The 2017 Hyundai Elantra car marked a significant redesign for the popular compact sedan, aiming to offer a blend of affordability, appealing aesthetics, and a host of features typically found in higher-end vehicles. Continuing its legacy of providing reliable and accessible transportation, the 2017 Elantra arrived at an opportune moment for the Hyundai brand. While Hyundai also offered the Elantra GT hatchback and other variations, this review will concentrate on the sedan model and its various configurations available to English-speaking car buyers.
To provide a comprehensive assessment, we spent a week test-driving a fully-loaded 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited. Our goal was to thoroughly understand the enhancements in this model and evaluate its standing against other competitive 5-passenger compact sedans in the market. It’s important to note that our test vehicle represented the higher end of the Elantra spectrum, equipped with features that might exceed the expectations of many budget-conscious buyers considering a Hyundai Elantra Car 2017.
2017 Elantra Car Pricing and Trims
The entry-level 2017 Hyundai Elantra SE sedan started at a competitive MSRP of $17,150, which was actually a slight reduction of $100 compared to the 2016 model. This pricing strategy positioned the Elantra car 2017 slightly below segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Mazda3 in terms of initial cost. However, it’s worth noting that those competitors often include more standard features in their base models. Opting for an automatic transmission in the Elantra SE added an extra $1000 to the price. For those looking to enhance the base model, Hyundai offered Popular Equipment ($800) and Tech ($1300) packages.
For drivers prioritizing fuel efficiency, the Elantra Eco trim started at $20,650. This model was specifically designed for gas savings, featuring a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission paired with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain configuration produced 128 horsepower and significantly improved EPA fuel economy ratings to an impressive 32 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway.
At the top of the range, the Elantra Limited trim started at $22,350. The Limited trim already came well-equipped with a generous list of standard features. However, Hyundai also offered premium upgrades for this model, including advanced active safety and driver assistance technologies bundled in the Limited Ultimate package for $1900. For those seeking enhanced audio and infotainment features, the Tech package was available for an additional $2500.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra offers various trims to suit different needs and budgets.
Engine Performance and Fuel Economy of the 2017 Elantra Car
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited we tested was powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. This engine was paired with a smooth and responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. This combination delivered ample power for both city driving and highway cruising, providing confident acceleration for merging and passing maneuvers. The Elantra Limited also included Hyundai’s Drive Mode Select system, offering drivers the choice between Normal, Sport, and Eco modes. During our week-long test, we found that Normal mode was perfectly adequate for most driving situations. Like all Elantra models, the Limited is front-wheel drive.
The EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited were officially listed at 28 MPG city, 37 MPG highway, and 32 MPG combined. Our real-world testing largely confirmed these figures. On a 57-mile mixed driving route, which included some spirited acceleration tests on the highway, we achieved an average fuel economy of 31.9 MPG. This is a respectable figure for a vehicle in the compact sedan class. Interestingly, the window sticker for our Elantra Limited classified it as a midsize car, not a compact, due to its spacious interior dimensions as defined by EPA measurements. The EPA also benchmarked the Elantra’s fuel economy against average ratings for the midsize class.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra provides a balanced performance and fuel efficiency.
Exterior Styling and Lighting of the 2017 Elantra Car
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra car represented an evolutionary step in styling rather than a radical departure from the previous generation. In profile, the new model maintained a familiar silhouette. However, the front end received notable updates, featuring LED lighting elements positioned low on the fascia and a more assertive front grille design. The Elantra Limited trim further enhanced its visual appeal with striking HID headlights incorporating Dynamic Bending Light technology. These modern lighting features contributed to a refreshed and contemporary appearance for the Elantra car 2017.
Practical and aesthetically pleasing touches included door handle approach lights, which illuminated the area around the door handles as the driver approached with the key fob. The 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, featuring an angular split-spoke design, added a touch of visual flair.
Our test vehicle was finished in the Blue Titanium exterior color, a vibrant and sporty option that accentuated the Elantra’s lines, enhanced the glow of the lighting elements, and helped the car stand out from the crowd. For buyers preferring a more understated look, Hyundai offered a range of more conventional paint colors as well.
The refreshed exterior of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra offers a modern and appealing design.
Interior Space and Design of the 2017 Elantra Car
Stepping inside the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited, we were impressed by the surprisingly spacious cabin. While the car’s overall dimensions remained similar to the previous generation, Hyundai’s interior designers successfully created a noticeably more airy and roomy feel inside. The Elantra car 2017 comfortably accommodates five adult passengers, with ample room for everyone. Furthermore, the interior offered plenty of easily accessible storage compartments and cubbies for front-seat occupants.
