2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

Name: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $13,385 - $18,998

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Hyundai Elantra GT for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick

Pros

Cabin is stylish and comes packed with features
Sport model is enjoyable to drive
Offers plenty of cargo space

Cons

Base model's lackluster fuel economy

What’s new

The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is completely redesigned for 2018.

Vehicle overview

The Elantra GT is completely redesigned for 2018 and shares many of the same mechanical components as last year's redesigned Elantra sedan. From there, however, the sedan and hatchback differ since the GT is effectively the European-market Elantra. As such, it has distinctive exterior styling and a considerably different interior design. The interior is not only divergent from the sedan's but from interiors of the rest of Hyundai's lineup as well. It's a good look — better than the rather conservative sedan's, we think — yet it maintains the brand's user-friendly controls. We also like that an 8-inch touchscreen is standard equipment, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Base 4dr Hatchback
$17,998
- 27,162 miles
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- 148 mi away
- Delivery available*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
Close
Located in Maple Shade, NJ
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
KMHH35LE8JU036460
Stock:
28796824
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Base 4dr Hatchback
$13,067
fair price
$691 above market
- 81,266 miles
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- 161 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
Close
Located in Chesapeake, VA
🚨 VEHICLE IS AVAILABLE AND ON THE LOT AT:📍 SOUTHERN HYUNDAI CHESAPEAKE3416 WESTERN BRANCH BLVD, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23321👑 JAY CUNNINGHAM (GENERAL ...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
KMHH35LE6JU024436
Stock:
KP10533
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
07-07-2026

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There are two flavors of the GT available. The base version has more standard power than the Elantra sedan, but its fuel economy is worse, which might limit its appeal if fuel economy is a priority for you. The GT Sport has an ample 201 horsepower from its turbocharged engine, and it actually gets better fuel economy (with an automatic transmission) than the base version. The superior fuel economy and power, plus its improved handling capabilities, make the Sport the more desirable and competitive choice.

No matter the version, though, you'll like the Elantra GT's mix of space, performance and style. Along with models such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf, the new 2018 Elantra GT is worth a look if you're shopping for a hatchback.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

There's more differentiating the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and regular Elantra than just a hatchback body. The GT also has a distinct interior design, a more powerful base engine and a sharper driving experience. Overall, we like the GT and think it's a solid choice for a roomy and sporty hatchback.

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 2018 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.

Acceleration

6.5

The power available 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 to make merging work in most cases, accelerating to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

Braking

7.5

The brakes are easy to modulate, with no excess play or squishiness. They may not be performance-oriented brakes, but they feel nice and are predictable to use. In our panic-braking test, it 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 a lot of grip, but the GT feels nimble and is willing to be tossed around. Bumps are largely dispatched without issue, although certain midcorner bumps can unsettle it somewhat.

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. More than one driver, however, 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 also feels synthetic, but the optional power ventilation 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 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 was also effective at filtering out ambient smoke from a local wildfire.

Interior

7.5

Hyundai does a great job in 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 very 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 adjustment 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. 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're probably not going to 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 skin.

Quality

8.0

The interior cabin reflects quality design. The dash 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 mirrors 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 your personal effects. If you're looking to fit a car seat, there are some suboptimal aspects to be aware of.

Small-item storage

8.0

There's a good variety of cabin storage. The front cupholders have an anti-tip design, and the door pockets are a decent size and 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 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. Its 24.9 cubic feet of space is a good amount for the segment. The rear hatch also opens high, which affords ample head clearance.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

LATCH anchors are buried in the 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, and our Elantra GT test car was lacking 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.

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. There's also no adaptive cruise, which some competitors offer.

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.

Which Elantra GT does Edmunds recommend?

Though it costs considerably more than the base trim level, the Sport is the one to get. Its sharper and more composed handling (courtesy of a more sophisticated rear suspension design) and stronger engine make it more fun to drive. It also comes standard with features that you'll probably want but are optional on the base version. Still not sold? With the automatic transmission, the Sport gets better fuel economy than the base GT.

Compare 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT trim levels

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT models

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is available in base and Sport 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 GT Sport 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, LED running lights, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a USB port and satellite radio.

Getting the base trim's optional Style package is likely worth the cost. It adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats.

The GT Sport has the contents of the Style package as standard plus the more powerful engine, bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, a more sophisticated sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an electronic parking brake, upgraded gauges and leather upholstery.

The base GT can also be had with the Tech package, which includes the Sport's bigger brakes, electronic parking brake and LED headlights plus a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, Blue Link communications, a navigation system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a seven-speaker Infinity audio system.

If the GT Sport doesn't have them already, the above features are included in the GT Sport's Tech package. It also includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high beams and a driver inattention warning system.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$187/mo

$228/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Reliability

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #8 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#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

$418/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

8.9%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

1 recall found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 18V891000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 179
Manufactured from:: 2018-07-20 to 2018-08-13
Number of vehicles affected:: 86
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
Defect Consequence:: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

Hyundai Elantra GT Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

21 reviews

5(67%)

4(19%)

3(0%)

2(9%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT video

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT Sport First Look | Chicago Auto Show

Follow along as we discuss the differences between Hyundai's latest five-door hatchbacks: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT Sport. They look good, and have good powertrains to boot. Watch the video and let us know what you think.

2018 Elantra GT Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Est. Market Value	$10,177
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$187/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.
Attention Assist: 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