Compact hatchbacks might be getting replaced by compact crossovers, but vehicles like the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT still have a lot to offer consumers that value cargo space and better driving dynamics.
CarsDirect Pricing Insider
What you must know before buying the Hyundai Elantra GT- 2018 Elantra GT is in stock
- Rebates: $2,500 bonus cash
- Finance: 1.9-percent APR for 60 months
- Lease: From $199 (base models)
Dealer stock comprised of 2018s only:
The new 2018 Elantra GT is a complete redesign. It has an updated infotainment system, a multi-link rear suspension, wireless device charging, and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. You have a choice of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The current Hyundai offers are in place through July 31, 2018. We’re not expecting an update before August.
Hyundai's offers vary by region; our examples are for California.
A bonus for the current model:
The 2018 Elantra GT comes with $2,500 in rebate bonus cash, lowering your final cost accordingly. You cannot claim promotional financing if you accept this offer.
This month’s financing offer:
Choose a 2018 Elantra GT and your financing deal comes in at 1.9-percent APR for up to 60 months or 2.9-percent APR for 72 months. These are very good offers for the current model.
An attractive lease deal:
Choose a 2018 Elantra GT Base Automatic and you'll pay $199 per month for 36 months with $2,199 due at signing. We like this deal as your effective monthly cost comes in at $260.
Hyundai provides a 12,000-mile per year driving allowance on leases.
Dealer stock comprised of 2018s only:
The new 2018 Elantra GT is a complete redesign. It has an updated infotainment system, a multi-link rear suspension, wireless device charging, and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert. You have a choice of a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
The current Hyundai offers are in place through July 31, 2018. We’re not expecting an update before August.
Hyundai's offers vary by region; our examples are for California.
A bonus for the current model:
The 2018 Elantra GT comes with $2,500 in rebate bonus cash, lowering your final cost accordingly. You cannot claim promotional financing if you accept this offer.
This month’s financing offer:
Choose a 2018 Elantra GT and your financing deal comes in at 1.9-percent APR for up to 60 months or 2.9-percent APR for 72 months. These are very good offers for the current model.
An attractive lease deal:
Choose a 2018 Elantra GT Base Automatic and you'll pay $199 per month for 36 months with $2,199 due at signing. We like this deal as your effective monthly cost comes in at $260.
Hyundai provides a 12,000-mile per year driving allowance on leases.
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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Overview
Matthew Keegan, Contributing EditorWhat's New for 2018
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is an all-new model, reflecting the brand’s current design language and following in the footsteps of the recently redesigned Elantra sedan. Updated technologies and expanded driver-assist safety features chart the changes.
Choosing Your Hyundai Elantra GT
Hyundai offers the front-wheel drive Elantra GT in base and Sport trims. Each trim has its own engine unique. Thanks to the five-door design, you’ll find 24.9 cubic feet of storage space or 55.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, generating 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Elantra GT Sport models, like the Elantra Sport sedan, have a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Besides the six-speed manual gearbox, this engine may be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The turbo engine is not just more powerful, but it is also the more efficient one of the two, delivering 26 mpg in the city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. Choose the standard engine and this model makes 24 mpg in the city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined according to the EPA.
With manual transmission models, customers need only pick an interior and exterior color – there are no additional options.
GT Base
Starting at $20,235 (including an $885 destination charge), this grade includes automatic headlight control, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-heated side mirrors, keyless entry, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and cloth seats. Choose the base model with the automatic transmission (a $1,000 upgrade) and you’ll find Style ($1,800) and Tech ($4,300) Packages. The Style Package adds proximity access with push-button start, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist. The Style Package is a prerequisite for the Tech Package, which softens the blow of its high price somewhat. This package adds more than a dozen features, including full LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, Blue Link telematics, an eight-inch display with navigation, ventilated seats, and a seven-speaker Infinity audio system.