Ingress and egress were effortless, and finding a comfortable driving position was straightforward, thanks to the power-adjustable driver’s seat that came standard on the Limited trim. The Limited trim also included a memory system for the driver’s seat and side mirror settings. Leather upholstery was standard on the Limited, and our test car featured a pleasant gray leather hue. Heated front seats were available across most of the Elantra range and standard on all but the base model. Notably, our test vehicle also included heated rear seats, a feature not always found in this class.
The interior of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is surprisingly spacious and well-appointed.
Audio and Infotainment System in the 2017 Elantra Car
The infotainment system in the Hyundai Elantra Limited, centered around a 7-inch touchscreen, was generally user-friendly. We did encounter some initially perplexing audio settings, likely left over from a previous reviewer, which muted the navigation prompts relative to the music volume. However, these settings were eventually adjusted through the system’s menus. If anything, the Elantra Limited’s audio system might offer a somewhat overwhelming level of customization options, judging by the depth of the menu structure.
The 2017 Elantra car included both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. While Android Auto functioned as expected, our experience with Apple CarPlay was less seamless. After connecting an iPhone, the system repeatedly prompted us to activate CarPlay on the phone, even when it was already enabled. Even after the phone was recognized in the infotainment menu, the system continued to request interaction and command confirmation directly on the phone itself, which somewhat negated the convenience of CarPlay integration. This contrasted with a smoother iPhone integration experience we had in a recent test of a Hyundai Santa Fe, which did not even feature Apple CarPlay.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra features a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration.
Available Features and Options for the 2017 Elantra Car
The redesigned Elantra car 2017 came standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic transmission was also available. Even the base Elantra SE model included essential features like power windows, power door locks, cloth upholstery, satellite radio, a USB port, and a 6-speaker audio system.
Moving up the trim levels or adding optional packages unlocked a wide array of available features. These included upgraded audio systems with a 7-inch or 8-inch display (the latter including navigation), Bluetooth wireless connectivity, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a rearview camera, cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, a power trunk, power front seats, leatherette or leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, a power sunroof, and HID headlights.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra offers a wide range of available features and options.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology in the 2017 Elantra Car
Hyundai aimed to achieve the coveted Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) with the 2017 Elantra car, and they succeeded. This marked a significant safety improvement over the previous Elantra generation. However, the Elantra fell slightly short of earning the NHTSA’s (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) top 5-Star Overall safety rating. In NHTSA’s four crash tests, the Elantra received one 5-star score, with the remaining scores being 4-star. Despite not achieving a perfect NHTSA rating, the 2017 Elantra remained a safe choice in its class, though top safety ratings are often a key differentiator, especially for smaller vehicles.
The base Elantra SE did not include any advanced active safety or driver assistance systems. (It’s worth mentioning that many competitors were starting to offer rearview cameras as standard equipment even on base models at this time). However, a $1300 Tech package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. To access Hyundai’s more advanced safety technologies, buyers needed to upgrade to the Limited trim and opt for additional packages. This is how our test vehicle became quite expensive. While Hyundai made these technologies available, their cost as options was a point to consider.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra prioritizes safety with available advanced driver-assistance systems.
Other Notable Features of the 2017 Elantra Car
One feature we particularly appreciated in the Elantra Limited was the hands-free smart trunk. By simply approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob, the trunk lid would automatically pop open and raise after a few seconds. This feature proved very convenient when our hands were full. However, it did require a slight adjustment period to learn the timing and ensure the feature activated intentionally. Hands-free liftgates were becoming increasingly common on crossovers and SUVs, but this was an early example of such technology on a compact sedan. (It was also offered on the midsize Hyundai Sonata).
Hyundai backed the 2017 Elantra car with its reassuring 5-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. While not particularly groundbreaking in the industry, these warranties provided peace of mind and were a definite selling point for value-conscious shoppers considering the Elantra.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra includes convenient features like a hands-free smart trunk.
Final Verdict on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Car
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra car was a strong contender in the competitive compact sedan segment. In base trim, the Elantra offered excellent value for money, directly challenging other vehicles in its class on price. However, when fully loaded in Limited trim, as our test car was, the price point climbed to a level where some shoppers might hesitate. Our test vehicle’s sticker price of $27,710, including over $5,000 in optional extras, might be a harder sell for buyers who don’t require all the available tech and safety features.
The compact sedan segment was, and remains, fiercely competitive, with many rivals undergoing recent redesigns, constantly raising the bar. Despite some minor criticisms, the redesigned 2017 Elantra car successfully addressed most of the key requirements for competing effectively in this class. It offered a compelling combination of value, features, and refinement, making it a worthy option for car buyers in the market for a compact sedan.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a competitive compact sedan with a good balance of features and value.
