2017 Hyundai Elantra

Base/volume 2.0L Nu engine on SE, Value Edition and Limited trims for 2017.

Peak torque of the standard naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine.

Modest output for the segment yields a leisurely 0-60 time; independent tests cluster in the 9.3-9.7s range for the 2.0L automatic.

Naturally-aspirated 2.0L delivers smooth but unremarkable power with no turbo lag; reviewers describe it as adequate rather than eager, and the engine gets noisy under hard acceleration.

The conventional 6-speed automatic (replacing the prior generation's problematic 6-speed) shifts smoothly and predictably with no CVT drone, though it is not particularly quick to downshift.

The 2017 Elantra sedan is FWD-only across the entire trim lineup; no AWD option is offered on the sedan body style (AWD is exclusive to no Elantra variant this model year).

2017 offers three distinct gas engines across the sedan range — a 1.4L turbo (Eco trim), the volume 2.0L, and a new 1.6L turbo introduced on the Sport trim later in the model year — but no electrified variant (that lives on the separate Ioniq nameplate).

EPA combined rating for the volume 2.0L/6-speed automatic SE configuration.

EPA city rating for the volume 2.0L/6-speed automatic SE configuration.

EPA highway rating for the volume 2.0L/6-speed automatic SE configuration.

Computed from the 14.0-gallon fuel tank and EPA combined MPG for the SE 2.0L automatic; fueleconomy.gov lists the same total range figure.

EPA annual fuel cost estimate at standard 15,000 mi/yr assumptions for the SE 2.0L automatic.

Runs on regular unleaded across the entire trim range, including the turbo engines; no premium requirement or plug-in complexity.

NHTSA rated the redesigned sixth-generation (2017-2020) Elantra 4 stars overall, down from 5 stars on the outgoing generation, driven by a side-impact intrusion concern noted in testing despite an individual 5-star side score.

IIHS rated the 2017 Elantra sedan Good across all five crashworthiness tests (small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints) and Superior for front crash prevention with the optional system, earning Top Safety Pick+ for vehicles built after March 2016 — the small-overlap result was the standout improvement over the prior generation (2 in. of intrusion vs 9 in.).

None of AEB/FCW, blind-spot monitoring or lane keep assist were standard on any 2017 Elantra trim, including the volume SE — forward collision warning with autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were sold only as options on the top Limited trim.

When equipped (Limited trim, optional), IIHS front crash prevention testing rated the system Superior — it avoided the collision entirely in the 12 mph test and cut 22 mph off closing speed in the 25 mph test; the era's test protocol did not yet include a pedestrian or nighttime component.

Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist was available only on the Limited trim, one of three trims, and was alert-only with no active braking intervention — absent entirely on the volume SE and Eco trims.

The optional system was lane departure warning with corrective steering nudges, not true lane-centering assist, and was limited to the top trim — early-generation LDW/LKA of this era was widely regarded as crude compared to later centering systems.

Smart Cruise Control was available (Limited only) using the same radar/camera array, but does not bring the car to a complete stop, so it lacks full-speed-range/stop-and-go capability and is not paired with any highway-assist centering feature.

No hands-free highway driving system existed on the Elantra or anywhere in its mainstream compact-sedan segment in the 2017 model year; the most advanced feature offered was supervised lane-keep assist requiring hands on the wheel.

IIHS rated the standard halogen projector low-beams Poor on the SE, Eco and base Limited configurations; only the Limited with the Ultimate package's HID curve-adaptive headlights rated Good, so the volume trim's headlights are Poor.

No major reviewer or owner complaints of blind-zone problems were found beyond routine rear-window fogging reports; contemporary compact-sedan proportions and moderate pillar thickness suggest average, unremarkable outward visibility for the segment with no camera-based compensation offered.

Cars.com's car-seat check gave the 2017 Elantra an "A" for LATCH ease of use — anchors sit just within the seat bight for easy access, two child seats installed easily in both forward- and rear-facing modes without needing to move the front seat, though there is no center-position LATCH anchor.

Standard 5-passenger compact sedan seating across all 2017 Elantra trims (SE, Eco, Sport, Limited).

Sixth-generation (AD) Elantra front headroom figure, consistent across the 2017-2020 model years of this generation.

Manufacturer-published front legroom for the volume SE trim.

Second-row headroom for the sedan; seats 5 so item applies.

Rear legroom trails larger compact-sedan rivals; a known weak point for this generation.

Trunk volume above class average for the compact-sedan segment per multiple manufacturer-sourced spec listings.

Conventional center console, door pockets and a covered center bin; no standout storage innovation for the segment.

Base cloth seats are supportive for shorter drives but reviewers note flatter cushioning than class leaders; heated seats/leather reserved for Limited trim.

Redesigned suspension (revised MacPherson struts, torsion-beam rear, retuned bushings) gives the AD-generation Elantra one of the smoother rides in the compact-sedan class; firm but composed over bumps.

Average wind/road noise suppression for a mainstream compact sedan of this era; no acoustic glass or active noise cancellation offered.

