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The Hyundai Elantra comes in three flavors, but two of them are just about the same. The base and hybrid versions are calm, efficient cruisers with a docile personality. They set a perfect 5 on our scale.Then there’s the Elantra N, a sporty choice with a taut ride, nimble handling, and great acceleration. We’d call it a 7 if we rated it separately.
Nope, these are front-wheel-drive sedans.
How fast is the Hyundai Elantra?
Base versions are not quick. They use a 147-hp inline-4 teamed to a CVT. This setup is adequate and inoffensive, but little more. The CVT dances between low-rev frugality and high-rev power (or what power there is) deftly, but there’s no easy way for this little power to motivate a sedan of this size with any authority.
Enter the Elantra Hybrid, which is both less powerful and more interesting. How? Its 1.6-liter inline-4 dances with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic that works better than the CVT despite a mere 139 hp and a heftier curb weight. The electric motor fed by a small 1.3-kwh lithium-ion battery helps even out the torque band, providing better off-the-line scoot. It’s our favorite here, at least for daily driving.
Non-hybrid Elantras have a composed, but uninspired ride and light steering. Hybrid and N models replace the simple beam rear suspension with a comparatively high-tech independent setup for more planted handling and a far superior ability to shrug off bumps. Even with available 17-inch wheels, the Elantra has a well-cushioned ride. It’s never particularly stiff.
Elantra N Performance
The Hyundai Elantra N-Line is almost its own thing with its 201-hp turbo-4 teamed to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s noticeably peppier, and it handles well enough with beefed-up steering and numerous small modifications.
The full-on Elantra N is a knockout of a vehicle with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque, which goes forward via either a 6-speed manual gearbox or, optionally, an 8-speed dual-clutch. We’re normally fans of manuals, but the automatic has a cheeky “N Grin Shift” mode that packs on an extra 10 hp and tweaks shift points for even more deft acceleration for 20-second spurts. It’s video-game silly, but also loads of fun.
Sure, the turbo-4 has some lag right off the line, but it hits 60 mph in around five seconds. The firmer suspension rides stiffy but is comfortable enough even on lousy pavement. Be sure to select the summer tire option (and then shop for some winter rubber).
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