The 2017 Hyundai Elantra marked a significant step forward for the popular compact sedan, bringing segment-first features, enhanced safety technologies, and improved efficiency to a competitive market. Arriving at dealerships in January 2016, this all-new Elantra boasted a bold aerodynamic design, a modern and spacious interior, and a suite of user-friendly technologies, all while maintaining Hyundai’s reputation for exceptional value. Priced competitively, starting at $17,150, the 2017 Elantra was designed to appeal to a broad range of buyers seeking a reliable, stylish, and feature-rich compact car. Let’s delve into what made the 2017 Hyundai Elantra a standout in its class.
Striking Exterior Design and Aerodynamics of the 2017 Elantra
The exterior of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra showcases a confident and sculpted design language, moving away from its predecessor with more dynamic and refined lines. Hyundai’s design philosophy of “dynamic precision” is evident in the Elantra’s architecture, seamlessly blending aesthetic appeal with functional aerodynamics. This collaboration between designers and engineers resulted in a vehicle that not only looks good but also performs efficiently.
The front fascia is dominated by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, creating a strong and recognizable brand identity. The available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights and vertical LED daytime running lights are notable additions, enhancing both visibility and the car’s modern aesthetic. Functionality meets style with the sporty lower front fascia incorporating functional air curtains, inspired by the Sonata Hybrid. These air curtains are strategically designed to manage airflow around the front wheels, reducing turbulence and minimizing drag, contributing to the Elantra’s overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Further enhancing its aerodynamic profile, the 2017 Elantra incorporates underbody covers, an aerodynamic rear bumper bottom spoiler, and a rear decklid with an expanded trunk edge. These elements work in concert to achieve a drag coefficient of just 0.27, contributing to improved fuel economy and reduced wind noise. The sleek bodyside character line and sweeping side window silhouette add to the Elantra’s sophisticated side profile. Available premium features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal indicators, and LED taillights further elevate the Elantra’s premium feel within the compact sedan segment. The 2017 Elantra offered eight exterior colors, providing buyers with a range of choices to personalize their vehicle. Dimensionally, the 2017 Elantra grew slightly, increasing in length and width, resulting in a more athletic stance and a stable presence on the road.
Interior Design, Space, and Technology of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra
Moving inside, the 2017 Elantra welcomes occupants with a modern and intuitively designed interior focused on driver and passenger comfort. The cabin prioritizes ergonomics, high-quality materials, and user-friendly technology. The design emphasizes a driver-oriented layout with controls logically positioned for ease of use. Soft-touch materials are strategically placed in key areas, enhancing the tactile experience and contributing to a more premium feel.
The instrument panel features a wide design, contributing to a sense of spaciousness. An available 4.2-inch color TFT LCD instrument display enhances driver visibility and provides access to important vehicle information. The center stack is horizontally oriented, with buttons and controls grouped by function and subtly angled towards the driver for optimal ergonomics. Premium convenience features available in the 2017 Elantra include a segment-first integrated memory system for the power driver seat and side mirrors, automatic temperature control with auto defogging, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Ergonomic front seats, constructed with high-tension lightweight frames and multi-firmness seat pads, are designed to enhance comfort and reduce driver fatigue, especially on longer journeys.
All seats in the 2017 Elantra utilize SoyFoam™, an eco-conscious material substituting petroleum-based polyol with soybean oil. Available heated front and rear seats, along with a versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seat, further enhance passenger comfort and practicality. The 2017 Elantra boasts class-above interior volume, classified as a midsize car by the EPA, surpassing competitors in the compact segment in terms of passenger and cargo space. Hyundai engineers also prioritized noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) reduction in the 2017 Elantra. Features like a hood insulator, reduced aperture size in the dash panel, thicker front door window glass, and sound absorption materials throughout the vehicle contribute to a quieter and more refined cabin experience. Plastic and rubber bushings in the front sub-frame and larger bushings on the lower control arm further improve NVH characteristics.
Chassis and Performance Enhancements in the 2017 Elantra
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra features a lighter yet more rigid chassis compared to the previous generation. The use of advanced high-strength steel was significantly increased to 53 percent, up from 21 percent, resulting in a 29.5 percent increase in torsional rigidity and a 25.3 percent increase in bending strength. This enhanced chassis stiffness contributes to improvements in ride and handling, reduced cabin noise, enhanced durability, and overall driving performance. The increased application of structural adhesives, a technology often used in aerospace, further reinforces the chassis, improving NVH and vehicle dynamics.
The rear suspension geometry of the 2017 Elantra was redesigned, modifying the angle of the rear shock absorbers and repositioning the coil springs on the coupled torsion beam axle. These changes, along with increased rear bushing diameter, contribute to improved ride comfort, handling stability, and long-term durability. The front suspension utilizes a McPherson strut design with coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar for enhanced cornering stability. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system adjusts to driving conditions, providing precise steering feel and contributing to fuel efficiency. Increased caster enhances steering feedback at higher speeds, promoting a sense of stability.
