2020 Hyundai Elantra SEL FWD 4dr Car
Overview True to its maker's roots, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a no-nonsense,
value-packed compact sedan. Every Elantra is a veritable bargain thanks to a
long list of standard equipment. While the interior materials are decidedly
budget-spec, the Elantra is easy to live with thanks in part to the intuitive,
standard touchscreen that works with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The base
engine is a competent but unexceptional 2.0-liter inline-four. More discerning
buyers should look at either of the turbocharged models. The Elantra Eco is
rated at 41 mpg on the highway, while the Elantra Sport makes a strong 201
horsepower. What's New for 2020? For the 2020 model year, Hyundai replaced the
six-speed automatic transmission in the Elantra SE, SEL, Value Edition, and
Limited with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). That change
boosts combined and city EPA fuel-economy ratings by 2 mpg, while the highway
figures increase by three. The Eco model is newly equipped with a stop-start
system and gets a 1-mpg fuel-economy bump across its EPA ratings. All Elantras
now come with automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and
dual-zone automatic climate control as standard equipment. The manual
transmission that was standard on the Elantra SE and Sport has been
discontinued. Pricing and Which One to Buy • SE: $19,880 • SEL: $20,630 • Value
Edition: $21,530 • Eco: $22,180 • Limited: $23,730 • Sport: $24,730 The Elantra
Eco's turbocharged inline-four delivers strong off-the-line acceleration and
impressive fuel economy (33 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, according to the EPA).
It comes well equipped at $22,180 with heated front seats, a proximity key with
push-button start, blind-spot monitoring, and a larger 7.0-inch touchscreen with
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Elantra models equipped with the standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder provide
acceleration numbers that are about average for the compact-sedan class, but the
engine feels sluggish until you push into the higher rev range. The Eco model's
turbocharged engine, which provides more power low in the rev range, combines
with the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic transmission to make for a more
responsive feel around town. The Eco does have duller throttle response; along
with the different transmission type, this means you have to depress the
throttle further to get the car to accelerate with gusto. The Elantra's
suspension tuning is firm but not harsh, with a nicely controlled ride that
soaks up bumps with minimal reverberations in the structure. The Eco model's
low-rolling-resistance tires don't provide as much grip as the Limited model's
larger wheel-and-tire setup, but the difference isn't noticeable in everyday
driving. Braking performance is a strong suit for the Elantra, as it stops from
70 mph in a short 168 feet. The pedal feels firm, engendering confidence in a
panic-stop situation. The Eco model's tires again hinder its performance in this
test, but its pedal feel is equal to the standard 2.0-liter model's. Fuel
Economy and Real-World MPG The Elantra's EPA fuel-economy ratings are among the
best of all compact cars', with several trims rated at 40 mpg or higher on the
highway. While we have yet to test any 2020 Elantra, the 2019 Eco version
achieved an impressive 43 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. Interior,
Comfort, and Cargo The Elantra's dashboard has an attractive design and
ergonomic controls. Its driver's seat is positioned well, with a natural-feeling
relationship among the seat, the pedals, and the steering wheel. The front seats
are relatively comfortable, although the flat bottom cushion isn't as supportive
as we'd like. The rear seat is less roomy than some competitors, and the bottom
cushion is relatively low and could use better thigh support. The Elantra
doesn't have the biggest trunk in its class, but a wide trunk opening makes it
easy to load larger items. The trunk hinges impinge on some space when the trunk
is closed, however. The glovebox and center console are spacious, although the
door pockets front and rear are smaller than average. Infotainment and
Connectivity The Elantra offers the latest infotainment options and connectivity
features. While base models have a basic 5.0-inch display, every other version
has a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The
interface is clear and easy to use, with well-organized menus and plenty of hard
buttons and knobs. An 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless charging
for phones, and a more powerful sound system are available, but a mobile Wi-Fi
hotspot is not. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The Elantra offers nearly
all of the latest driver-assistance technologies and achieves good crash-test
results from U.S. testing agencies. Basic features are standard across the line,
while stepping up to the SEL model adds equipment such as blind-spot monitoring
and rear cross-traffic alert. Key safety features include: • Standard
forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking • Standard
lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist • Available adaptive cruise
control and blind-spot monitoring Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Hyundai is
known for its impressive warranties, and the Elantra is no exception. Its
coverage is among the best in its class, although Hyundai does not offer
complimentary scheduled maintenance as do some competitors. • Limited warranty
covers 5 years or 60,000 miles • Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000
miles • No complimentary scheduled maintenance