segment. The rear hatch opens high, which affords ample head clearance.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

The LATCH anchors are buried in the seat creases, and the firm cushions make for difficult access. The top tethers are exposed and easy to access. Rear-facing car seats will be a squeeze behind taller drivers.

Technology

7.5

Hyundai was one of the first to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it continues to offer smart, well-integrated solutions to connect and use your smartphone. Its driver aids tend not to be as user-friendly as those of rivals, and our Elantra GT test car lacked a few that are typically included.

Audio & navigation

7.5

We expected a little more from the optional Infinity premium audio system. It puts out clear, undistorted sound, but the bass was on the weak side. The navigation is Hyundai's standard system, which is easy to use and has live traffic info. We have no complaints, but there's nothing remarkable about this setup.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Bluetooth pairs quickly and easily, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work wonderfully. Qi wireless charging is also available up front, conveniently located alongside the USB and auxiliary ports. You can plug in your phone and just fuggedaboutit.

Driver aids

6.5

There's no way to turn off the audible alert for the blind-spot monitoring system — a jarring sound is emitted every time you use the turn signal with a vehicle in the adjacent lane. This is more startling than helpful.

Voice control

7.5

With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto active, the voice command button will automatically trigger Siri or Google without the 2-second hold. If paired through Bluetooth, the long hold is still required. The native system performs only basic commands but works well, even if it is slow to process.

2019 Hyundai Elantra GT models

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is available in base and N Line trim levels. The base GT comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (161 horsepower, 150 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The N Line upgrades to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) and either the manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Standard features on the base Elantra GT include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, LED running lights, heated side mirrors, height-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a USB port and satellite radio.

The base trim's optional Style package is worth the extra cost. It includes a panoramic sunroof, proximity key with push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seating, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a sliding armrest. The package also offers desirable safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and side-mirror turn signals.

The N Line comes with several features from the Style package, plus the more powerful engine, larger brakes, 18-inch wheels, performance tires, a more sophisticated sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an electronic parking brake, sport-oriented seats and upgraded gauges.

The N Line can also be equipped with several desirable options, all bundled into the DCT Tech package. It includes the rest of the Style package's features and adds a navigation system, Blue Link telematics services, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless device charging and a premium seven-speaker Infinity sound system. Additional driver aids include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams and a drowsy driver warning system.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#8 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Elantra GT from 2008-2022.}

$418/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.9%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT.

5 (63%)

4 (25%)

3 (4%)

2 (4%)

1 (4%)

4.4

24 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

The Korean Gti

Kevin, 12/25/2017

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Got myself an Elantra GT sport hatch about 4 months ago and have absolutely no regrets with my purchase. As the title suggest, the is Hyundai’s take on the Iconic vw GTi, and although the Elantra gt sport is slightly down on power and lacks the lsd that the gti comes with, it out performs the gti in terms or standard equipment, warranty and reliability. If you’re coming from a GTI or any …

Update after a 1 year and (20,000 miles)

Kevin, 09/30/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I have the 1.6T Elantra GT Sport with the dual clutch transmission which i bought back in August of 2017. Ive since have put 20k miles on the car (yes I drive a lot) and let me tell you, this car to this day still puts a huge smile on my face whenever i get in. This is phenomenal car and an underrated one at that. By far the elantra gt sport out performs all cars it rivals such as, Mazda …

I've owned many cars but this may be the best 4$.

Tony Pags, 12/10/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Ok, so I needed a new car as my long term Volvo V70 wagon was approaching 300,000 miles. I considered several new cars and after driving several competitors, I decided on the Hyundai Elantra GT Base Automatic and boy am I happy I did!! First, the quality of materials and workmanship is a class above this price point. The doors close with a "thunk" and I've had zero squeaks and rattles. …

Best Decision

Mrs. Jeter, 03/17/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Excellent engine with responsive acceleration, smooth ride, very comfortable, reliable, lots of room, love the interior - instruments are placed in a great location; easy read without taking eyes off of the road for any period of time. The exterior is beautiful with clean lines - gorgeous. The larger tires provide great traction in bad weather and I appreciate "hill" assistance because …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT, so we've included reviews for other years of the Elantra GT since its last redesign.

See all 24 reviews of the Hyundai Elantra GT

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2019 Elantra GT Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$20,450
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$155/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Elantra GT models:

Lane Change Assist: Uses the available blind-spot warning system to gauge the closing speed of faster-moving vehicles and warns the driver accordingly.
Forward Collision Warning: Detects an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and warns the driver. Can trigger automatic braking if needed.
Driver Attention Alert: Detects when a driver is not paying attention or has become drowsy. Will trigger an audible and visual warning.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat4 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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