The Hyundai Elantra lineup offers an unexpectedly diverse range of powertrains, with four engine options and five transmissions across its models—all with a front-wheel-drive setup and four-cylinder engines. This variety is unusual for a compact sedan and caters to a broad spectrum of drivers.

The standard Elantra trims (SE, SEL, and Limited) are powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While this engine handles city driving comfortably, it can feel underpowered and loud at higher speeds on the highway. For those seeking more excitement, the N Line trim is a worthwhile upgrade. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, matched to a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line feels lively, delivering satisfying power and a spirited driving experience, although the transmission’s dry-clutch setup can cause slight hesitation when accelerating from a stop. Drivers will need to finesse the throttle for smoother starts.

The true performance leader is the Elantra N, boasting a potent 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque thanks to its 2.0-liter turbo engine. Unlike the N Line, it features an eight-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission for more seamless and powerful acceleration. The Elantra N also offers a six-speed manual option, making it one of the most engaging drives in its segment. With dynamic handling, bold exhaust pops, and a high-revving turbo engine, the manual variant is a thrill to drive, though it may be challenging for beginners due to its vague clutch engagement point. However, the Elantra N’s stiff suspension can make for a rough ride on uneven surfaces, which Hyundai has attempted to address with new suspension bushings, engine mounts, and enhanced steering for 2024.

For those prioritizing fuel economy, the Elantra Hybrid stands out with its 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine, a small battery pack, and an electric motor, producing a combined 139 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. Uniquely, Hyundai pairs this setup with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission rather than the typical CVT found in many hybrids, resulting in a more engaging drive. The Hybrid Blue trim achieves impressive EPA ratings of 51 mpg city, 58 mpg highway, and 54 mpg combined.

Fuel efficiency is also strong among non-hybrid trims, with the SE rated at 32/41/36 mpg, and the SEL and Limited at 31/40/34 mpg. The N Line trades some efficiency for performance, achieving 28/35/31 mpg, while the Elantra N sacrifices more, with 21/29/24 mpg for the manual and 20/27/23 mpg for the automatic. Overall, the Elantra offers something for everyone—from budget-conscious commuters to drivers seeking a sportier edge.

The Hyundai Elantra combines traditional and modern controls seamlessly. It offers a classic pull-handle parking brake and a straightforward PRNDL shifter, setting it apart from Hyundai’s newer models, which have shifted to bulkier column shifters. Convenient shortcut buttons for navigation, audio, and other functions sit just below the main touchscreen, with a dedicated area for climate and heated seat controls beneath. However, the drive mode button is placed somewhat awkwardly on the driver’s left, resembling a cost-cutting measure, as it could have been integrated into the digital instrument panel. Despite this, it remains an accessible physical control.

From the front seats, visibility is excellent in all directions. N Line and Limited trims come standard with a sunroof, enhancing the spacious feel, and headroom is generous across all seats. The rear seats provide ample legroom and two USB-C ports for passenger convenience, though air vents are not included. Up front, there's an additional USB-C port, along with an upgraded soft-touch door panel, an enhancement over previous models.

The trunk boasts an impressive 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, ample for a compact sedan. The standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats add flexibility, although the N model’s red X-brace for chassis reinforcement limits pass-through space in the rear seat.

For 2024, Hyundai has refined its infotainment and tech features across trims to enhance user experience. The SEL trim and above now feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen, while the SE trim includes a smaller 8-inch screen. To maintain an appealing design around the SE’s screen, Hyundai repositioned the shortcut buttons along with the volume and tuning knobs to create a streamlined look. A digital instrument panel comes standard, but the base SE lacks the customizable gauge layouts found in higher trims.

Blind-spot cameras, which display live views on the gauge cluster, are available exclusively on the Limited trim. While wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t supported, the infotainment system offers quick responses and detailed customization options, making settings easy to navigate. However, the home screen’s icons are small and similar in color, making them difficult to identify at a glance. Hyundai’s latest infotainment upgrades, seen in other models, address these usability issues more effectively.

New for 2024, a Wi-Fi hotspot and digital key function compatible with iPhones and Android devices add connectivity options. An eight-speaker Bose audio system and wireless charging pad are standard on N Line and Limited trims. Highway Driving Assist is also standard on the Limited trim, providing accurate steering assistance on marked highways—though it’s not hands-free, it offers reliable support for a smooth driving experience.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra boasts impressive safety ratings, securing a five-star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This rating includes four stars for front passenger protection, five stars for driver safety, and five stars for both front and rear passengers in two side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the 2024 Elantra a Top Safety Pick designation. However, not all of IIHS’s standard crash tests were conducted. In its latest moderate overlap frontal crash test, the Elantra scored lower than the 2021 model, with rear passengers at an increased injury risk, despite Hyundai’s addition of two rear side airbags for this model year. Notably, frontal knee airbags are absent.

In terms of safety features, the Elantra offers forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and auto high beams on the SE and N trims. SEL trims equipped with the Convenience Package, as well as the Limited trim, add cyclist detection, front cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Limited trim further enhances safety with rear emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra offers impressive value with a starting price of $21,625 and a lineup that includes seven trims, among them two hybrids and the sporty N model. The N Line trim, equipped with destination charges, comes in at $29,825. Hyundai backs every Elantra with three years of complimentary maintenance and a five-year/60,000-mile warranty, underscoring its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

In the competitive compact sedan segment, the Elantra shines against models like the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3 by providing a broad range of options and standout value. While previous generations of the Elantra leaned on affordability but compromised on driving dynamics and technology, this latest version proves Hyundai's dedication to refinement. The 2024 Elantra is not only a solid competitor but feels thoughtfully engineered. After more than two decades of evolution, Hyundai has crafted a well-rounded sedan that’s ready to impress.