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2018 Hyundai Elantra Review: Dependable Compact Car With An Upscale Interior & Nice Safety Tech

Rating: 4.57
Based on 100 Owner Reviews β–Ά
Cathleen V | March 31, 2025
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra, part of the model's sixth generation, is a compact car available as a sedan. Key trims include the SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Sport, and Limited. Its popularity stems from its strong value proposition, offering a lot of features for its price point. Expect a pricing range from around $17,000 to $23,000 when new. The Elantra stands out for its comfortable ride and user-friendly technology.
The Good

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra provides a compelling blend of advantages. Practically, it boasts excellent fuel efficiency and a strong value for money. Emotionally, its stylish design and comfortable interior create a pleasant driving experience. Its reliability track record and smooth ride further enhance its appeal, making it a smart and enjoyable choice.

The Bad

While a solid vehicle overall, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra's weaknesses include somewhat uninspired base engine performance. Some owners have reported issues with paint quality and premature wear. The rear seats can feel cramped for taller passengers. Watch out for potential issues with the infotainment system and ensure proper maintenance to avoid problems.

2018 Hyundai Elantra: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.0L Inline-4 (SE, SEL, Value Edition, Limited): 147 horsepower
    • 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Eco): 128 horsepower
    • 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 (Sport): 201 horsepower
  • Horsepower:
    • 128-201 hp depending on the engine.
  • Fuel Economy (MPG):
    • 2.0L: Around 28 city / 37 highway
    • 1.4L Eco: Around 32 city / 40 highway
    • 1.6L Sport: Around 26 city / 33 highway
  • 0-60 Times:
    • 2.0L: Around 8.5-9 seconds
    • 1.4L Eco: Around 9.5-10 seconds
    • 1.6L Sport: Around 6.5-7 seconds
  • Towing Capacity:
    • Not recommended for towing.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • SE: Standard features include a 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and basic safety features.
    • SEL: Adds features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring.
    • Value Edition: Includes popular options like a sunroof, heated front seats, and keyless entry.
    • Eco: Prioritizes fuel efficiency with the 1.4L turbo engine and unique features.
    • Sport: Offers sporty styling, a more powerful 1.6L turbo engine, and a sport-tuned suspension.
    • Limited: Top-of-the-line trim with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and advanced safety features.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2018
Make Hyundai
Model Elantra
Trim -
Style 6-Speed Automatic
Type Sedan
Category Mid-Size Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In Korea
Manufacturing City ULSAN
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight 2901 pounds
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating -
Overall Height 57.7 inches
Overall Length 170.9 inches
Overall Width 70.7 inches
Wheelbase Length 104.3 inches
Standard Seating 5
Engine & Performance
Engine 1.6-L I4
Engine Size 1.6L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission 6-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 6-Speed
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System 4-Wheel
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $19,350
Invoice Price -
Delivery Charges -

Vehicle History Report

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NMVTIS Title
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Salvage/Rebuilt
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Accident
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Theft
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Open Lien
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Past Sale
Listings
Safety
Recalls
Odometer
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Market Price
Analysis

What Problems Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Have?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has experienced a few frequently reported problems. Some owners have complained about issues with the automatic transmission, including hesitation and jerky shifting. There have also been reports of paint chipping and peeling, particularly on darker colors. Infotainment system glitches, such as freezing or delayed response times, have been documented as well.
Recalls for the 2018 Elantra have included issues related to engine stalling and potential fire risks. These recalls should be checked to ensure any affected vehicles have been properly serviced. Long-term reliability concerns primarily revolve around the aforementioned transmission and paint issues. Additionally, some owners have reported problems with the air conditioning system. Regular maintenance, including timely oil changes and transmission fluid replacements, can help mitigate some of these concerns. It's crucial to check the vehicle history report for any prior accidents or major repairs before purchasing a used 2018 Elantra.

How long will the 2018 Hyundai Elantra last?

