2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The Hyundai Elantra Sport is an Elantra sedan gussied up with extra power, a stiffer suspension, and sportier looks. An energetic turbocharged inline-four engine mates with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Combine that with eager handling and you have a fun little runabout, even if it’s not quite ready for a racetrack. The Elantra Sport fails to match our favorite sport compacts in terms of pure performance, but it lives up to Hyundai’s long-standing reputation for value with its low base price and generous equipment list.

What's New for 2017?

The entire Elantra lineup was redesigned for 2017, and the Sport model separated itself further from its more commonplace siblings by adding a turbocharged engine, a comprehensively reworked chassis with sportier tuning, and a sharper appearance.

Pricing

Original MSRP:

• Base: $22,535

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A spunky 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four is standard in the Elantra Sport. It produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Elantra Sport finished in the middle of its class in our acceleration tests. Still, the engine is eager to rev and has plenty of low-end grunt, making the Hyundai a fun tool for slicing through traffic. While some rivals are only available with a manual transmission, Hyundai offers a capable seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for those averse to operating a clutch pedal. With a tossable feel and an enthusiastic powertrain, the Elantra Sport is certainly an enjoyable small car to drive, although it doesn’t get our blood pumping like many of its competitors. The Elantra Sport’s firm suspension tuning helps limit body roll in corners, doesn’t negatively affect the ride quality, and retains just enough compliance so it handles rough roads with aplomb.

Fuel Economy

EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Elantra Sport’s plain cabin doesn’t feel as upscale as others in its class, although its low base price makes that somewhat forgivable. A few sporty touches help break up the wide swaths of black plastic that otherwise dominate the environment inside. A flat-bottom steering wheel, more aggressively bolstered front seats, and red stitching are the key differences between the Sport model and its more plebeian siblings. Power seats aren’t available at all, although heated front seats are a welcome standard feature. The Elantra Sport has a generously sized trunk and a fair number of cubbies inside the cabin. Folding the 60/40 split rear seats expands the trunk capacity significantly and can be accomplished easily by pulling seatback releases in the trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Elantra Sport offers nearly all of the connectivity features we expect in this segment, and most come as standard equipment. Its infotainment interface is clear and easy to operate. A 7.0-inch touchscreen is standard, while the optional Premium package brings a larger 8.0-inch screen with navigation and an upgraded audio system with eight speakers. Smartphone users will appreciate that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in every Elantra Sport.

Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings

For more information about the Hyundai Elantra Sport’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty

Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.