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel are Limited-trim/Tech-package exclusives; no ventilated seats or rear climate vents offered at any trim, so volume SE/Eco buyers get manual A/C only.

Entry SE trim with manual transmission was the cheapest configuration; well within the sedan norm for the compact segment.

The automatic SE with the Popular Equipment Package (16-in alloys, 7-in touchscreen, rearview camera, Android Auto/CarPlay) was the practical volume configuration most buyers chose over the stripped manual base.

Industry estimates put Elantra maintenance around $3,000-$5,000 over 5 years, and RepairPal's ~$452/year average repair cost is well below the compact-sedan average, reflecting Hyundai's generally low-cost mechanicals.

No 2017-specific 5-year residual study was found; CarEdge's general Elantra depreciation curve (roughly 60% value loss / 40% retention at 5 years) is used as the best available proxy, typical for a mainstream compact sedan.

Standard Hyundai basic warranty for MY2017, matching the segment's better-than-average coverage.

Hyundai's 'America's Best Warranty' 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner was a hallmark differentiator against every mainstream compact-sedan rival in 2017 (Corolla, Civic, Sentra, Cruze all offered 5yr/60k or less).

Hyundai's Complimentary Maintenance Program did not begin until February 2020, so the 2017 Elantra carried no included scheduled maintenance — only the brand's standard 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance (Hyundai Assurance). That's real but modest compared to rivals like Toyota's 2-year ToyotaCare, which bundled actual service visits.

$21,085 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (40% retained, or about $8,434) leaves about $12,651 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,000 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $16,651 in total.

The all-new 6th-gen (AD) 2017 Elantra earned a Consumer Reports predicted reliability score of 78/100 (roughly 4/5), above average for the class, though CR flagged it as trailing some same-year compact rivals.

Hyundai posted its best-ever J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study result in the 2017 study (6th among all brands, problems-per-100 down 16% year over year), placing it solidly mid-to-upper pack rather than merely average.

The 2017 model year carries multiple safety-system recalls specific to this build: a brake booster that could fail and cut power-assist braking, a driver's airbag with an improperly sealed inflator, and an electronic power steering (MDPS) connector that could cause loss of steering assist. None are fire/structural, but three separate safety-critical-system campaigns in one model year is above typical for the segment.

The 2.0L Nu MPI four (volume engine paired with the 6-speed automatic) carries a documented pattern of high oil consumption, camshaft/CVVT and timing-chain replacements, and reported engine failures in the 100,000-110,000 mile range across this generation; the related piston-ring heat-treatment recall applied to later (2019-2020) Nu-engine cars, but owner-reported failures on 2017 examples specifically are common in forum and complaint-database records.

The 2017 redesign was widely credited with an upscale-feeling cabin for the price — soft-touch, matte and brushed-finish trim replacing much of the previous generation's hard plastic, and even base cloth seats read as non-cheap — though reviewers still noted scattered hard/scratchy plastics and a plainer treatment in the top Limited trim.

Contemporary reviews describe the redesigned cabin's assembly as solid and sturdy with no notable pattern of panel-gap or rattle complaints, consistent with a competitive but not class-leading result for a mainstream compact.

Hyundai runs a large, mainstream-volume US dealer network (high-hundreds of stores nationwide) with adequate coverage and average-to-solid service satisfaction — dense enough for a high-volume compact but not a standout versus the segment's other mass-market brands.

The Elantra's ownership costs run well under the compact-class average, and as a high-volume nameplate it has broad parts availability and a large aftermarket.

The volume SE trim ships with a 3.5-in monochrome display; the widely-optioned $800 Popular Equipment Package (added to most SE sales) upgrades to a 7-in touchscreen with backup camera and phone projection, used here as the representative figure. Limited w/ Tech Package steps up to an 8-in navigation unit.

Hyundai's 2017-era Display Audio interface is straightforward with physical volume/tune knobs, but graphics and response times are dated compared to segment tech leaders.

CarPlay and Android Auto launched on the 2017 Elantra but only wired, and only via the Popular Equipment Package (SE) or standard on Limited/Limited w/ Tech — not available on base SE, Eco, or Sport, and wireless projection did not exist on this generation.

Basic Bluetooth voice-command set for phone/audio functions; native navigation is an 8-in unit limited to Limited w/ Tech Package, so most owners rely on phone projection instead.

Base 6-speaker system is adequate; the optional 8-speaker Infinity premium system (Limited w/ Tech Pkg) with Clari-Fi processing is a genuine step up, though reviewers flagged a weak subwoofer.

Analog gauge cluster with a small monochrome trip-computer readout on every 2017 Elantra trim; no configurable digital display was offered this generation.

No over-the-air update capability existed on mainstream 2017-model-year vehicles' infotainment or vehicle software; any update required a dealer visit or USB flash.

Blue Link debuted on the Elantra for 2017 with remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle locate via the MyHyundai app, free for the first year then subscription-based; a solid core feature set for the era though not class-leading.

A single USB-A port plus a 12V outlet up front, none in the rear; no wireless charging pad or USB-C offered at any trim this generation.

