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HYUNDAI Elantra Sedan Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 8
First production year: 2000
Engines: Hybrid, Gasoline, Diesel
HYUNDAI Elantra photo gallery

Hyundai revealed the refreshed version of the Elantra's seventh generation, trying to make it more upscale, and gave it an aggressive stance. The Korean automaker targeted young customers with families, and its recipe worked well. After all, the Elantra was Hyundai's best-selling product.

The Korean automaker dubbed its facelifted model PE, as in Product Enhanced. Still, that was not just a marketing line but an actual fact. Not only did the exterior and the interior improve, but also the car's features, the engine lineup, and even the car's key went through an evolutionary process. As a result, the Elantra became more appealing and remained fresh on the market.

At the front, the headlights' design was enhanced and featured exclusively LED lamps inside them. The daytime running light that looked like eyebrows for the vehicle was continued on the car's upper grille by a chromed horizontal slat. On the lower side, the bumper featured a few sculptured lines that formed the central air intake and the side scoops, like on a sports car. Yet, the Elantra has always been a family vehicle. From its profile, the sculptured door panels and fenders kept their lines as on the non-refreshed version, while at the back, the automaker emphasized the H-pattern with a red horizontal strip that crossed the rear fascia from side to side, visually connecting the taillights.

Inside, the driver fronted a redesigned 4.2” digital instrument cluster that showed the tachometer, the speedometer, and other information gathered from the onboard computer for fuel consumption, range, and various notifications for the vehicle's status. In addition, atop the center stack, Hyundai installed a 10.25” touchscreen for the infotainment unit that was complemented by a Bose premium sound system. This screen was standard from the SEL trims and above, while the Bose was reserved for the Limited and N-Line grades. The new infotainment system was compatible with a digital key running on either Android or iPhone. Despite being a family vehicle, the automaker installed contoured bolstered seats at the front, while at the back, there was room enough for three adults on the 60/40 split-folding bench seat. Hyundai also made a significant upgrade in the safety department by installing standard side airbags for the rear passengers on all trim levels.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of gasoline engines. The base model was a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit, followed by a 1.6-liter turbocharged and a 1.6-liter hybrid system. The 2.0-liter turbocharged unit was reserved exclusively for the Elantra N, the model's top performer. For the transmission, Hyundai placed its bets on a CVT (continuous variable transmission) for selected versions, while others got a dual-clutch gearbox. As usual for Hyundai, power went to the front wheels only, and there was no option for an all-wheel-drive system.

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hybrid engines:

HYUNDAI Elantra 1.6L

HYUNDAI Elantra  photo gallery

Hyundai released the Elantra and the Elantra Hybrid in 2021, at the Lot Studios in West Hollywood. The new models came with a redesigned exterior as well as upgraded useful features.

In order to reach the new exciting design, Hyundai reshaped the car by making it longer and wider and lower (the car was lowered by 0.8-inch). All these changes did not affect the roomy interior.

The Elantra was equipped with a 2.0-liter MPI engine which developed 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Due to the Intelligent Variable Transmission, both performance and fuel consumption were improved. The car used the K3 Vehicle Platform, which allowed lowering the center of gravity, giving the driver an improved efficient handling.

The interior offered high functionality and comfort. While the headroom remained the same as in the previous models, the legroom was improved due to the longer wheelbase. The trunk space was also a forte of the new Elantra.

The infotainment system available consisted of two futuristic 10.25-inch screens, both of them placed under the same piece of glass. Included was a smart navigation system with real-time route updates.

The smartest feature used by Hyundai when it comes to technology was the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While everybody was used to keeping their phones plugged, that was no longer the case. The car was also equipped with dual Bluetooth which allowed the connection of two different devices, for example, one for music streaming and the other one for phone calls.

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HYUNDAI Elantra photo gallery

Hyundai brought the sixth generation of the Elantra in 2015 at the Los Angeles Auto show, and it was bigger and more upmarket than its predecessor.

The Korean automaker was riding the high tides in 2015 as its cars were known worldwide. The Elantra was one of its mass-market vehicles that sold well and were fighting in the small-sized sedans segment against the likes of the Mazda 3 or the Honda Civic.

