2019 Hyundai Elantra Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The refreshed 2019 Hyundai Elantra is destined to become a hot commodity. Not only does the new Elantra promise to turn more heads with its sharper styling, but it also offers a greater number of advanced safety features. Because of the Elantra’s long list of updates, it’s now an even greater threat to top-selling compact cars such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. Does the new Elantra deserve your money?

What’s New for 2019?

Although the Elantra hasn’t been completely redesigned, it has received a major overhaul. Aside from the Elantra’s more striking exterior styling, it also benefits from an updated interior. However, Hyundai decided not to tamper with the Elantra’s engine lineup.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Hyundai Elantra – The Pros

1. Very Strong Value

The Elantra’s impressive updates make it an even better value than before. Fortunately, it’s only slightly more expensive than last year’s model. Prices still start at less than $18,000. Bluetooth connectivity, a 5.0-inch touch screen, and a backup camera highlight the Elantra’s list of standard features. You can also take advantage of Hyundai’s great warranty coverage. Buyers will enjoy a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is a lot longer than the Honda Civic’s warranty.

2. Saves You at the Fuel Pump

Rated to produce a competitive 147 horsepower, the Elantra’s base four-cylinder engine delivers a decent performance. However, drivers will especially like the Elantra’s fuel economy. Last year, it was rated by the EPA to return a combined 33 mpg on regular unleaded gas. Expect the new 2019 Hyundai Elantra to deliver similar numbers. If you desire greater fuel savings, check out the environmentally friendly Elantra Eco. It should return up to 40 mpg.

3. Soft Ride and Good Handling

You shouldn’t have any complaints about the Hyundai Elantra’s driving dynamics. It offers a nice blend of comfort and responsive handling. When traveling on a curvy back road, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra will feel very composed. You can use Drive Mode Select to adjust the steering system’s responsiveness. Choosing the sport setting enables you to have more fun on your morning commute.

4. Very Fun Sport Model

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport is among the most engaging compact cars on the market. It comes strapped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which develops an entertaining 201 horsepower. This model is a lot quicker than the other Elantra trims. While a re-tuned automatic transmission is available, some drivers will have more fun using the six-speed manual. A multi-link rear suspension also helps the Elantra Sport to deliver crisper handling. The Sport model’s racy exhaust note adds to the excitement.

5. Arguably the Best-Looking Car in Its Class

While the previous model was rather handsome, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is a legitimate showstopper. Creative styling tweaks give the new Elantra an extra degree of refinement. A curvaceous hood and sleek headlamps help create a stunning look. It’s easy to mistake the latest Elantra for a pricier ride. Performance wheels and a special appearance package accentuate the Elantra Sport. Vibrate paint colors, such as Scarlet Red and Lakeside Blue, elevate the Elantra’s attractiveness.

6. Family-Friendly Compact Car

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra is more than just a low-cost commuter car. Its well-designed cabin provides a good amount of interior room. With nearly 36 inches of legroom in the back, the Elantra will certainly keep average-sized passengers happy. This trait should delight the drivers who have a family. Heated rear seats are available on the upper trims. To help quiet the interior, Hyundai designed the new Elantra with additional sound-deadening material.

7. Safer Than Before

When behind the wheel of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, drivers will be able to enjoy some new safety features. Designed to warn backseat passengers of an approaching vehicle, Safe Exit Assist tells you when it’s safe to open the doors. Meanwhile, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection can automatically activate your brakes when approaching an unexpected obstacle. Some of the other available safety innovations include blind-spot monitoring, driver attention alert, and lane-keep assist.

8. New Infotainment System

If you desire Hyundai’s new infotainment system, step up to one of the higher trim levels. It comes with an 8.0-inch touch screen, which benefits from improved graphics. Most importantly, the interface now processes information faster than ever. Smartphone users will also love the infotainment system’s wireless charging feature. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included as well.

9. Blue Link Telematics

Hyundai’s available Blue Link system is a feature you’ll grow to appreciate. When searching for a particular destination, Blue Link can send Google directions at the touch of a button. The system can also provide vehicle health reports and connect you to a roadside assistance provider. Furthermore, this telematics system allows parents to track their teenage drivers.

10. Infinity Sound System

If you’re like most people, you enjoy listening to music. While the Elantra’s standard sound system will keep drivers entertained, it isn’t very exciting. The Elantra’s Infinity audio system is a worthy upgrade. It’s designed with Clari-Fi technology, which ensures high-quality sound. An integrated subwoofer gives the system an extra thump.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Hyundai Elantra – The Cons

1. Not the Most Stimulating Car in the Segment

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra has enough muscle to easily get you from point A to point B. However, don’t expect this car to deliver a captivating performance. It’s not as quick as the new Honda Civic. Drivers who crave more driving enjoyment should choose the more powerful Elantra Sport. Although the Elantra Sport isn’t as good on gas, the fun is well worth sacrificing a bit of efficiency.

2. Mediocre Safety Scores

While the Elantra provides enough security for most people, it does not offer class-leading impact protection. Last year’s model received a four-star overall safety rating from the feds. Because Hyundai didn’t modify the car’s chassis, the new Elantra is likely to receive an identical safety rating. Some of the Elantra’s rivals may offer better overall crash protection.

3. Advanced Driving Aids Don’t Come Standard on the Base Model

In order to get safety technologies such as forward collision intervention and active lane control, you must step up to the more expensive SEL model. This may be an issue for the drivers who’re looking to spend as little money as possible. Both the 2019 Honda Civic and the 2019 Toyota Corolla are equipped with more standard safety features.

4. Lacks All-Wheel Drive

Front-wheel drive comes standard throughout the Elantra’s lineup. While the Elantra will perform well in most conditions, an AWD system would give you more grip in the snow. Drivers who must remain on the go during the winter should consider the 2019 Subaru Impreza. Its standard Symmetrical AWD system provides great traction.

5. Eco Model’s Automatic Transmission Isn’t Smooth

The Elantra Eco’s dual-clutch automatic transmission is specially tuned to save more fuel. Unfortunately, its gear shifts aren’t the smoothest. When passing vehicles, you’ll need to firmly press down on the accelerator. Drivers interested in the fuel-sipping Eco model must learn how to live with this issue. A manual gearbox isn’t offered.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

Some the other compact cars to consider include the 2019 Honda Civic, the 2019 Toyota Corolla, and the 2019 Mazda 3. While the Honda Civic is fun and safe, some folks may not like its rather edgy appearance. From a styling standpoint, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra has set a new benchmark. Meanwhile, Toyota doesn’t offer the Corolla with an upgraded engine. Although the Mazda 3 is a great car for driving enthusiasts, it doesn’t provide as much space for your backseat occupants. If all-wheel drive proves to be a big priority, take a look at the 2019 Subaru Impreza.

Conclusion:

Styling tweaks and the introduction of more safety features have elevated the Elantra’s appeal. While the base Elantra is a solid daily-driver, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport promises to fulfill your need for performance. Class-leading warranty coverage is another one of the Elantra’s perks. While the 2019 Hyundai Elantra ranks among today’s best compact cars, it has just a few drawbacks. Average crash scores and the lack of standard safety technologies put the Elantra at a disadvantage.