2017 Hyundai Elantra GT 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.