With its fresh design and angled, organic-shaped headlights underlined by LED daytime running lights, the Elantra sported a bold front fascia. Its broad, hexagonal grille fitted with chromed horizontal slats left offered the image of a sporty vehicle, even though it was just a regular, family-oriented sedan. On the sides, on the lower bumper, the Korean vehicle featured round fog lamps fitted inside vertical, boomerang-shaped scoops. The profile had an ascending look and a beltline that stretched from the front fenders to the rear taillights. Its tall and short deck at the back and wide, raked-forward windscreen further emphasized the car's sporty look.

Inside, though, there was nothing sporty in it for most versions. The car's front bucket seats barely had the much-needed bolstering for keeping their occupants in place during high-speed cornering, specific for a sporty vehicle. Still, they offered a comfortable ride, and the driver could enjoy the well-designed instrument cluster fitted with two large dials and a 4.2" color TFT display between them. Atop the center stack, Hyundai installed the infotainment system. Depending on the market, all trim levels of the sixth-generation Elantra came equipped with a 7" touchscreen for the infotainment system.

Under the hood, the automaker installed only gasoline-powered engines paired with six-speed manual transmissions. A six-speed automatic was offered at extra cost.

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HYUNDAI Elantra photo gallery

Hyundai refreshed the Elantra's fifth generation in 2014 and claimed that it brought improvements in all the areas, especially on the engineering side.

Elantra evolved impressively since its first generation, which debuted in 1990. The fast development took the once humble small-sized vehicle to a compact-segment sedan that offered more room inside it than some mid-size sedans.

From the outside, the changes were minimal. Unlike other Elantra's generations, when a facelift was easy to spot, on the 2014 model, it was barely noticeable. At the front, the carmaker changed the vertical fog lights with a new set of L-shaped ones. The front bumper received a new shape to fit them, and also, the headlights sported LED accents. In the back, there were new accents for the taillights.

Hyundai installed a standard, 4.3" infotainment system with reversing camera, iPod/USB inputs, and six speakers for the interior. A 7" system with a third-generation navigation unit was available at extra costs and included the Pandora radio system.

The carmaker enhanced the drivetrain with stiffer suspensions and improved engines. It also introduced a new trim level, Sport, which was powered by a direct-injected 2.0-liter engine and a standard six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic was on the options list. The base engine was the 145 hp, 1.8-liter four-pot powerplant.

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HYUNDAI Elantra photo gallery

Instead of facelifting the fourth generation of the Elantra, which was introduced in 2006, Hyundai rushed the fifth generation of this nameplate to the market and unveiled it in April 2010.

Hyundai’s engineers burned the midnight oil to launch the fifth generation of the Elantra despite the world financial crisis that brought more carmakers to their knees. However, the Korean brand was doing well thanks to its pricing policy, and the wide range of products fit for every pocket. In addition, the introduction of a new design language helped the brand to gain a larger market share in several significant markets, such as the one in the U.S., where it jumped from 2.8% to 4.6% between 2006 and 2010 and, together with its sister-brand Kia, becoming the sixth car manufacturer in the world. One of its spearhead models in Hyundai’s lineup was the Elantra, a small-sized sedan that could carry a family of four in comfort and safety. Moreover, the car’s price was decent, below most competitors. In addition, a rich safety package granted Elantra a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The new design language, which Hyundai called “Fluidic Sculpture,” revealed an organic shape with waved lines and ample, curved panels. In addition, the swept-back headlights were stretched rearward on the upper side of the front fenders like they were liquid and pulled back. The front upper grille was shaped to look like a smile, while the lower one featured an upside-down trapezoidal shape. From its profile, the enlarged front and rear wheel arches created a somehow muscular look for the otherwise mundane vehicle. In addition, the ascending waistline added a dynamic image to the 2010 Elantra.

Inside, the car boasted a much more refined interior design than its predecessor, featuring waved shapes on the dashboard, door cards, center console, and even the spokes on the steering wheel. Fronting the driver was a two-dial instrument cluster with a TFT display that took center stage between them. As an option, Hyundai installed a touchscreen infotainment system with a backup camera on the center stack. A tall armrest and two cup holders were between the front occupants, who sat on wide, slightly bolstered bucket seats at the front. To add a sporty touch to the vehicle, Hyundai added aluminum pedals. In the back, there was room enough for three adult-sized passengers, although the sloped roof line limited the headroom. In addition, the center tunnel that crossed the car from front to back forced the middle-seated passenger to squeeze their legs left and right.

