The 2017 Hyundai Elantra marked a significant redesign for the popular compact sedan, offering a blend of affordability, appealing design, and a host of available features that aimed to punch above its weight class. Even as a used car in today’s market, the Elantra Car 2017 still holds appeal for budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation with a touch of modern flair. This review dives into the specifics of the 2017 Elantra sedan, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition in the used car landscape.
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra arrived with a starting MSRP of $17,150 for the base SE trim, slightly undercutting rivals like the Honda Civic and Mazda3 in entry price. While the base model was fairly spartan, Hyundai offered a range of trims and packages to cater to different budgets and feature preferences. Moving up from the SE, buyers could opt for the fuel-efficient Eco trim, starting at $20,650, which boasted a turbocharged engine and improved MPG. The top-of-the-line Limited trim, as tested in the original review, began at $22,350 and offered a more luxurious experience with leather upholstery and additional standard features. Option packages like the Popular Equipment, Tech, and Limited Ultimate packages further expanded the features list, but also drove up the price considerably. Understanding these trim levels is crucial for used car buyers to find a 2017 Hyundai Elantra that fits their needs and budget.
Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, paired with a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain delivers adequate acceleration for daily driving and comfortable highway cruising. The inclusion of Hyundai’s Drive Mode Select system, offering Normal, Sport, and Eco modes, allows drivers to tailor the car’s responsiveness to their driving style or conditions. Fuel economy is a strong suit for the Elantra, with EPA ratings of 28 MPG city, 37 MPG highway, and 32 MPG combined for the Limited trim. Real-world testing in the original review confirmed these figures, highlighting the Elantra’s efficiency in its class. The Eco model, with its 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, further enhances fuel economy, making it an attractive option for those prioritizing gas mileage in a used 2017 Elantra car.
Exterior Design and Lighting Features
The exterior styling of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra represented an evolution rather than a revolution from its predecessor. While the side profile remained largely similar, the front and rear fascias received more noticeable updates. LED daytime running lights and a more pronounced grille contributed to a more modern and assertive front-end appearance. The Limited trim stood out with its HID headlights featuring Dynamic Bending Light technology, adding a premium touch to the car’s aesthetics. Features like door handle approach lights and available 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels further enhanced the exterior appeal of the 2017 Elantra, especially in brighter colors like the Blue Titanium test vehicle.
Interior Roominess and Comfort
One of the pleasant surprises of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra was its surprisingly spacious interior. Despite maintaining similar exterior dimensions to the previous generation, Hyundai’s interior packaging resulted in a cabin that felt significantly roomier. Five adult passengers can be accommodated comfortably, and ample storage compartments are readily available for front occupants. Getting in and out of the Elantra is easy, and finding a comfortable driving position is facilitated by the power driver’s seat standard on the Limited trim. Leather upholstery, also standard on the Limited, and available heated front and rear seats enhance the comfort level, making the 2017 Elantra a comfortable option for daily commutes and longer trips.
Audio and Infotainment System
The infotainment system in the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited, centered around a 7-inch touchscreen, was generally user-friendly. While the original review noted some initial audio setting confusion, the system’s functionality was deemed easy to navigate. The inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was a significant plus for smartphone integration, although the review experienced some usability hiccups with Apple CarPlay. Despite these minor issues, the infotainment system in the 2017 Elantra offered a respectable level of technology for its class and model year.
Available Features and Technology
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra offered a good range of available features, especially moving up the trim ladder and adding option packages. Standard features on the base SE included essentials like power windows, power door locks, and satellite radio. Optional upgrades included larger infotainment screens with navigation, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and dual-zone climate control. Luxury-oriented features such as leather upholstery, heated seats, sunroof, and HID headlights were also available on higher trims or as options. This variety of features allowed buyers to customize their 2017 Elantra to their desired level of equipment.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Safety was a priority for Hyundai with the 2017 Elantra, and the car achieved an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. While it didn’t achieve the NHTSA’s top 5-Star Overall rating, it still performed well in crash tests. Base models lacked advanced driver-assistance systems, but higher trims and option packages offered features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For buyers prioritizing safety in a used 2017 Elantra car, seeking out models equipped with these optional safety features is recommended.
Standout Features
One particularly noteworthy feature of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited was its hands-free smart trunk. This convenient feature automatically opened the trunk when the key fob was detected near the rear of the car, a feature more commonly found on SUVs and crossovers at the time. Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, including a 5-year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, also added to the Elantra’s appeal as a value-oriented and reliable choice.
Final Verdict
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra remains a compelling option in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking an affordable and well-equipped compact sedan. While the fully loaded Limited trim might have pushed the price point closer to competitors when new, as a used car, it offers a strong value proposition with its features and comfortable interior. The base Elantra, even more so, represents excellent value for budget-conscious shoppers. Despite facing stiff competition in the compact sedan segment, the elantra car 2017 successfully checks many boxes, offering a blend of style, efficiency, features, and Hyundai’s reassuring warranty, making it a smart choice for used car buyers.