With regular maintenance, a 2018 Hyundai Elantra can reasonably be expected to reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles or provide 10-15 years of service. Proper oil changes, timely replacement of fluids (transmission, coolant), and addressing minor repairs promptly are crucial. Long-term durability can be affected by the paint issues mentioned earlier, leading to potential rust if not addressed. The automatic transmission can also be a weak point if not properly maintained. Overall, the Elantra offers reasonable longevity with good care.
Positive Owner Reviews
Tayler
Hyundai Elantra 2018 is running great and is a beautiful car very satisfied with my purchase thank you for all the help very happy with it
Melanie
I bought mine a month ago and I LOVE it. It has wonderful gas millage (40-42 mpg highway) Drives smooth and is comfortable. I am 6 foot tall and have trouble in other cars, but this one I have plenty of room and my head is not hitting the top and it doesn't feel like I'm sitting on the ground. Visibility is great, I can see around with little blind spots. I think it is a very driver friendly car. Especially if you are on the highway a lot, like I am for work.
Isaac
I love the car it rides nice handles Performs good Comfortable roomie I have friends that wanna buy it now because they like riding in it and driving it Not a fan of the generation after because of the IVT in them prefer the generation I have with a regular transmission shifts nicer and peppier
Negative Owner Reviews
Jdub49La
We purchased this car used with 82k miles for daughter to use for college based on a lot of good reviews. Well we should have researched more because it broke down on the road 400 miles from home. These engines are crap and Hyundai knows but they don't want to take responsibility. They say it's not included in the engine replacement program but it's the same issues as the engine replacement program. WTH DON'T PURCHASE THESE VEHICLES.
Jennifer Richards
I've had nothing but problems with this vehicle since I bought it in 2018 and cannot wait to give it back.Hopefully it's not going to be a long drawn out process
Rsixftunder
Used to love Hyundai, but cured now. Apparently they put cheapest possible tires on these in factory, dur to.mine rotting out on sidewalks and blowing after only 1 year. I've had much better luck with Walmart tires.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra offers a decent array of built-in tech and safety features. The base SE trim comes with a 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims like the SEL and above add a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making smartphone integration seamless.
Driver-assistance features vary depending on the trim level. Available features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features on higher trims included adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams.
In terms of safety, the 2018 Elantra performed well in crash tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" rating (when equipped with specific headlights), and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave it a 4-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features include electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and a suite of airbags. The available safety technologies enhance the Elantra's appeal as a safe and reliable vehicle.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Symphony Silver
Quartz White Pearl
Machine Gray
Black Noir Pearl
Scarlet Red Pearl
Electric Blue
Interior Colors
Beige
Gray
Black

2018 Hyundai Elantra Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra ranged from approximately $17,000 for the base SE trim to around $23,000 for the top-of-the-line Limited trim. Current used market prices typically range from $11,000 to $17,000, depending on the trim level, mileage, and condition. Depreciation has been moderate, as expected for a compact car. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, condition, trim level (higher trims hold value better), and the presence of a clean vehicle history report. Vehicles with documented maintenance records and no accidents will command a higher price.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Cost of Ownership

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is generally considered economical to own. Insurance costs are typically moderate, and its excellent fuel economy contributes to lower running costs. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, is relatively affordable. While some repairs, particularly related to the transmission or paint, can be more expensive, overall long-term ownership costs are below average for its class. It is a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious buyers.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 29 gallons
City Mileage 26 miles/gallon
Highway Mileage 33 miles/gallon

2018 Hyundai Elantra Safety Rating

NHTSA
Overall Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Side Overall Star Rating
Overall Rollover Star Rating
Combined Front Seat Rating
Combined Rear Seat Rating
Overall Frontal Star Rating
Frontal Barrier Star Ratings Not Tested
Overall Side Star Rating
Side Barrier Star Ratings
Side Pole Star Rating
Combined Side Barrier And Side Pole Star Ratings Not Tested
Rollover Resistance Star Rating

2018 Hyundai Elantra Warranty

Basic
Original warranty 60 months / 60000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Roadside
Original warranty 60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Drivetrain
Original warranty 120 months / 100000 miles
Estimated remaining 36 months / 100000 miles
Rust
Original warranty 84 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired

2018 Hyundai Elantra Insurance

Insurance for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Compare to Other Sedan?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra competes in the compact car segment against rivals like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Chevrolet Cruze. In terms of price, the Elantra often offers a more affordable option than the Civic and Corolla, while providing a similar level of features. The Mazda3 generally offers sportier handling, but the Elantra provides a more comfortable ride.
Reliability-wise, the Corolla and Civic have a slight edge, but the Elantra is still considered reasonably reliable, especially with regular maintenance. The Cruze, while offering a comfortable ride, has faced reliability concerns. Feature-wise, the Elantra is competitive, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims.
Alternatives to the Elantra include the Honda Civic for its reliability and resale value, the Toyota Corolla for its dependability, and the Mazda3 for its sporty driving dynamics. However, the Elantra offers a compelling balance of features, price, and comfort, making it a strong contender. If budget is a primary concern, the Elantra is an excellent choice. Otherwise, test driving the rivals is recommended to determine the best fit.

