The 2020 Hyundai Elantra lasts around 200,000 miles with some wiring and cruise control software issues reported. At $17,600 to $21,000, it’s a decent value for a compact sedan with a touch of luxury.
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the Hyundai Elantra since it has a nicer interior than other compact cars with good reliability ratings. Owner reviews praise the advanced technology, low ownership costs, along with the ten-year warranty.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are better than other compact cars, the seats offer good support, although cargo space is a bit lower than some competitors.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2020 Elantra. Avoid models from 2012–2015 which have a lot of engine problems while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from all of the four-cylinder engine options, although it’s not as fast as the competition.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2020 Elantra is safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include pedestrian detection as well as adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is excellent at up to 35 MPG, giving 490 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $57 cheaper than average at $127 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is less expensive than other compact cars while offering a lot of good features for the money.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Elantra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Hyundai Elantra offers great roominess and fuel economy with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Elantra at 4.1/5, praising the comfortable suspension, but doesn’t like the clunky seven-speed transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Elantra a 4.1/5, enjoying the pleasing design for the money, but owners don’t like the lack of all-wheel drive.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Hyundai Elantra Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra include the soy-based wiring attracting rodents, cruise control failing to engage properly, along with some issues changing gears. Overall, these problems are similar to some other compact cars, leading to average repair costs as the Elantra ages.
Soy-based wiring throughout the engine attracting rodents is the most widespread complaint from 2020 Elantra owners in the first 5,000 miles. If you have to park outside, the wires will eventually attract some sort of pest due to the smell. The best way to solve the problem is by installing a strobe light and ultrasonic device under the hood to deter rats and other pests from eating the wires, costing around $30.
Cruise control failing to engage properly is another issue reported by Elantra owners within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the cruise control software which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install this software for free, while others charge around $50.
There are also some rare issues reported with the Elantra failing to change gears at around 2,500 miles. The problem shows up on models with the continuously variable transmission. Unfortunately, the only way to fix the issue is by replacing the transmission. When it happens with low mileage it will be covered under warranty, although out of warranty it can be over $3,000 to replace.
There are three recalls on the 2020 Hyundai Elantra, which is similar to other compact cars from the same year. The most serious recall is for a loose lower control arm ball joint which can detach. Hyundai will replace the ball joint on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the piston oil rings, and lug nuts. Hyundai will replace associated parts on those models for free as well.
How Long Will the 2020 Hyundai Elantra Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Hyundai Elantra can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars, according to data from Repair Pal at $370 per year.
As a used 2020 Hyundai Elantra reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C compressor for $900, EGR valve costing $500, along with the alternator voltage regulator which costs $350.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra sel is very reliable. I have had it since October and have not had any problems.
My 2020 Hyundai Elantra se has had no problems yet; however, I have only owned it for 3 days. The only issue I have is that the lights are not automatic.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average in the 2020 Elantra with a 5-inch infotainment screen. Optional upgrades include a larger 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, an Android Auto.
Standard safety features are good, offering:
- Forward collision warning
- Rearview camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
Optional available driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2020 Hyundai Elantra a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other compact cars while offering a nice interior. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,600 to $21,000, which makes it less than a Mazda3 or Honda Civic. When new, the price range was $19,300 to $24,600. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Elantra?
There are six different models of the Hyundai Elantra sedan offered from the base SE, all the way up to the luxurious Limited model. The Elantra is only offered with front-wheel drive across all of the models.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seat
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 5-Inch Display
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SEL is a step up, adding:
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Value Edition adds features such as:
- Sunroof
- Proximity Lock and Unlock
- Push-Button Start
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Seats
Eco is an efficient model which has:
- More Efficient Engine
- Extra USB Ports
- More Underbody Panels
Sport is a more performance-oriented model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Sport Tires
- Larger Brakes
- Multilink Rear Suspension
- Leather Front Seats
Limited is the flagship model which adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Leather Upholstery
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Eight-Speaker Infinity Premium Audio System
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Elantra?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 147 horsepower and gets up to 35 MPG. It comes standard with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- The Eco model comes with a more efficient turbocharged 1.4L 4-cylinder which produces 128 horsepower while getting up to 36 MPG. This engine has a seven-speed automatic transmission.
- The Sport and N-Line models come with a stronger 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder which produces 201 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. This engine has either a seven-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Performance is average, taking 7.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Elantra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a comfortable and well-appointed compact sedan. It offers spacious and supportive seats for both front- and rear-seat passengers, providing ample head and legroom even for taller individuals.
Additionally, the Elantra has a well-insulated cabin that helps reduce road and wind noise, making for a quiet and relaxing ride. The suspension is also well-tuned, providing a smooth and comfortable ride even on bumpy roads. Overall, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a comfortable and well-designed compact sedan that provides a pleasant and relaxing ride for both drivers and passengers.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Elantra Have?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra has 14.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a bit smaller compared to some other compact sedans. However, it still provides enough space for several large pieces of luggage, several smaller bags, or several sets of golf clubs. Additionally, there are several compartments throughout the cabin, such as the glove box, door pockets, and center console storage, that provide convenient and easily accessible storage for smaller items such as phones, wallets, and keys.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Hyundai Elantra was launched in 2017, and will be replaced by the seventh generation for the 2021 model year.
2015: No major changes from earlier years.
2016: Value Edition model added to the lineup.
2017: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new interior, exterior, and engine choices.
2018: SEL model replaces the SE with Popular Equipment Package.
2019: Small exterior styling changes, more standard technology on all models.
2020: New upgraded automatic transmission, standard dual-zone climate control, more safety features.
2021: Redesigned for the seventh generation with new technology, styling, and engines.
How Does the Hyundai Elantra Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra is a decent compact car since it offers more luxury than most of the competitors in the same price range, paired with the longest warranty in the industry at 10 years/100,000 miles.
The Toyota Corolla is another compact car available which costs around $4,000 more. Ownership costs are lower on the Toyota Corolla as it ages, while the Hyundai Elantra has a better interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since the reliability ratings make it a better choice for the long-term.
The Honda Civic is a competitor which can be found for roughly $3,000 more. Where the Honda Civic stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Hyundai Elantra offers more upscale cabin materials. We recommend the Honda Civic since they have better long term reliability.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Elantra?
Very happy with car. It is not the first Elantra I have had. I love the safety features the 2020 has. It beeps if there is a car in back when you are in reverse or if you go out into a different lane.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra se is a good vehicle. I just purchased this car 3 days ago but I absolutely love it.