GT Sport
Priced from $24,135, the GT Sport features full LED headlights and LED taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a multi-link independent suspension with larger brakes. Push-button start, leather seats, heated front seats, paddle shifters, alloy pedals, and an electronic parking brake are additional features. Hyundai also adds blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist. The Sport GT’s Tech Package ($3,850) with the 7-speed dual-clutch (an $1,100 upgrade) expands the available features to include forward collision warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop/go technology – in other words, it works in a traffic jam – automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, and a wireless charging pad.
CarsDirect Tip
Hyundai’s package options present a dilemma to stick-shift loving drivers. To get the good stuff, you need to opt for an automatic transmission. And, with the base model, the Tech Package builds on the Style Package. It'd be nice if we had a normal choice between the two.
Our Take: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Brandon Turkus, Automotive Editor
The redesigned 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT makes landfall in the US not long after the car its based on, the European market i30, debuted across the pond. Like previous Elantra GTs, this European heritage serves to distinguish it from not only the competition, but from its own four-door sibling, with handsome styling, a lovely interior, and a capable driving character.
Best Value
Hyundai only offers the Elantra GT in two trims – the base model and the turbocharged, 201-horespower Sport. While these two vehicles look similar, their driving characters are so dramatically different that choosing a “best deal” a largely subjective affair. For most consumers, though, the standard Elantar GT and its 161-hp engine are just plenty. Whichever path you go down, we recommend the two-pedal layout – a six-speed automatic on the base model and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic on the GT Sport – which adds $1,000 to the price.
Despite the extra expense, an automatic is a prerequisite for the available packages. There are two the base model and one on the Sport, but all three are so loaded with worthwhile gear, they're difficult to ignore. With that in mind, here's our choice for the best value in the Elantra GT range.
- Model: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
- Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder
- Output: 161 hp / 150 lb-ft
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- MPG: 24 city / 32 highway
- Exterior color: Summit Gray
- Interior color:Black
- Options: Six-speed automatic transmission ($1,000), Style Package ($1,800, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, proximity entry with push-button start, 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, dual-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power driver's seat, and heated front seats), Tech Package ($4,300 and requires Style Package, LED headlights and taillights, leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, navigation, BlueLink telematics, seven-speaker Infinity audio system, wireless charging pad, auto-dimming rear-view mirror)
- Base Price: $20,235 (including $885 destination charge)
- As Tested: $27,335
Performance Pros
- Base engine is perfectly fine for everyday use
- Six-speed automatic times shifts well and executes them smoothly
- Ride is composed and relatively quiet for the class
- Turbocharged Sport is a riot of torque-steer and tire squealing acceleration
Performance Cons
- Base 2.0-liter gets buzzy when exercised
- Six-speed manual requires sacrificing all optional extras
- Hard to drive Elantra GT Sport efficiently – it's too much fun
- Steering lacks feedback and precision
Interior Pros
- Cabin feels nicer, more premium than Elantra Sedan
- Spacious second row
- Huge amount of cargo space, even with the second-row up
Interior Cons
- Leather requires the top-of-the-line package
- That Tech Package is not cheap
- Base seats lack the comfort and support of the Elantra GT Sport's thrones
Our Favorite Thing
The Elantra GT is available with a very impressive suite of active safety systems that make this humble compact feel quite a bit more premium.
Our Least Favorite Thing
The best features require an automatic transmission – this might be understandable on the base model, but they're frustrating on the more premium GT Sport, a car whose performance-focused character is most enjoyable with the six-speed stick. Hey Hyundai, we'd like both the equipment and the manual transmission.
Right For
Active families that aren't interested in the crossovers that plague elementary school parking lots will love the Elantra GT's enjoyable driving dynamics and ample space.
Wrong For
Hyundai stopped deserving its reputation for “cheap” cars nearly a decade ago, and yet it still persists. Customers shouldn't let that stop them from buying an Elantra GT, but for some, the lack of a Honda, Ford, or Volkswagen badge is a disqualifying factor.
The Bottom Line
The Elantra GT ticks a lot of boxes, offering space, style, performance, and tech in equal measure. It's a stellar alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen and compromised crossovers for owners willing to step outside their comfort zone.
