2011 Hyundai Elantra: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is redesigned with freshened styling, a new engine, and new features. Production of the sedan will take place in both the United States and South Korea. Elantra comes as a 4-door sedan and a 4-door hatchback called the Elantra Touring (see separate report). Note the Elantra Touring does not receive any of this car's styling updates. This sedan comes in base GLS and top-line Limited trim levels. The sole engine for all sedans is a new 148-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, which replaces a 138-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS. Optional on that model and standard on the Limited is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Air conditioning, cruise control, telescopic steering wheel, and wireless cell-phone link are standard on the Limited and included in the optional Preferred Package on the GLS. A navigation system with real-time traffic updates and rearview camera are new features and optional on all models. Leather upholstery with heated front and rear seats is standard on the Limited. Keyless access/engine start is optional on the Limited.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 99.4 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Versa, Volkswagen Golf, and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cruze and Scion xB.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Leaf, and Volkswagen Jetta Sedan.