The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is packed with new features. Structurally there are some changes to the suspension and seals, holes are smaller, foam is thicker and sound absorbing materials have been added. The ride is a little smoother and quieter than in years past. However, the features that you’ll notice most during your daily drive are in the cabin.
Drive Impression
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a sturdy and capable car. It’s not what I’d call exciting but It’s not a car that’s trying to be. With pricing ranging from $17,150 to $26,750 the only excitement this vehicle requires is to be a top safety pick with the IIHS. Should they achieve that with the 2017 model year this car will scream excitement. In the interim you can have some fun with it by shifting manually and exploring windy roads. It responds nicely in sport mode and although I know we’re all supposed to enjoy sipping fuel in Eco mode it’s not my favorite way to drive.
I think we’re at a point where we know that buying a Hyundai is a commitment to an inexpensive to maintain, reliable vehicle with great technology and a warranty that keeps things uncomplicated.
Whenever I drive a vehicle in the $20,000 price range I ask myself if it’s a vehicle I’d buy for my children at 16. With the Elantra, the answer is unquestionably yes. This is a perfectly appropriate first car for a child lucky enough to drive a new car.
Safety
Pedestrian Braking: When a pedestrian is in front of a moving Elantra equipped with Pedestrian Braking and an accident is imminent with no driver reaction the car will automatically employ Automatic Emergency Braking which will bring the car to a stop from speeds of up to 43 MPH.
Rear Cross-traffic Alerts: When you’re pulling out of a parking spot and seemingly out of nowhere another vehicle whizzes by it can be aggravating, surprising or even expensive and painful. The reality is that these cars aren’t coming out of nowhere but as you’re seated in the front of a car it’s impossible to see everything. Rear Cross-traffic systems provide the driver an alert that a car is approaching. For everyone who has ever handed a newer driver the keys to the car this feature has us breathing a sigh of relief.
Tech
Apple Car Play and Android Auto bridge the gap between technology and safety. Yes, we love our apps. Everything from texting with Siri to Spotify, Waze and Google Maps makes us feel connected but having them as a native integration with the new Hyundai Elantra keeps our eyes on the road and the driving experience lower stress and infinitely more enjoyable.
The seven inch touchscreen is available on popular equipment packages. $800 gets you:
- 7” Display Audio (deletes CD player)
- Android Auto® & Apple CarPlay®
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines – Auto headlamp control
- 16” alloy wheels with P205/55 R16
- Steering wheel audio controls
- Cruise control
- Bluetooth® hands-free phone
- Heated outside mirrors
- Hood insulator
Lifestyle
The hands free trunk is glorious. If you’ve never owned a car with a hands free trunk you’ve never experienced the pleasure of not having to put your bags or boxes down on a muddy street so that you can click to open a car door. Mothers with young children who have the trunk pop open for them will feel like the heavens have opened and angels are singing. The folks at Hyundai like to point out that their trunk opens when you simply stand near it and it’s not inconvenient like the kicking motion required with a Ford. As a Ford owner I feel a need to point out that it’s really not that difficult to put a foot under your bumper. Really, any option that frees your hands up is a good option.
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