2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

In a segment bookended by the wild Volkswagen GTI and the mild Nissan Sentra NISMO, the Hyundai Elantra Sport rates a medium on the hot-hatch scale. Its turbocharged four-cylinder is middle-of-the-pack, but its rev-happy nature and eager handling dial in a good amount of fun. The interior is well built and functional, and its infotainment system offers many of today’s most desired features as standard. It’s a great driving car for its price and should appeal to budget-minded enthusiasts.

What’s New for 2018?

Following a full redesign for the 2017 model year, the Elantra Sport sees few changes for 2018. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power sunroof are now standard, and Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics service is now complimentary for three full years.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

Sport: $22,685

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A spunky 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four is standard in the Elantra Sport. It produces 201 hp, which is a healthy 54 more than the base Elantra but less than some more serious sport compacts, such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Still, the engine is eager to rev and has plenty of low-end grunt, making the Elantra Sport a fun tool for slicing through traffic. The standard transmission is an excellent six-speed manual, but there’s an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for those averse to operating a clutch pedal. The Elantra Sport’s firm suspension tuning helps limit body roll in corners and retains just enough compliance so it handles rough roads with aplomb. Keeping the Hyundai from achieving sport-compact nirvana, however, is its lifeless steering. Nearly all of its rivals swoop into turns more sharply and provide much more feedback from the road.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading “Find & Compare Cars” click on the “Compare Side-by-Side” tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you’re interested in.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Elantra Sport’s plain cabin doesn’t feel as upscale as those of the Volkswagen GTI and the Honda Civic Si, although its low base price makes that somewhat forgivable. There’s plenty of room in the Elantra Sport’s front seats, but the Nissan Sentra NISMO provides considerably more legroom for passengers in back. A flat-bottom steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered front seats, and red stitching are the key points of differentiation between the Elantra Sport and its more plebeian siblings. The Sport also has a generously sized trunk and a fair number of cubbies inside the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Elantra Sport offers nearly all of the connectivity features we expect in this segment, and most come as standard equipment. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, while the optional Premium package includes a larger 8.0-inch screen with navigation. The infotainment interface is clear and easy to operate, but it lacks a Wi-Fi hotspot. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are featured in every Elantra Sport, and the Premium package also brings an upgraded audio system with eight speakers.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

For more information about the Hyundai Elantra Sport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer’s CPO program.