Ranks #940 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0β˜…)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0β˜…)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0β˜…)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0β˜…)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (4.0β˜…)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0β˜…)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0β˜…)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0β˜…)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0β˜…)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0β˜…)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0β˜…)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0β˜…)
940 2018 Hyundai Elantra (5.0β˜…)

Final Verdict: Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a Good Sedan?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is ideal for budget-conscious buyers seeking a comfortable and well-equipped compact car. It's a good choice for daily commuting and families needing a practical and fuel-efficient vehicle. Whether it's worth buying depends on the price and condition of the specific vehicle. Opting for a used model is generally a good value proposition, especially if it has a clean history and documented maintenance. The SEL or Value Edition trims offer the best balance of features and price. Consider avoiding the base SE trim if you desire smartphone integration. Overall, the 2018 Elantra is a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability and practicality.

2018 Hyundai Elantra Owner Reviews

4.57
Overall rating
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Tayler on November 3, 2023

Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra 2018 is running great and is a beautiful car very satisfied with my purchase thank you for all the help very happy with it

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Melanie on July 17, 2023

No matter how tall you are, you'll love this!

I bought mine a month ago and I LOVE it. It has wonderful gas millage (40-42 mpg highway) Drives smooth and is comfortable. I am 6 foot tall and have trouble in other cars, but this one I have plenty of room and my head is not hitting the top and it doesn't feel like I'm sitting on the ground. Visibility is great, I can see around with little blind spots. I think it is a very driver friendly car. Especially if you are on the highway a lot, like I am for work.

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Sharon on May 29, 2023

Something is fishy

Was told this make of car needs to be started at least every 3 days!!!. Never heard of such a thing. Had a problem after purchase of going away for 10 days came back and car wouldn't start 2018 elantra

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Jdub49La on September 17, 2022

Don't Purchase

We purchased this car used with 82k miles for daughter to use for college based on a lot of good reviews. Well we should have researched more because it broke down on the road 400 miles from home. These engines are crap and Hyundai knows but they don't want to take responsibility. They say it's not included in the engine replacement program but it's the same issues as the engine replacement program. WTH DON'T PURCHASE THESE VEHICLES.

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0
1

Isaac on July 2, 2022

Glad I bought it perfect car

I love the car it rides nice handles Performs good Comfortable roomie I have friends that wanna buy it now because they like riding in it and driving it Not a fan of the generation after because of the IVT in them prefer the generation I have with a regular transmission shifts nicer and peppier

Was this review helpful?
1
0

Binle56 on June 27, 2022

My 2018 Hyundai Elantra

I bought my 2018 as a lease I just recently purchased to buy out the lease I have 34,000 miles on it and this car has been just wonderful. I average around 31 mi in the city and have been as high as 39.5 on the highway. The only thing I do is change the oil at every 5,000 miles rotate my tires at every 10,000 MI and I have bought a brand new set of michelins which the ride is so smooth. I have not had any major items go wrong on it it has been a great car for me the value is well worth it and I highly recommend it they are very dependable.

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James on June 26, 2022

Hyundai Elantra

This is a good little car. I like everything about it. But here recently the engine will just turn itself off for no reason. Hopefully this is a fixable issue. Otherwise I will be trading it in very soon.

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Brian C on May 5, 2022

Good value for the money

Purchased Elantra at 2 years old w 27k miles, still under original factory warranty and powertrain to 100k. Not bad. Experienced 30k miles to date, no issues, no service needed, just keep changing oi. On long trips averages 43-46 MPG at 65-70MPH. Almost as good as hybrid. Reasonably comfortable, quiet engine and smooth in town or long trips.

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Happy in NJ on May 31, 2021

Nice car!!

After leasing, I wanted to purchase this Elantra. It is a great carΓƒΒ’Γ’β€šΒ¬Γ‚Β¦color, reliability & price are just what I wanted & has all the features I need!

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Elantra 18 on May 31, 2021

It's a nice car

The car is fine I had a 2013 Elantra with the 1.8l so the 2.0l isn't that much better but my girlfriend and I like the car it is a way bigger step than our 2013 I love that it has more safety features Blindspot monitoring rear cross traffic warning touchscreen Apple CarPlay and this car really has ice cold air conditioning like better than my old car the car right now only has 28,000 miles and our 18 Elantra is a really Nice car compared to the older one that one had 167,000 and was still Kickin even with the 1.8 L piston slap although I have noticed a little rattling from the 2.0 L not sure what it is but I will tell you this at least it does not tick like our old one did and even if this one starts showing problems that's fine Hyundai will be fixing this for free period gotta love warranties

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Cathleen V

Cathleen is an exceptional freelance writer covering hot topics in the automotive world from a gearhead's perspective. Her articles delve into various aspects of automotive technology and history, offering readers detailed insights into engine performance, reliability, and maintenance. Through her engaging and informative writing, Cathleen provides valuable information to automotive enthusiasts and consumers alike, helping them make informed decisions about vehicle maintenance and purchases.