2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Pricing Announced

Prices have been released on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, the all-new third generation of Hyundai's compact hatchback.

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai is pitching the all-new, third-generation Elantra GT as "European influenced" – more than hyperbole since, like the first two generations, the brand's latest compact hatchback was developed primarily in Europe.

In addition to being longer and wider than the outgoing model, it's also lighter (the body-in-white weighs 61 pounds less) and stiffer (22 percent more rigid). More importantly, from a practical point of view, it's eight percent bigger on the inside – with 96.5 cubic feet of passenger space and almost 25 cubic feet of cargo volume. Add those two figures up and the sum exceeds 120 cubic feet – large enough for the EPA to classify the 2018 Elantra GT as a Large Car.

Hyundai is also quick to point out that even as buyers charge headlong into SUVs, the "sportier" Elantra GT, with its rear seats folded, offers more cargo room than such stalwarts in the small crossover segment as the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade.

Outside, the shape of the latest Elantra GT is familiar – after all, there's only so much tweaking you can do to a compact hatchback. Up front, however, there's a new "cascading" grill that's both bolder and more upright. The headlights are narrower, while new standard vertical LED running lights are set into a pair of deep-set faux brake cooling ducts. Along the sides, the upper crease line has been moved above the door handles, while the beltline rises less drastically, allowing for more visibility for rear seat occupants. In back, the taillights are also narrower, while the outgoing models curves have been replaced by a more horizontal theme.

An upper rear spoiler is standard across the lineup. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are standard on the base model, while eighteen-inchers are found on the Sport, along with LED taillights and dual exhaust outlets.

Interior changes reflect those of the larger Sonata sedan. The previous twin-cockpit dashboard has been eighty-sixed for one with a more conservative horizontal theme. The good news here is a new, standard, eight-inch touchscreen display with a rearview camera that features dynamic guidelines along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Typical of Hyundai, the options list is fairly extensive for the compact class and includes wireless charging, an electronic parking brake, heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system, and a seven speaker Infinity audio system. Additional options on the sport model include dual-zone climate control, full LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, and Amazon Alexa Blue Link remote starting.

Advanced safety features optional on the Sport model include automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop/start capability.

Under the hood, base models get a direct injection, 173 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that carries over from 2017. It can be matched with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Sport models get the same 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Veloster Turbo that can be paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

Both models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension. The base model comes with a twist-beam rear axle, while the GT Sport's rear suspension is a fully independent multi-link setup. The GT Sport also features larger front and rear disc brakes as well as high performance all-season tires.