2017 Hyundai Elantra Introduced at LA Auto Show

The redesigned 2017 Hyundai Elantra made its global debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. The sixth-generation Elantra comes out with a new exterior design, all-new powertrains with enhanced fuel economy, a quieter and more comfortable ride, and a long list of safety features that are hard to beat in its price range.

2017 Hyundai Elantra
2017 Hyundai Elantra

Exterior styling takes a more conservative approach, similar to the Sonata, that has Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and a straighter sight line along the doors. New front fascia features available HID headlighs that aim where the car is turning and vertical LED daytime running lights. Smoother contours, functional air shutters in front bumper, underbody covers, and aerodynamic rear decklid and air diffusers lower the Elantra’s coefficient of drag to 0.27.

Available premium features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal lights, and LED taillights. Five of the seven exterior colors are new for the Elantra.

 

2017 Hyundai Elantra

The new dashboard design looks wider and there is an available 4.2-inch LCD instrument display for the driver. Lots of soft-touch materials create a more luxury feel to the cabin. Available premium features include power seat and side view mirrors with memory presets, dual automatic climate controls, and leather seats. Front seats feature high-tension lightweight seat frames that are stronger in the event of a collision and a multi-firmness seat pad to help reduce driver fatigue on those long drives.

Big improvements not immediately visible, but are big contributions to how the sixth generation Elantra drives, is a new chassis and redesigned rear suspension. The new chassis uses 53 percent advanced high strength steel compared to 21 percent from the previous model, and is 29.5 percent better torsional rigidity. Improved rear suspension geometry and optimally designed McPherson strut with coil springs and gas shocks work together to improve stability, ride comfort, and handling.

2017 Hyundai Elantra

New for the 2017 Elantra are two all-new powertrains designed for optimal fuel efficiency and clean emissions. The standard engine on the SE and Limited trims is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with a peak output of 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Early estimated fuel economy from Hyundai is 29 mpg in the city / 38 mpg on the highway / 33 mpg combined. The normally aspirated 2.0-liter engine is paired with a 6-speed manual (available only on SE trim) or Elantra’s next generation 6-speed automatic. The new automatic transmission has a multi-clutch converter that allows more control over lock-up and double angular ball-bearings that reduce rolling resistance and friction.

The new Elantra Eco trim gets an all-new 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that pumps out 128 horsepower and a healthy 156 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Eco trim is projected to get up 35 mpg on combined city and highway driving.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has available safety features that are often found on cars costing much more. Exclusive to the compact car segment is Pedestrian Detection pre-collision that will apply emergency braking if the driver doesn’t react quickly to avoid impact. Also available is Lane Keep Assist, Blind Sport Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidance.

 

Convenience features new for the Elantra are hands-free Smart Trunk, Dynamic Bending Light, and Smart Cruise. The Smart Trunk feature will open the trunk without having to reach for the key. The optional HID light package and turns the headlights in direction of the steering and has high beam assistance, which automatically dims the high beams when it detects approaching vehicles. When Smart Cruise is engaged, it automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front and adjusts the Elantra’s speed accordingly.

In addition to the Sonata, the 2017 Elantra receives an Android Auto powered infotainment system that works seamlessly with popular smartphone apps like navigation, streaming audio, and voice-controlled search functions.

Next-generation Blue Link® extends connectivity with remote start with climate control, Google search, car finder , enhanced roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle recovery. Users who have Apple Watch or Android Wear can access some of these features using their smartwatch.