2019 Hyundai Elantra GT Review
If a Hyundai Elantra sedan doesn't tickle your fancy and compact hatchbacks are more your thing, then don't confuse the Elantra GT as merely a 'hatched' version of the same humdrum sedan you may have overlooked. Based on the European I30 it rides on a shorter wheelbase and features different suspension. It forms the basis for a hot Golf GTI fighter overseas too, so there must be merit under the metalwork, and for 2019 Hyundai has revised the Elantra GT line-up to feature a new lukewarm model called the Elantra GT N-Line to replace the old GT Sport. The compact hatchback market is now going to be a lot more exciting against the usual suspects of the VW Golf, Ford Focus et al. With two engines, a 161 horsepower 2.0-liter and a 201 hp turbo 1.6-liter, and priced from $20,450 to $24,400 the Korean firm is intent on making you compact hatch decision a little trickier.
What's the Price of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT?
Pricing for the 2019 Elantra GT kicks off at $20,450, making it more expensive than the previous year model by $1,100. But the manual gearbox is no longer available so the Elantra GT is just $100 more expensive than last year's automatic option. Replacing the GT Sport for 2019, the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line comes with a base MSRP of $23,300 with a six-speed manual transmission. Equipping the available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox increases the MSRP to $24,400. All models are subject to an $885 freight charge.
Best Deals on 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT
2019 Elantra GT Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
170.9 in | 104.3 in | 57.7 in | 70.7 in | 61.1 in | 61.5 in | 2,943.0 lbs |
Exterior Colors
2019 Elantra GT Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
Unlike the Elantra sedan, the Hyundai Elantra GT isn't overly comfort biased and is enjoyable to drive. The ride is on the firmer side of things, but the suspension does a good job of keeping out every bump and bruise for a ride that's firm but not harsh. There's a good balance between keeping things controlled and in contact with the road and compliance over large bumps, with the suspension controlling body motions in a way that rewards those who enjoy driving and like to explore the limits of the chassis. Low rolling resistance tires on the base 2.0 Elantra GT don't offer huge amounts of grip, but there's enough to exploit, largely due to the good suspension tune.
Even in base trim, where the rear suspension is a torsion axle with coil springs, sharp bumps fail to unsettle the rear. The step up to the N Line is where sporting credentials become a little stronger though as the suspension is upgraded to a multi-link independent rear setup. While last year's GT Sport offered improved performance from this ugade alone, for 2019 the change to N Line also brings with it increased levels of stiffness and a revised suspension tune. The springs have been made 14.3% stiffer up front and 21.9% stiffer at the rear, while the shocks have been tuned differently as well. While this makes the N Line less forgiving and comfort biased than the standard GT, it does give it real hot-hatch credentials. Furthermore, the N Line gets Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires on the manual-equipped model, offering higher levels of mechanical grip and giving it a performance advantage over the dual-clutch automatic-equipped derivative.
The steering is highly impressive, despite being an electronically power-assisted system. The system responds well to inputs with direct responses and sharp turn-in, and decent weighting that feels secure at speed. It lacks in feedback, a regular criticism of electronically power-assisted systems, but something that puts it about on par with most competitors in this regard. On all other metrics, the steering is impressive. The N Line also receives an update to the steering tune, set to make it more responsive and hopefully offer better feedback.
The brakes on the base GT are decent, providing sufficient stopping power with great pedal modulation and a natural feel. Larger front and rear brake rotors on the Elantra GT N Line give it improved stopping power, with better resistance to fade under duress.
Overall, the Hyundai Elantra GT is an enjoyable compact hatchback to drive, with the N Line stepping things up to take Hyundai into true hot hatch territory. It's not up to the same standard as the Veloster N, a full-fat performance model, but it's more enticing to drive spiritedly than the VW Golf or Toyota Corolla hatch might be.
2019 Elantra GT Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 Elantra GT Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 Elantra GT Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 7 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT A Good car?
In stark contrast to the Elantra sedan, the Elantra GT Line is a firm-riding hatchback with sporty pretense. The base model is well equipped, but the naturally aspirated motor and automatic gearbox combination is dull and lacks proper performance potential. The new-for-2019 N Line not only ups performance with a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo motor, but gives buyers a standard manual gearbox, hotter performance, and performance summer tires to keep things sticky. The stiffer chassis and revised suspension and steering take influence from the European i30 N hot-hatch, and the available technology, both standard and optional make it a really enticing proposition. It's a great performance derivative at a discount price versus full-on hot hatches like the Golf GTI and Ford Focus ST, and two years into the new model it's looking better than ever.
What Hyundai Elantra GT Model Should I Buy?
While standard specification on both trims is good, and with optional packages this can be extended to an all-encompassing package, those that buy the base Elantra GT will forever rue their decision to not opt for the turbocharged GT N Line. Not only does it boast more power, greater gas mileage figures, and higher levels of standard specification, but it also gets bespoke suspension tuning and bigger brakes, giving it hotter performance, while the available manual gearbox is immense fun and equips high-performance summer tires. Most of the equipment can be equipped to the base model, but only the best driver assistance features can be equipped to the N Line, making it the better choice, even if it does carry a hefty price tag.
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT Comparisons
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT vs Mazda 3 Hatchback
While the Elantra GT may have benchmarked German competition, the Mazda 3 is a crucial segment rival. Both offer an endearing drive, but the Mazda 3 feels lighter and more agile on its feet, while the Elantra GT rides a little harsher and heavier. Both boast quality interiors, but the Mazda's looks more premium, even if the Elantra's infotainment system is superior. Both are well-priced and well-kitted, but the Elantra GT is a hotter performer, particularly in N Line guise, while the Mazda 3 is more efficient. The Mazda is a more premium offering, but the Elantra GT will appeal to enthusiasts a little more.
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT vs Hyundai Veloster
Both the Elantra GT and Hyundai Veloster share a large portion of their underpinnings, which is why the Veloster is able to match the GT N Line's performance clout with its own Veloster Sport derivative. But where they differ is in practicality, with the Elantra seating five to the Veloster's four, and with the Elantra offering four doors and a larger cargo bay. Both make use of the same technology and safety features, and both are equally joyous to drive. However, the Veloster has a full N derivative which breaches into hot-hatch territory, and that may well be what persuades buyers towards the quirky semi-coupe hatchback.