Powertrain Options and Fuel Efficiency of the 2017 Elantra
For the 2017 model year, the Hyundai Elantra offered two new powertrain options focused on enhancing fuel efficiency and delivering responsive performance for everyday driving. The standard engine in the SE and Limited trims is a 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Atkinson cycle technology, combined with multi-port injection, optimizes efficiency by maximizing the expansion ratio. Features like intermediate valve cam phasing, high energy ignition coils, an electronically controlled thermostat, and piston cooling jets further contribute to fuel economy improvements. This engine achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of up to 33 mpg combined for the Elantra SE with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.0-liter engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission (available on the SE trim) or Hyundai’s next-generation 6-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission features improvements for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness, including a new valve body, optimized oil pump, multi-clutch torque converter, and reduced friction components. The Elantra Eco trim, available in Spring 2016, offered a 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 128 horsepower and a robust 156 lb-ft of torque at low RPMs, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Eco trim is projected to achieve an estimated 35 mpg combined rating, making it a leader in fuel efficiency within the Elantra lineup. Both engines in the 2017 Elantra feature technologies to reduce friction and enhance cooling, maximizing fuel economy and performance. The Drive Mode Select feature, standard on all trims, allows drivers to customize powertrain performance and steering effort with Eco, Normal, and Sport modes.
Advanced Safety Features and Ratings of the 2017 Elantra
Occupant safety was a paramount concern in the development of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Beyond the strengthened chassis, the Elantra incorporated structural improvements, including hexagonal front side members, a reinforced dash-to-cowl connection, and hot stamping applied to key structural elements. B-pillar assemblies feature partial softening hot stamping to better absorb side impacts, and rear doors include dual impact beams. A seven-airbag system, including a driver’s knee airbag, is standard, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Hyundai targeted top safety ratings for the 2017 Elantra, expecting it to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating.
The 2017 Elantra also offered a suite of advanced safety technologies often found in luxury vehicles. Available Automatic Emergency Braking with class-exclusive Pedestrian Detection uses radar and camera sensor fusion to detect vehicles and pedestrians, providing warnings and applying emergency braking if necessary. Additional available safety features include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidance. The Lane Keep Assist System actively helps prevent unintentional lane departures by providing steering assistance.
Innovative Technology and Connectivity in the 2017 Elantra
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra stood out in the compact car class with innovative technology features designed to enhance driver confidence and convenience. A segment-exclusive hands-free Smart Trunk allowed for easy trunk access when hands are full – simply approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob triggers the trunk to open automatically. Available Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) technology, working in conjunction with HID headlights, improves nighttime visibility by turning the headlights in the direction of steering. High Beam Assist automatically dims the high beams when oncoming vehicles are detected. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) utilizes a radar sensor to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, enhancing comfort during highway driving and in varying traffic conditions.
In terms of connectivity and multimedia, all 2017 Elantra models came standard with iPhone®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM® satellite radio. Upgraded infotainment systems included an available 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera, and an 8.0-inch navigation system. Both systems offered Apple® CarPlay and Android® Auto compatibility for seamless smartphone integration. The 2017 Elantra was the first Hyundai vehicle to offer a second USB port for charging. The 8.0-inch navigation system featured an enhanced display with improved touch sensitivity, brightness, and a split-screen display. It also included SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, HD Radio® Technology, Pandora® capability, SiriusXM® Travel Link®, SiriusXM® Tune Start, and “Eyes Free” Siri integration. For audiophiles, the 2017 Elantra offered an available eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a center speaker and subwoofer, and featured Harman’s Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology, enhancing the audio listening experience.
Hyundai Blue Link® Connectivity in the 2017 Elantra
The 2017 Elantra featured the next-generation Hyundai Blue Link system, providing enhanced safety, service, and infotainment telematics. Blue Link offered features like Remote Start w/ Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link could be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the web, or a smartphone app, and even through Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatches. Blue Link was offered in Connected Care & Remote packages (available on all models) and a Guidance package (for navigation-equipped models). One year of complimentary Blue Link Connected Care was included with 2017 Elantras equipped with Blue Link. The Connected Care package included Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Health Report, and more. The Remote package added features like Remote Start, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, and Car Finder. The Guidance package (navigation models) included Destination search powered by Google® and Destination Send-to-Car by Google®.
Conclusion: The 2017 Hyundai Elantra – A Value-Packed Compact Sedan
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra successfully combined striking design, a spacious and technology-rich interior, enhanced safety features, and efficient powertrains, all while maintaining Hyundai’s commitment to value. With its segment-first features, class-leading safety technologies, and improved efficiency, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra presented a compelling option for buyers in the competitive compact car market. Its comprehensive suite of features and technologies, combined with its attractive price point, solidified the 2017 Elantra as a strong contender and a testament to Hyundai’s ongoing innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional vehicles.
