The three available engine options in the 2019 Hyundai Elantra make for an extremely versatile sedan. Drivers seeking the lowest price tag will find the base 2.0L motor to be more than sufficient. Those wanting more power or better fuel mileage can spring for the turbocharged 1.4L or 1.6L engines.
Key Points
- The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offers a standard 2.0L inline-four and two turbocharged engines: a 1.4L and a 1.6L inline-four.
- The base 2.0L inline-four engine outputs 147 horsepower with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 city, 38 highway, and 33 combined.
- Putting out 128 horsepower, the 1.4L turbo motor available for the Eco trim boosts fuel economy up to 32 city, 40 highway, 35 combined.
- The 1.6L turbocharged inline-four featured in the Sport trim produces 201 horsepower while putting out 29 miles per gallon combined.
- Regardless of the trim level, all Elantras are equipped with front-wheel drive to maximize fuel efficiency.
2019 Hyundai Elantra’s Standard 2.0L Inline-four With 147 Horsepower Offers Little in Terms of Performance
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra entered the market with major design updates both inside and out, including better standard features and distinctive wedge-shaped headlights. The engines remained similar to the previous model year but have stretched across more trims for the 2019 lineup.
Available for SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited trims, the standard 2.0L inline-four offers nothing more than what would satisfy your grandparents when it comes to performance. With the 2019 Elantra weighing in at over 2,800 pounds, the base engine’s 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque just doesn’t provide much oomph, especially in the lower rev range.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard for the base SE trim, while a six-speed automatic is optional. The automatic transmission comes as standard for the SEL, Value Edition, and Limited trims.
With the automatic, the 2.0L engine puts out 29 miles to the gallon in the city, 38 highway, and 33 combined. Those numbers drop to 26 city, 36 highway, and 29 combined with the manual.
More Fuel-efficient 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-four’s Increased Torque Makes Driving Performance Feel Punchier
The Elantra Eco comes with a 1.4L turbocharged inline-four that outputs 128 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque. Although you’d have 19 horsepower less with this engine, it has a punchier driving experience thanks to increased torque.
The Eco trim features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard that makes driving around town more responsive. Fuel economy ratings are better, too, at 32 mpg city, 40 highway, and 35 combined.
However, according to Car and Driver’s 2019 Elantra review, the Elantra Eco has a “duller throttle response” compared to models with the base engine. “This means you have to depress the throttle further to get the car to accelerate with gusto.”
201-horsepower 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-four Offers Sportier Driving Experience but is the Least Fuel-efficient Engine Option
Sport-trimmed Elantras are equipped with a 1.6L turbocharged inline-four, producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.
Like the base SE trim, a six-speed manual transmission is standard for the Sport model, but the sportier seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is available as an upgrade. To maximize fuel efficiency, all Elantra engines are front-wheel-drive configured.
The Sport offers a much more engaging driving experience than other Elantra models but requires visiting the gas station more frequently.
According to official reports, the seven-speed-configured Elantra sport can put out 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. The numbers reduce to 23 city, 30 highway, and 26 combined with the manual transmission.
All Three 2019 Elantra Engines are Reliable but Have Major Motor-related Recalls Over Engine Stalls and Excessive Oil Consumption
So far, the 2019 Hyundai has had one recall about its standard 2.0 engine. The problem stems from faulty piston oil rings that damage the motor and result in engine stalls, excessive oil consumption, and increased fire risk.
The 12 engine-related owner complaints registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mainly concern the same piston oil ring problem. Owners first notice a knocking noise coming from the engine followed by stalls and oil leakage without any alerts or check engine lights turning on.
Elantra owners can visit a Hyundai dealer and have their engine inspected. If necessary, the dealership will replace the motor free of charge. Furthermore, Hyundai will deploy piston ring noise sensing system software to detect such an issue before the risks of hazardous situations rise to the surface.
The 2019 model needs more time on the road to prove its longevity. But based on earlier model years, the Elantra can last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles if regularly maintained. That translates to 16 to 20 years of driving 12,000 miles in a year.
Owners on a Vehicle History FAQ page echo these numbers, with some even boasting numbers near the 300,000-mile mark with the factory-installed engine and transmission.
For the Best Combination of Power and Fuel Efficiency, Opt for Eco Trim with 1.4L Turbocharged Engine and Seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra’s bold design approach makes it stand out in the affordable small car segment. But in terms of performance, it offers just enough power to get you from point A to point B without any unnecessary sophistication.
Among the three available engine options, the 1.4L turbocharged motor available for the Eco trim is the best of the bunch. Although it outputs less horsepower than the standard engine, it makes up for it with additional torque and two mpg more combined.
Photos: Hyundai
