Hyundai’s 2015 Elantra sedan offers luxurious features at an affordable price across three trims. The base SE trim has standard power windows, and the peppy Sport adds a more powerful 2.0L inline-four engine. Opt for the top-trim Limited for heated leather front and rear seats.
Key Points
- The 2015 Hyundai Elantra’s three trim levels include the entry-level SE, the peppy Sport, and the premium Limited. Per Kelley Blue Book (KBB), pricing ranges between roughly $12,800 for an SE, up to around $13,700 for the Limited.
- The 2015 Elantra models come with either a 1.8L inline-four in SE and Limited models or a 173-horsepower 2.0L in the Sport. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are optional.
- Top-trim Limited is feature-rich for the segment, with heated leather front and rear seats and optional seven-inch touchscreen infotainment with navigation.
- At nearly the same price as the Limited, and sporting most of the same features (albeit with a more thrilling engine), the Sport trim stands out as having the most value.
2015 Elantra SE is Entry-level but Packs Optional Extras Like Sunroof and Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra SE is the entry-level trim that can be ordered basic with cloth seats; power windows and locks; and manual single-zone climate controls. However, Hyundai offers an SE Style Package that brings the base trim up in value with a power sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, projector headlights with LED accents, and metallic accents throughout.
The only engine choice for the SE model is the 1.8L Nu inline-four producing 145 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque. Transmission choices are a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic with Shiftronic manual control. Fuel economy numbers are class-competitive at 28 mpg in the city, 38 on the highway, and 32 combined.
Standard features found in the Elantra SE include:
- Single-zone air conditioning
- Six-speaker system with Bluetooth & USB connectivity
- Remote access locks, and power windows with driver’s automatic one-touch down
- Cruise control and tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- 15-inch alloy wheels
At an average KBB fair market price of $12,839, the Elantra SE undercuts the segment leader, Honda Civic, by a couple thousand dollars. If you are looking for well-equipped value in the compact sedan segment, the Elantra SE may be worth investigating.
2015 Elantra Sport Adds More Powerful Engine Along with Other Upgrades Like Leather Seats, Stiffer Suspension
The most fun-to-drive Elantra comes in the form of the mid-level Sport trim. The only trim available with the more powerful 2.0L Nu GDI inline-four, the Sport lives up to its name with 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. These numbers are up 19% and 18%, respectively, over the SE and Limited trim’s 1.8L engine.
The extra power does come at the expense of fuel economy, however, subtracting one mpg across all measurements for a total score of 27 mpg city, 37 highway, and 31 combined.
Along with the extra power, Elantra Sport models get modified steering and suspension components, including a modified steering rack for quicker and more responsive steering, a stronger front stabilizer bar, and stiffer dampers for better cornering response.
Sport upgrades include:
- Leather seats (heated front row)
- Proximity key with passive entry and push-button engine start
- Power windows with driver’s automatic one-touch up/down
- Aluminum pedals
- Unique 17-inch alloy wheels
Optional extras include the Elantra Sport Tech Package which requires an automatic transmission but adds features like the seven-inch touchscreen navigation, 360-watt premium audio sound system, and Hyundai’s Blue Link Telematics.
With a KBB fair purchase price of $13,488, the Sport barely undercuts the more premium Limited trim which speaks to the appeal of its fun-to-drive nature.
2015 Elantra Limited Adds Heated Leather Front and Rear Seats, Metal Interior Accents, and Several Optional Packages
The Elantra Limited packs quite a bit of luxury at a value when compared to its main rivals. In addition to the heated front bucket seats also found in the Sport, the Limited adds rear heated outboard seats for a luxurious touch unexpected in the segment.
Power comes from the 1.8L engine also found in the SE models, producing the same 145 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque.
Elantra Limited features include:
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats
- Heated front and rear outboard seats
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic Projector Beam Halogen Headlights
The optional Limited Ultimate Package replaces the previous year’s Limited Tech Package. and now includes luxuries like dual-zone climate, power sunroof, seven-inch color touchscreen infotainment with navigation, and 360-watt premium audio with amplifier.
As mentioned above, the Limited’s KBB fair market price of $13,681 is nearly identical to the Sport trim, leaving buyers to choose between the added luxury of the Limited vs. the power of the Sport.
2015 Hyundai Elantra Sport is the most Fun to Drive
Each trim of the 2015 Elantra provides something special for the consumer, whether it be the low cost of the entry SE, the fun-to-drive nature of the Sport, or the Limited’s luxurious touches.
Given the minimal price difference, the added power and sporty handling, and nearly the same options list as the Limited, we find the Sport trim to be the best option for buyers shopping Hyundai’s compact sedan.
However, if those added benefits like heated rear seats and improved fuel economy mean more to you than the driving impressions, we suggest you opt for the Limited with the Ultimate Package to make the most of your ownership experience.
Photos: Hyundai
