2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

Name: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Review
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $6,999 - $20,998

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 4dr Hatchback Exterior

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$14,035 avg. price

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Hyundai Elantra GT model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by James Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.}

Pros

Cabin is stylish and comes packed with features
Sport model is enjoyable to drive
Offers plenty of cargo space

Cons

Base model's lackluster fuel economy

What’s new

The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is completely redesigned for 2018.

Vehicle overview

The Elantra GT is completely redesigned for 2018 and shares many of the same mechanical components as last year's redesigned Elantra sedan. From there, however, the sedan and hatchback differ since the GT is effectively the European-market Elantra. As such, it has distinctive exterior styling and a considerably different interior design. The interior is not only divergent from the sedan's but from interiors of the rest of Hyundai's lineup as well. It's a good look — better than the rather conservative sedan's, we think — yet it maintains the brand's user-friendly controls. We also like that an 8-inch touchscreen is standard equipment, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near New York, NY

28 listings

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Sport 4dr Hatchback
$12,200
good price
$1,537 below market
- 96,073 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automated manual
- Driveway (24 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Nanuet, NY
CarFax No Accidents Reported,Rare Find,Back-Up Camera,Blind Spot Monitor,Bluetooth,Brake Assist,Hands-Free Liftgate,Heated Seats,Keyless Start,Leather...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
28 Combined MPG (26 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHH55LCXJU029499
Stock: SL032022A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 Hyundai Elantra GT
Base 4dr Hatchback
$12,999
fair price
$828 below market
- 63,966 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 4cyl automatic
- Auto Spot (10 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Apple Carplay/Androi...
Close
Located in Wood-Ridge, NJ
Price includes all costs to be paid by consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees, retail package, title and taxes. Any monetary discount...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KMHH35LE1JU018754
Stock: 018754-54
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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There are two flavors of the GT available. The base version has more standard power than the Elantra sedan, but its fuel economy is worse, which might limit its appeal if fuel economy is a priority for you. The GT Sport has an ample 201 horsepower from its turbocharged engine, and it actually gets better fuel economy (with an automatic transmission) than the base version. The superior fuel economy and power, plus its improved handling capabilities, make the Sport the more desirable and competitive choice.

No matter the version, though, you'll like the Elantra GT's mix of space, performance and style. Along with models such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf, the new 2018 Elantra GT is worth a look if you're shopping for a hatchback.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.6 / 10

There's more differentiating the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and regular Elantra than just a hatchback body. The GT also has a distinct interior design, a more powerful base engine and a sharper driving experience. Overall, we like the GT and think it's a solid choice for a roomy and sporty hatchback.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (2.0L inline-4 | 6-speed automatic | FWD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.6 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	8.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	7.5
Technology	7.5

Driving

7.5

Its steering, brakes and suspension make it easy and fun to drive. The base 2.0-liter engine's power is livable, and the transmission does nothing offensive, but we would undoubtedly prefer the turbo 1.6-liter in the GT Sport.

Acceleration

6.5

The power available isn't great, but it's livable. The strained moan from the engine during heavy acceleration will probably be more of a hurdle for most than the lack of power. When prodded, this engine has enough to make merging work in most cases, accelerating to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

Braking

7.5

The brakes are easy to modulate, with no excess play or squishiness. They may not be performance-oriented brakes, but they feel nice and are predictable to use. In our panic-braking test, it needed 124 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is average for the class.

Steering

8.0

The steering, one of the best aspects of this car, is well-tuned and direct with enough heft to feel secure at highway speeds. There isn't a ton of feedback, but it builds confidence and is well-matched to the suspension competence.

Handling

8.0

When it comes to handling, the Elantra GT acquits itself well. The low-rolling-resistance tires don't offer a lot of grip, but the GT feels nimble and is willing to be tossed around. Bumps are largely dispatched without issue, although certain midcorner bumps can unsettle it somewhat.

Drivability

7.5

The transmission has no bad habits in routine driving, but it's programmed solely for casual cruising. Sport mode doesn't deliver any increased urgency in its shift logic. Everyday drivability is otherwise agreeable. It kicks down a gear when needed and does so without too much delay.

Comfort

8.0

A quiet cabin and great temperature regulation are the highlights of this car's general comfort. The ride is agreeable considering how well this car handles, too. More than one driver, however, found the seat cushions too stiff for comfort despite the good range of adjustability.

