2024 Hyundai Elantra N First Look Review: The Class Hooligan
Last year, the driver of a stock Hyundai Elantra N was pulled over by a cop because the exhaust system was too loud. This one incident tells you a lot about this sedan - it's probably the naughtiest, most engaging package at the price. For the 2024 model year, the Elantra N has been comprehensively revised with new looks, while a substantial range of upgrades has been introduced to further improve its ride and handling. No changes were mentioned for the engine, so the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot that produces 276 horsepower remains, as should the choice between manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Less civilized than its Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI rivals, the latest Elantra N is expected to retain its edge for sheer enjoyment.
When Is The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Coming Out?
The release date for the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is set for the fall of 2023. It will be coming out in tandem with other, less expensive versions of the updated Elantra.
What’s The Price Of The 2024 Elantra N?
Hyundai has yet to publish the price for the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N. This should remain one of the car's strengths, as the $32,900 MSRP of the 2023 model represented superb bang for your buck. We expect the new one to come in at about $34k in the USA.
There are cheaper rivals like the Honda Civic Si for $29,100, but at 200 hp, the Si is way down on power alongside the 2024 Elantra N. The more mature VW Jetta GLI will cost $31,980 and makes 228 hp, so it'll also be left behind by the hot Elantra.
New Hyundai Elantra N Exterior And Colors
The Hyundai Elantra N's exterior isn't nearly as restrained as that of its Honda and VW rivals. This is a car that wears its performance capabilities on its sleeve - and on its face and rear end. The front grille and fascia, side sills, rear fascia with its diffuser, and outlandish rear wing spoiler have all been enhanced for the 2024 model year.
Even the side view is attention-grabbing, with deeply creased doors that appear to have been formed by an origami specialist and 19-inch forged alloy wheels clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
The Shark-nose face of the new Elantra range is at its most aggressive here, while the LED daytime running lamps give the car an angry look. Red brake calipers and red lower detailing mark this out as the high-performance N model.
At the back, the taillights stretch across the width of the body and there are large dual exhausts. New colors for the Hyundai Elantra N sedan include Ecotronic Gray and Ultimate Red. We hope to see the signature Performance Blue paint once again.
Hyundai Elantra N Dimensions
As this isn't a new-generation model, the dimensions of the new Hyundai Elantra N sedan should mirror those of the 2023 model. From front to back, that means we can expect a body length of 184.1 inches, concealing a 107.1-inch wheelbase. The width is 71.9 inches and the height is 55.7 inches.
While the suspension changes to the 2024 model may affect curb weight specs, we don't expect it to be very different from the 2023's 3,186 pounds in manual guise. With the DCT, the Elantra N weighs 3,296 lbs.
Hyundai Elantra N Engine And Performance
We'll start with the bits of this sporty sedan that are expected to remain unchanged. That includes the engine in the Hyundai Elantra N, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged mill making 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. Directing power to the front wheels only, this rorty four-pot can be paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic with paddle shifters.
In DCT guise, independent tests revealed that the sedan could go from 0-60 mph in just five seconds, so it's plenty quick. The standard N corner carving differential, launch control, and N Grin system have made the Elantra N both controllable and engaging in our past experience. But for this facelifted model, Hyundai decided to further improve the driving dynamics of the sedan.
To improve agility, there is a reinforced engine mount membrane. Yaw response and steering precision are enhanced with a G bushing reinforcement, while retuned ECS hardware enhances body control. The rear suspension/ABS insulator has been changed from rubber to urethane on the rear support, improving damping and yaw response. Further steering enhancements include a revised steering gearbox yoke spec, optimized software for the Motor Driven Power Steering, and a universal joint friction reduction. Finally, the tire pressures have been increased to 36 psi (front) and 34 psi (rear). This change retains the front-to-rear ride/handling balance and optimizes the front axle load increase.
We're not used to seeing this level of attention to detail for a facelifted car, so we look forward to seeing how much better the Elantra N is to drive.
Gas Mileage
While we don't have EPA-rated figures for the 2024 Elantra N yet, these should be the same as for the 2023 version. In manual guise, expect 22/31/25 city/highway/combined, while opting for the DCT will reduce those figures to 20/30/23 mpg.
With a 12.4-gallon gas tank, the Elantra N's range will be 310 miles for the manual and 285 for the DCT, assuming its consumption hasn't changed.
Hyundai Elantra N Interior And Cargo
The standard interior of the Elantra range is a solid effort with clear controls, decent practicality, and plenty of features. There are some cheaper plastics in evidence, but the interior of the Hyundai Elantra N has enough sporty enhancements that you don't notice them as much.
For this facelifted model, Hyundai has made changes to the steering wheel, shift knob, instrument cluster, and infotainment systems. We noted that the emblem on the steering wheel is now black instead of shiny silver, but it's less obvious what is different for the dual 10.25-inch displays. All Elantras now have three USB-C ports, one in front and two at the back.
The front seats inside the Hyundai Elantra N are striking to look at. These are N light sport buckets with illuminated logos in front. It seems Hyundai has stuck with a mix of Alcantara and leather, while the steering wheel and shift knob also have leather coverings. The outgoing model came with equipment like an eight-speaker Bose sound system, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, and the Hyundai Digital Key, all of which will still be standard. As before, second-row space is acceptable for a car in this class.
Safety technologies like blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, driver attention assist, and rear parking sensors are all equipped to this top Elantra trim.
Cargo space in this facelifted Hyundai Elantra N should remain at 14.2 cubic feet. It's not the biggest trunk in its class, but it's still a reasonable size for most family duties.