2017 Hyundai Elantra GT

2017 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

“You'll like the the 2017 Elantra GT hatchback's impressive cargo-carrying versatility.”
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by Brent Romans
Edmunds Editor

Edmunds expert review

Need more cargo room than the typical small sedan offers but don't want to get a crossover SUV? For you, Hyundai has a solution in the form of the 2017 Elantra GT. This small four-door hatchback offers more cargo room than the typical small sedan. In fact, when you fold its rear seatbacks down, you'll have a cargo hold with a generous 51 cubic feet of space. For a small hatchback, that's just about tops.

The current generation GT has been around since 2013, and this year's GT continues to feature a relatively gutsy 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gives it a zippier feel than some others in this class. There's a downside to this added performance, however: fuel economy numbers that lag behind those of category leaders. The GT also lacks some of the newest driver safety aids you can get on many 2017 small hatchbacks, such as blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning and mitigation. Given that, we think some fresher rivals might prove to be more appealing, but overall Hyundai's Elantra GT is certainly worth a look.

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What's new for 2017

For 2017, the Hyundai Elantra GT gets a new Value Edition option package full of desirable features. The available Tech package now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

We recommend

The Elantra GT comes with the basics you'd expect in a modern hatchback. That means stuff such as keyless entry, Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio. But to get the really good stuff you have to add option packages, which can end up being an expensive proposition. An Elantra GT with no options is appealing from a value standpoint, but you don't get a touchscreen interface with it. That's why we think that a fully loaded Elantra GT with the Value Edition and Tech packages is the most compelling, as long as you're willing to pay for it.
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Trim levels & features

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT is a small four-door hatchback available in a single trim level. For power, there's a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, and a six-speed automatic is available as an option. Ordering or picking a GT is very simple — Hyundai offers just two main option packages.

Standard features include 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, a trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker sound system.

That's a decent set of features, but if you want more of a luxury feel, there's the optional Value Edition package that bundles 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, automatic headlights, foglights, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats and a sliding center armrest.

To that package you can add the available Tech package, which includes a panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch screen, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, Hyundai's Blue Link system, a navigation system, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone app integration.

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Driving

We like the GT's strong four-cylinder engine for its relatively robust performance. It makes it easy to quickly get up to highway speeds. But fuel economy (just 27 mpg combined) is disappointing.

Comfort

The Elantra GT's front seats offer good room and comfort, and that's complemented by a standard suspension that delivers a likable balance between respectable handling and a comfortable ride. The available sport-tuned suspension sharpens handling without degrading comfort much.

Interior

The standard height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel make it easy to find a satisfactory driving position. There's a decent amount of head- and legroom for two adults in the backseat. Aesthetically, the interior is a handsome space finished in high-quality materials.

Utility

For loading luggage and cargo, the Elantra GT offers a healthy 23 cubic feet of space behind the 60/40-split rear seats, which is more than in some subcompact crossovers. Fold both sections of the seatback down, and you end up with 51 cubic feet of cargo-hauling capacity.

Technology

Gauges and controls are straightforward and easy to see and use. The available 7-inch touchscreen is user-friendly and comes with navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration.

Edmunds expert review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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