Proximity smart-key entry with push-button start is reserved for the Limited trim; volume SE/Eco/Sport trims use a traditional key and remote fob.

A standard-definition rearview camera comes with the Popular Equipment Package or above; no surround-view camera or front parking sensors were offered on any trim.

No head-up display was offered on any 2017 Elantra trim.

Rear door openings and LATCH anchors are conventional for a compact sedan; usable but rear legroom (35.7 in) limits comfortable forward-facing car-seat installs with a tall front passenger.

Excellent crash structure (IIHS Top Safety Pick+) but forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning are all restricted to the Limited trim (AEB requiring the Ultimate Package) — the family-affordable SE/Eco/Sport trims get none of the ADAS suite.

Decent 14.4 cu ft trunk for luggage but below-average rear legroom and no rear climate vents/USB make multi-hour trips with kids in back merely adequate, not comfortable.

Composed, secure low-speed manners with a smooth ride and light, easy steering make the Elantra a relaxed commuter, even if not engaging.

32 mpg combined (33 mpg on SE) with regular unleaded gives low per-mile running costs typical of the compact-sedan class, though the dedicated Eco trim's 35 mpg combined isn't the volume configuration.

Compact footprint and a tight 34.8 ft turning circle make the Elantra easy to park and thread through traffic; a backup camera is only available from the Popular Equipment Package up, so base SE buyers lack that aid.

A front-wheel-drive compact sedan with a 14.4 cu ft trunk and no tow rating offers essentially no work/towing capability.

Hyundai's mainstream reputation is reasonable, but the Elantra is not fleet/work-proven, and owner reports flag some 2.0L engine roughness and electrical issues — not a vehicle bought for hard-use durability.

A sedan trunk offers no tie-downs, no onboard power outlets, and no upfit ecosystem for tools or equipment.

Good highway economy (37-40 mpg hwy) gives solid range between fill-ups, and the ride is composed, but seats are average and adaptive cruise/driver-assist tech is absent below the Ultimate Package, adding driver fatigue on long hauls.

Front-wheel drive only with sedan ground clearance and no AWD option offered this generation — pavement-bound with essentially no outdoor utility.

Standard 60/40 split-folding rear seatback extends the 14.4 cu ft trunk for longer items, but there are no roof rails or factory hitch option, limiting bulky gear-hauling versatility.

Composed and planted with little body roll thanks to a stiffer body structure and revised suspension, but the standard SE/Eco setup is tuned for security over engagement.

Electric steering is accurate and reasonably weighted with the drive-mode selector, but reviewers consistently note a lack of genuine road feedback.

No adverse braking complaints found in period reviews; disc/drum setup on base trims (rear discs standard on some trims) delivers adequate, unremarkable stopping performance typical of the class.

The Atkinson-cycle 2.0L paired with a conventional 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly with no stop-start roughness, though throttle response is leisurely (8.1s 0-60).

Generally inoffensive at cruise, but some owners report rough idle and coarseness from the 2.0L four under certain conditions.

Tight turning circle near the best end of the compact-sedan band, consistent across all 2017 Elantra trims.

Tilt-and-telescoping wheel is standard fleet-wide, controls are logically laid out, and sightlines are good for the segment; manual-only seat adjustment on lower trims limits fine-tuning.

The volume SE/Eco is pleasant but forgettable to drive; the enthusiast-oriented turbocharged Sport trim is markedly more engaging but isn't the representative configuration scored here.

The manual-transmission base SE was sparse, but the automatic SE's Popular Equipment Package standardized 16-in alloys, a 7-in touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a rearview camera and Bluetooth at a price that undercut similarly equipped Civics and Corollas — generous for the money without being segment-leading.

Redesigned interior quality, class-competitive tech (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto rolled out across the line), and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ safety tech at mainstream compact pricing gave the 2017 Elantra a solid value reputation, just short of standout-bargain status.

Five distinct trims (SE, SE Value Edition, Eco, Sport, Limited) spanned value-focused to fuel-efficient to sporty to loaded, but the range was FWD-only sedan with no AWD option, narrower than some rivals offering hatchback or AWD variants.

The Elantra was Hyundai's top-selling nameplate in the US (about 30% of the brand's volume) and remained a top-tier compact-sedan seller in 2017, though industry-wide sedan demand was already softening as buyers shifted to crossovers.

Hyundai in 2017 carried a mainstream, value-oriented image with an improving quality reputation (bolstered by the industry-leading warranty) but no aspirational halo — solidly neutral rather than a drag or a draw.

Compact sedans were a heavily incentivized segment in 2017 as SUV demand drew buyers away, and Hyundai historically competed hard on rebates/financing against Corolla, Civic, Cruze and Sentra rather than selling near MSRP.

2017 is the first model year of the all-new sixth-generation (AD) Elantra — a full redesign with a new platform, revised styling, and newly introduced tech like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, as current as a compact sedan gets.

The redesigned Elantra earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and U.S. News's Best New Cars for Teens award, and was generally well-reviewed for value and tech, but the 2017 Civic and Corolla often edged it out in head-to-head comparison tests on driving engagement.