Seat comfort

7.0

The seats have a wide adjustment range, but the cushions are very firm and not great for long trips. The leather also feels synthetic, but the optional power ventilation prevents the driver from getting swampy. Lateral support is modest, but the lumbar support is adjustable and well-placed.

Ride comfort

7.5

The ride is on the firm side but isn't harsh. It strikes a good balance between motion control and compliance. Most occupants will find the ride acceptable, and those who value slightly sportier dynamics will have no issue trading some ride comfort for the handling benefits.

Noise & vibration

8.5

There's some mild wind and road noise at highway speeds, but overall the cabin is quieter than the average compact car. At lower city speeds, road noise is particularly well-isolated, and there are no discernible interior rattles or creaks.

Climate control

8.5

The dual climate control system is pretty straightforward to operate and maintains proper cabin temperatures well. It gets bonus points for having three levels of heated and ventilated seats in this segment. The cabin air ionizer was also effective at filtering out ambient smoke from a local wildfire.

Interior

7.5

Hyundai does a great job in making its cabin controls easy to learn and operate. They may not be fancy, but they are highly functional. The GT is a little short on rear passenger space, but on the whole, the cabin is well-executed.

Ease of use

8.0

In typical Hyundai fashion, the controls are very straightforward and easy to operate and understand. There are a number of hard-button shortcuts for touchscreen menus, and the gauge cluster info display is also easy to thumb through and configure. There's no need to break out the owner's manual here.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

The front doors have generous-size openings with good head clearance and an easy step-in height. The rear door openings have plenty of head clearance, too, but are rather narrow, which leaves less space to swing your legs.

Driving position

8.0

A wide range of seat adjustment means a variety of drivers should be able to find a comfortable position. The column tilts and telescopes to a decent degree. We especially like the generous tilt angle of the driver's bottom cushion. Shame that the cushions themselves aren't more comfortable.

Roominess

7.0

The front seats have a good amount of space in nearly all directions. The back seat is tighter than average on legroom and surprisingly short on headroom, even though the manufacturer-provided dimensions indicate otherwise. If you're 6 feet tall, you're probably not going to be comfortable in the back.

Visibility

7.5

Rear visibility is inherently quite good in hatchbacks. The GT's rear window is a good size. And although you can see the outboard rear headrests, they don't impede on the rearward view. The side mirrors create a bigger blind spot than they would if they were mounted to the door skin.

Quality

8.0

The interior cabin reflects quality design. The dash has a uniform look even if it's a mix of soft-touch and matte-finished plastic. The central infotainment screen has an upscale look, and the door handles sport a smooth metal-like finish. The only cheap-feeling parts are the sideview mirrors switches.

Utility

7.5

Hatchbacks are well-suited for cargo, and the Elantra GT is a model example of this. Cargo space is generous and in-cabin storage is well-thought-out with good options for all your personal effects. If you're looking to fit a car seat, there are some suboptimal aspects to be aware of.

Small-item storage

8.0

There's a good variety of cabin storage. The front cupholders have an anti-tip design, and the door pockets are a decent size and will fit a water bottle and other items. A console bin accommodates larger phones and has all the charging methods and music plugs handy. The center armrest is on the small side but usable.

Cargo space

8.0

Its deep trunk helps maximize cargo space but creates a steep lip, so loading heavier items will be tricky. Additionally, the rear seatbacks don't lie flat. Its 24.9 cubic feet of space is a good amount for the segment. The rear hatch also opens high, which affords ample head clearance.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

LATCH anchors are buried in the creases, and the firm cushions make for difficult access. The top tethers are exposed and easy to access. Rear-facing car seats will be a squeeze behind taller drivers.

Technology

7.5

Hyundai was one of the first to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it continues to offer smart, well-integrated solutions to connect and use your smartphone. Its driver aids tend not to be as user-friendly, and our Elantra GT test car was lacking a few that are typically included.

Audio & navigation

7.5

We expected a little more from the optional Infinity premium audio system. It puts out clear, undistorted sound, but the bass was on the weak side. The navigation is Hyundai's standard system, which is easy to use and has live traffic info. We have no complaints, but there's nothing remarkable.

