Used 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Base Hatchback Review

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.

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.

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.