2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport: Unleashing Performance and Style

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport isn’t just a visual upgrade; it’s a statement. With its distinctive design enhancements, this model immediately sets itself apart within the Elantra lineup and against its competitors, projecting a unique and assertive road presence.

Front view of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport showcasing its unique black hexagonal grille and LED daytime running lights.

Exclusive front and rear fascias are key differentiators, subtly signaling the enhanced power and dynamic capabilities of the Sport variant. Key design elements include a black hexagonal grille accented with a discreet “Turbo” badge, assertive side sill extensions, horizontal LED Daytime Running Lights, uniquely styled HID headlamps, a signature LED taillight design, and chrome dual exhaust outlets integrated into a rear-bumper diffuser. The sporty aesthetic is completed with exclusive 18-inch wheels fitted with Hankook Ventus S1 Noble² ultra-high performance all-season tires.

Side profile of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport highlighting its sporty 18-inch wheels and aggressive side sill extensions.

Unprecedented Performance and Dynamics: Engine and Handling

The “Sport” designation for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport signifies more than just aesthetics; it represents a substantial leap in performance engineering. Hyundai has ensured that the Elantra Sport delivers on its sporty promise through significant mechanical and structural enhancements.

Mike Evanoff, product manager for the Elantra at Hyundai Motor America, highlighted the car’s appeal: “We are thrilled to offer Hyundai’s most dynamic Elantra ever. Elantra Sport is, first and foremost, a supremely fun daily driver with loads of style and a value-packed set of features. Our steady cadence of Elantra sedan introductions has led to the most diverse and flexible lineup ever offered—led by Elantra, bolstered by the efficient Elantra Eco, and now completed with the exciting new Elantra Sport.”

Hyundai's Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI engine powering the 2017 Elantra Sport, delivering 201 horsepower.

At the heart of the 2017 Elantra Sport is Hyundai’s robust Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI inline four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a potent 201 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, readily available from 1,500 to 4,500 RPM. This represents a significant increase of 54 horsepower and 63 lb.-ft. of torque compared to the standard naturally aspirated Elantra. Drivers can choose between a standard 6-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience or an optional 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for quick, automated gear changes.

The 2017 Elantra Sport’s construction incorporates a substantial amount of high-strength steel (53 percent, a significant increase from 21 percent in the previous generation) and 394 feet of structural adhesive. These enhancements, coupled with a Sport-exclusive rear multi-link independent suspension system, elevate the Elantra’s dynamics to unprecedented levels. Further technical refinements include larger front and rear stabilizer bars, increased spring and damper rates, upsized 12-inch front brake rotors, and retuned steering and final drive ratios, all contributing to sharper handling and a more responsive driving feel.

The new multi-link independent rear suspension of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport, enhancing its handling dynamics.

Sporty Sound Profile: Exhaust and Intake Enhancements

Complementing its aggressive styling and performance upgrades, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport features a carefully engineered sound profile. Hyundai has meticulously tuned both the exhaust and intake systems to create an auditory experience that matches the car’s sporty character. The muffler tuning is specifically calibrated to bring the exhaust note to the maximum allowable limit for pass-by sound regulations, ensuring a noticeable but refined sporty growl.

Attention to sonic detail extends to the intake system. The U.S.-spec airbox is designed with reduced baffling to amplify engine sound, and the air intake pipe itself is constructed from a porous material to allow sound to permeate. These synchronized modifications to the intake and exhaust systems give the Elantra Sport an authentic, sporty sound directly from the factory, avoiding the often-undesirable boominess and highway drone associated with some aftermarket exhaust systems.

Dual exhaust outlets on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport, tuned for a sporty and refined exhaust note.

Interior and Features: Sporty and Smart Cabin

Inside the 2017 Elantra Sport, the cabin builds upon the standard Elantra’s acclaimed user experience, which was recognized as one of Wards 10 Best User Experiences. The Sport model enhances the interior with heated leather sport seats featuring more pronounced bolstering, striking red contrast stitching, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shifter, and a sporty black headliner.

Standard technology features are comprehensive, including Hyundai’s user-friendly AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM 7-inch Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a convenient proximity key with push-button start. Alloy pedals and a Sport-exclusive instrument gauge cluster further distinguish the interior from the rest of the Elantra lineup.

Interior view of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport showcasing heated leather sport seats with red stitching and a flat-bottom steering wheel.

Front view of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport showcasing its unique black hexagonal grille and LED daytime running lights.

For those seeking even more premium features, the available Premium Package offers a range of desirable upgrades and driver aids. This package includes an 8-inch navigation system, an upgraded 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a dedicated center channel and subwoofer featuring Clari-Fi Music restoration technology, Blue Link connected services, a power sunroof, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist.

Competitive Pricing and Value Proposition

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport presents a compelling value proposition in the sport sedan market. Starting at $21,650 for the model equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission and $22,750 for the 7-speed DCT variant (both prices excluding an $835 freight charge), the Elantra Sport undercuts many of its rivals while offering a rich set of standard features and engaging driving dynamics. The optional Premium Package is available for $2,400, further enhancing the vehicle’s amenities and technology.

Evanoff emphasized the Elantra Sport’s value: “Elantra Sport continues Elantra’s superb value story by offering a compelling mix of standard and available equipment with an engaging driving experience at pricing that undercuts rival sport sedans in its category. With Elantra Sport’s arrival, we are able to offer an Elantra to match every driving personality.”

Elantra Sport vs. Standard Elantra: Key Differences