2017 Hyundai Elantra Review: Affordable & Reliable Compact Car

Butler_Buck on May 5, 2024

I purchased this car new in 2017 with the intention of giving it to my daughter when she started driving in 2019. I ended up keeping it and bought her something else. I have been very happy with this car. It is approaching 100k miles and I have not had one major repair on it. I've always changed the oil on it at regular intervals. (Note-if you let the oil get low, the car may stall and the oil light will come on, especially when turning left, but that's on me.) I wanted an economical car and it continues to get great mileage--around 40 MPG on the highway. It has been on multiple trips to Florida and Georgia and it has done well. I am 6-3 and ride comfortably in the driver's seat. We are now a Hyundai family. As I think about replacing it with a small SUV, I will give Hyundai more than a fair opportunity to earn our business.

Marc J on January 31, 2024

This is possibly the worst car I have ever had the pleasure of driving. My background comes from driving a 2016 Mazda Cx-5 as my daily for 2 years and a 2012 bmw x5. Can someone please tell me why the Hyundai Elantra has had more issues more frequently! I bought this car used (140k km in March 2023) and of course there was a few issues to handle such as breaks, spark plugs and tires. I thought to myself, I got a great deal on a modern used car. I was so mistaken. This car has been nothing but headaches. Here are a few issues I have with the car - Handles terribly - Too much noise in the cabin - Small trunk - Ever depreciating value - Weird noises occasionally - Awful in winter conditions - Uncomfortable seats - Always requiring maintenance - No onboard diagnostic monitor On the other hand the car does have a few things going for it such as - Great fuel economy - Heated front/rear seats I purchased this car from its first owner and yet as I look to trade it in now I am getting half the value in less than a year. I added 30,000 km onto the car (roadtripping and highway commute). I did everything to make sure this car would continue going safely and burned through nearly CAD$4,000 to do so because I didn't get a warranty. Thankfully I am in a position to trade this awful car towards a dealer car that includes a warranty. DO NOT BUY. … If you would like to know I am trading my 2017 Hyundai Elantra GLS for a 2014 Audi S4. The AWD Quattro system solves my problems with snowy conditions, the car is comfortable with soft leather seats and it handles so well. Despite it being an Audi, it comes certified, with a full third party mechanical warranty. It might not be more fuel efficient (and cost me the same amount w/ trade in as buying the Elantra a year ago) but it is definitely going to be more fun and comfortable than a Hyundai. Never again shall I make that mistake.

Chris on January 13, 2024

I own this 6th generation Elantra and have had no issues through 70K miles. I'm one to get oil changes every 5K - 6K miles and not much else maintenance besides the easy air filter, etc. I average 26 - 30 mpg and use it mainly for communiting. Parking spaces are easy in this and backing up as well with the HD backup camera. I hope it lasts 120K like my Sonata did before this.

Klmhl2015 on October 19, 2023

So happy I'm finally able to write a review on this xxx Car! I've had this car going on 2.5 years. I bought it with 66k miles on it and it has been NOTHING but issues since TWO weeks after I bought it. Started with a check engine light and has countless other issues with it. It has almost gotten me in numerous wrecks due to lack of reliability. My check engine light comes on every 2-3 months due to a “2nd cylinder misfire”…. I've had this issue fixed 5 freaking times now. I'm at the point where I refuse to even take it in anymore for the same issue. All they do is wiggle the cylinders and can usually get it to stop. I've done tune ups, I've done my regular oil changes, I take very good care of my vehicles but this car is a driving money drain. I've had to rent countless vehicles because Hyundai hasn't been able ti find issues with it even though the check engine light or other lights are on. It's died numerous times on me on different highways. It has 0 horsepower. Getting up hills sucks. I put it in sports mode and pray and hope for the best and OH, now, my insurance went from $170 to $243 a month for full coverage because Kia/hyundais are being broken into and started with USB ports so now my vehicle is considered a hazard and a high theft target. I will NEVER own another Hyundai. Not to mention the amount of recalls it's had. Due to the amount of issues, recalls, and the theft issue, the value of my car has dropped so far down that I can't even trade it in without owing a ton on it. So I'm stuck with it for now. If you are looking for your sign on buying a vehicle, do NOT buy this one. Don't even go with a Hyundai. Go for a Toyota. That'll be my next purchase.

Christopher bergen on March 8, 2023

After getting this car ,there was no paint chipping and after 2 months thats when i see the fisrt sign of it and its getting wrost. Beside that its a great car.

Toni on October 9, 2022

Electrical problems just to name a few ...the lights kept going in and out then wouldn't start Hyundai dealer said buy a charger and use that to start car assured me it was safe to drive until they could check it out in 2 months well it wasn't so safe the car. One night while driving all the lights started flashing again I couldn't see to pull over before I knew it I was in a ditch. Hyundai usa and the dealer knew about the problem and told me it was perfectly safe to drive putting my life in danger. They have done nothing. Beware of electrical problems. Don't let them fool you into thinking it is safe. It's not

Chris on October 5, 2022

Design / Style is for an individuals taste. Exterior: i do like the style / lines. Interior: the layout of controls is good. It's easy to get to various screens & displays. My only (2) negative things... The gas mileage I'm getting (35-38 mpg) of this 2017 has declined 3-4 mpg (from my former 2013 Hyundai Elantra Limited which averaged between 38-41). My mechanic also informed me as these Hyundai's age they start to burn (a little) oil -Proven as I have no drips in my garage but was down 1/2 quart at (several oil changes ago) -now using a heavier oil to compensate. Those (2) things are the only negatives (from me). The Android Auto feature I use all the time: Driving Directions from the [App] on my phone, making/ receiving calls & texts...all by voice command. The Air Conditioning & Heating is fantastic with the separate control. The Front Seat Heating is wonderful (quickly heats up when needed). The 60 / 40 Rear Seat Split (fold down) is great -easy to access the pull knob in trunk. BSD (Blind Spot Detection) is a wonderful safety feature; you know when someone is approaching & alerts so you will not change lanes. Backing up Detection/ Alert is great in parking lots. The camera & the alarm are great when backing up, as many people have no regard for cars backing out (they just keep walking & expect you to yield to them). I'm presently looking into buying a new 2023. My overall rating for this car (from 2017 to present 10/5/22) is an 8 / 10.

Susan Shipp on September 1, 2022

It is awful in the snow. I have had problems with my front drivers door not opening. Had to have it repaired. Needed a new door latch. Now my back drivers door won't open. The car keeps bucking.

K on August 14, 2022

So I bought this car in the spring of 2019 used with about 40k miles on it. The silver lining in the interior dashboard is already cracking and peeling off, both of my front struts had to be replaced, and also had to replace the spark plugs and coils. It's almost like everytime you turn around and fix one thing on this xxxx car, another thing breaks! My front driver door, and back passenger door doesn't open immediately, you have to play with the handles to get the xxxx thing open. It's very tedious, and if you're looking for a reliable used car, try a different make and model.

Chrisjeit54 on June 17, 2022

As a former GM owners we went into buying our next used car with an open mind. I knew Hyundais were known for their reliability and overall value, but until we took this car for a test drive, we weren't really aware of how good theses cars got. It's quiet rides real well gets great mileage...around 42-46 on the highway, mid 30's around town, and being the value edition, it has a ton of features including, keyless entry, DRL, pwr driver seat, pwr windows, locks and mirrors, carplay, heated mirrors, auto dim mirror inside, heated front seats. I could go on and on but this car is great and looks great too. We bought it used a year ago with just under 38000 miles. the bottom line is when looking at used cars check out the Elantra. You won't be disappointed.