Under the hood, Hyundai installed a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter gasoline engine for the U.S. market mated with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission that sent the power to the front axle. Thanks to the independent suspension in all corners, the 2010 Elantra rode comfortably and safely on roads.

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HYUNDAI Elantra 4 doors photo gallery

Hyundai introduced the fourth generation of the Elantra at the 2006 New York Auto Show, and it tried a different approach to the market.

While it was one of the most affordable cars in its segment, the fourth-generation Elantra was not exactly a head-turner. Despite that, its built quality was among the best in its segment, and the long options list allowed customers to get what they wanted. Yet, the base model lacked even ABS, which was unusual for a 2006 vehicle.

The car's styling was nothing to write home about it. Its organic shapes followed the same ideas as those used during the bio-design era, which was abandoned a decade before. The front fascia sported a pair of swept-back headlights with rounded corners, in total contradiction with the sharp-looking grille adorned by a chromed slat on its upper side. The profile revealed fluid lines, but in an unusual way, with a very tall trunk line when compared to the rest of the car. In addition, the automaker placed a third side row of windows behind the rear doors to bring more light into the cabin for the rear passengers.

Inside, the build quality was praised, but not the materials. Also, the base version didn't even feature a stereo, and dealers had to install it. On the other hand, the upper trim levels featured side airbags and automatic air-conditioning. A good thing was that the automaker considered installing a split-folding rear bench for the entire range.

The Elantra was fitted with different engines, depending on the market. While the American customers received a standard 2.0-liter gasoline powerplant, the Europeans had to deal with the 1.6-liter units, either gasoline or turbo-diesel.

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HYUNDAI Elantra 4 Doors photo gallery

Hyundai was keen to place a sure-step in the compact-sedan segment and introduced the Elantra four-door version in 2000 and refreshed it three years later.

Most of the carmakers are introducing facelifted versions after four years from the launch of a new generation. Hyundai shortened that period to three years. As a result, the 2003 Elantra sedan came with several improvements to keep its market share.

The facelifted version featured a wider grille at the front and redesigned headlights and bumper on the outside. But overall, it was hard to tell the differences between the two vehicles. In the rear, there was a more straightforward design of the decklid and improved taillights. When Hyundai introduced the third generation of the Elantra, it axed the station-wagon and offered the car either as a sedan or as a hatchback.

Inside, a reworked instrument cluster provided a crisp design and well-organized layout. Its white-on-black gauges with blue back-lit were easy to read. The center stack featured a Clarion sound system fitted as an option, and the HVAC controls placed bellow, with a tiny display that was harder to read, especially at night. The Elantra's cabin was fit for five passengers, even though there was not too much legroom for the rear bench occupants.

Under the hood, Hyundai installed a choice of five engines, both diesel, and gasoline. It received a 4-speed automatic transmission for selected markets. The carmaker offered the five-speed manual as standard for the entire range.

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HYUNDAI Elantra 4 Doors photo gallery

In 2000, Hyundai introduced the third generation of the Elantra in a few shapes and sizes. The Sedan was one of the best-selling version,

The car barely made it into the compact segment, according to those years' standards. It was a new era for Hyundai, and it showed it, especially from the outside. Another strong point for Elantra was the reliability index, which grew when compared to its predecessor.

The Elantra sedan featured a four-door and three-box bodywork. At the front, it featured angled headlights with sharp lines and distinct headlamps inside the same clear-glass cover. Its V-shaped grille was continued on the hood with two long lines connected to the A-pillars. On the sides, the beltline started from the wheel arches end went all the way to the taillights. The sloped line of the rear window started to descend above the rear seat passengers area.

Inside, the Elantra featured a simple dashboard and instrument cluster, with a rounded center console. Its front seats featured more adjustments, including on the vertical axis. In the rear, there was limited headroom for adult passengers, but enough for children.

Hyundai installed a choice of three engines for the Elantra. The base version offered enough power for a daily driver, and it was fuel-efficient, while the top-performer featured a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, quick enough to keep the rhythm with other European compact vehicles.

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