Smartphone integration

8.5

Bluetooth pairs quickly and easily, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and work wonderfully. Qi wireless charging is also available up front, conveniently located alongside the USB and auxiliary ports. You can plug in your phone and just fuggedaboutit.

Driver aids

6.5

There's no way to turn off the audible alert for the blind-spot monitoring system — a jarring sound is emitted every time you use the turn signal with a vehicle in the adjacent lane. This is more startling than helpful. There's also no adaptive cruise, which some competitors offer.

Voice control

7.5

With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto active, the voice command button will automatically trigger Siri or Google without the 2-second hold. If paired through Bluetooth, the long hold is still required. The native system performs only basic commands but works well, even if it is slow to process.

Compare 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT models

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback is available in base and Sport trim levels. The base GT comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (161 horsepower, 150 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The GT Sport upgrades to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) and either the manual transmission or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

Standard features on the base Elantra GT include 17-inch alloy wheels, a rearview camera, LED running lights, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a USB port and satellite radio.

Getting the base trim's optional Style package is likely worth the cost. It adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats.

The GT Sport has the contents of the Style package as standard plus the more powerful engine, bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, a more sophisticated sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, an electronic parking brake, upgraded gauges and leather upholstery.

The base GT can also be had with the Tech package, which includes the Sport's bigger brakes, electronic parking brake and LED headlights plus a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, Blue Link communications, a navigation system, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless smartphone charging pad and a seven-speaker Infinity audio system.

If the GT Sport doesn't have them already, the above features are included in the GT Sport's Tech package. It also includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and automatic braking, lane departure warning and intervention, automatic high beams and a driver inattention warning system.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.09 per gallon for regular unleaded in New York.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in New York

$145/mo

$166/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Excellent

#8 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Elantra GT from 2008-2022.}

$418/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.85x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

8.9%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Hyundai Elantra GT Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.4

18 reviews

5(67%)

4(22%)

3(0%)

2(5%)

1(6%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

The Korean Gti

Kevin, 12/25/2017

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

Got myself an Elantra GT sport hatch about 4 months ago and have absolutely no regrets with my purchase. As the title suggest, the is Hyundai’s take on the Iconic vw GTi, and although the Elantra gt sport is slightly down on power and lacks the lsd that the gti comes with, it out performs the gti in terms or standard equipment, warranty and reliability. If you’re coming from a GTI or any …

Update after a 1 year and (20,000 miles)

Kevin, 09/30/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I have the 1.6T Elantra GT Sport with the dual clutch transmission which i bought back in August of 2017. Ive since have put 20k miles on the car (yes I drive a lot) and let me tell you, this car to this day still puts a huge smile on my face whenever i get in. This is phenomenal car and an underrated one at that. By far the elantra gt sport out performs all cars it rivals such as, Mazda …

I've owned many cars but this may be the best 4$.

Tony Pags, 12/10/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6A)

Ok, so I needed a new car as my long term Volvo V70 wagon was approaching 300,000 miles. I considered several new cars and after driving several competitors, I decided on the Hyundai Elantra GT Base Automatic and boy am I happy I did!! First, the quality of materials and workmanship is a class above this price point. The doors close with a "thunk" and I've had zero squeaks and rattles. …

Best Decision

Mrs. Jeter, 03/17/2018

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

Excellent engine with responsive acceleration, smooth ride, very comfortable, reliable, lots of room, love the interior - instruments are placed in a great location; easy read without taking eyes off of the road for any period of time. The exterior is beautiful with clean lines - gorgeous. The larger tires provide great traction in bad weather and I appreciate "hill" assistance because …

See all 18 reviews of the Hyundai Elantra GT

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2018 Hyundai Elantra GT video

2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT Sport First Look | Chicago Auto Show

Follow along as we discuss the differences between Hyundai's latest five-door hatchbacks: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT and Elantra GT Sport. They look good, and have good powertrains to boot. Watch the video and let us know what you think.

2018 Elantra GT Highlights

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$19,350
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	26 MPG
Cost to Drive	$145/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	24.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Elantra GT models:

Lane Change Assist: Uses the available blind-spot warning system to gauge the closing speed of faster-moving vehicles and warns the driver accordingly.
Forward Collision Warning: Detects an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and warns the driver. Can trigger automatic braking if needed.
Attention Assist: Detects when a driver is not paying attention or has become drowsy. Will trigger an audible and visual warning.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat4 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.7%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good