The Hyundai Elantra debuted in the U.S. as a four-door compact car for the 1992 model year. Here’s your comprehensive buying guide for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Find trims, pricing, reliability, safety ratings, and owner reviews in one easy-to-access spot.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
Hyundai Elantra Undergoes Seven Redesigns, Including 2018 Refresh
South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai remains one of the newer brands to enter the American market. Hyundai made its debut with the Excel in 1984. After stealing headlines with its $5,000 car, it quickly added several other models to the lineup.
The Hyundai Elantra hit the market in 1990. The company built its reputation on a low MSRP while delivering vehicles ready to stand up to the daily commute. The Elantra was larger than the popular Excel, and it featured a lower than average entry price.
American car owners are a tough crowd to impress. Through the early years of U.S. sales, Hyundai had a reputation for cheap cars that would fall apart after a minor fender bender. By 1999, the South Korean company needed to do something to disprove the errant impression of their products. They introduced the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
As time passed, owners realized that their Hyundai really was just as durable as the domestic car brands. Hyundai still calls it America’s Best Warranty as it still surpasses any of the Big Three for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection on new cars.
The Elantra has undergone seven redesigns over its nameplate lifespan. The last iteration launched for the 2021 model year. It brought with it a sleeker exterior paired with wireless smartphone app access and Smart Sense driver-assist capabilities. It earned the North American Car of the Year Award, beating out the Genesis G80 and the Nissan Sentra.
The model also earned a Top Safety Pick for 10 years running from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). Clearly, the current Elantra is not known for the issues associated with early makes by the manufacturer.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra belongs to the short-lived sixth generation that debuted in 2017. Not only did it get an updated visual refresh, but Android and Apple technology were added to its infotainment center. It also included blind-spot detection and smart cruise control on its Ultimate Package available on the top Limited trim.
These changes kept the model competitive with other small sedans, but they also increased the purchase price. No longer the bargain car in the category, the improvements gave the Elantra less of a price advantage on the used car lots.
The sixth generation also increased the interior cabin space without changing the 106.3-inch wheelbase. While it belongs to the compact and small car marketing segment, its interior is on par with many midsize sedans.
Pros from Owners
It has blind spot alerts to assist you when driving on multiple-lane roads, it offers three drive modes (eco to save on gas, sport for faster pickup, and regular). The ride is smooth, and it has heated seats with three levels of heating. Finally, it offers satellite radio capability.
Compact car that provides great gas mileage, and a luxury feel at an affordable price. Lane assist allows for safer driving. Backup camera provides ease with parking and blind spot viewing. Heated seats allow for comfort during the winter and the updated air conditioning keeps you cool in the summer.
Compact; easy to drive, inexpensive, good on gas. Family friendly, Roomy still. Lots of life of the car. So I can give it to my kid if I wanted or my sister. It is safe, and reliable car to drive.
It is nice inside and out, smooth drive, very nice updated features to the tech, good on gas mileage, easy to maintain the health of the car, can accelerate pretty nicely after a brief moment, overall reliable with a day to day drive.
This car Has 3 different driving modes... Eco, regular and sport. And it gets 39 mile per gallon! It has plenty of leg room and an updated infotainment system, such as Bluetooth, touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay! Those are some of my favorites.
This car gets good gas mileage, varying with conditions from 22-35 mpg. There is fast get up and go. The brakes last a long time with proper maintenance. I have got 46,000 miles on my car and have NO problems other than the normal wear and tear.
The height of the seats adjust giving me easy sight thru the front window. There is a back up screen that helps to see if someone is there and aids you when parking. Is easy to handle on the road. I like the look and color of the car. It was what I could afford.
The miles it gets city and highway, cost, smooth driving comfort, pick up and family oriented type of transportation. This car is very dependable. Hyundai has besides Chevrolet has great prices and abundance of makes to choose from.
Cons from Owners
The cons include that it does not have a lot of extra room, so it wouldn't be a good choice for someone with a large family. It also does not offer technology such as self-steering, so there are fewer safety features.
Being so low to the ground causes scraps to the undercarriage often when living in the hill country. Unless in sport mode, car will not accelerate as quickly as I would like. Tire sensors will go off of the air is even slightly unbalanced. Car will continually beep until both hands on steering wheel. Can be scary when car puts itself by in the center of the lane. Reverse beeping sensor is slightly late in reaction time.
Sometimes to small for my household, also would be a to small if I had a few kids to drive around. Does not have a large trunk space either which would be more convenient when making large trips from the grocery store.
Could be better off the initial acceleration of the vehicle, sometimes it skids or takes a long time to accelerate coming off of a complete stop. Also needs to be serviced quite a bit but that is understandable. Could have a better sound system too.
It is a base model, so the tires and rims are a bit cheap and so is the cloth interior. And it is like driving a go kart sometimes so when you are going over bumps it is a bit of a tough and rough ride.
The car has a drivers seat that is too hard and difficult to maneuver sometimes. The vision from the driver's seat to look to the right and rear is obscured by the headrest and the right rear part of the window.
Well sometimes the pump to keep the seats up disengages and the height changes. There is some rattling inside the car from the dash.The headrest part of the seat cuts off and makes it uncomfortable during a longer drive. I do not seem to get the gas mileage that was promised when I bought the car.
I cannot complain, I have had no issues with my car and know from experience will not have any problems. Hyundai makes sure my car is drivable sends e-mails and regular mail for service updates. No complaints.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Trims
For the 2018 model year, the Elantra was available in six different trims to fit every shopper’s personality and budget. The trims include:
- SE, SEL and Value: well-equipped with popular options at attractive price points
- Eco: EPA estimated 35 miles per gallon combined fuel economy rating using a 1.4L turbo GDI four-cylinder engine
- Limited: features leather interior, advanced technology, and class-leading safety features
- Sport: include design upgrades and better driving dynamics via an independent rear suspension
Elantra SE
The entry-level Elantra SE features the 2.0L four-cylinder 147-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, and 15-inch steel wheels. A split rear seat expands your trunk space. There is a manually adjustable driver’s seat, air-conditioning, and USB ports for the front row.
Cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity are included with the automatic transmission. Power door locks, windows, and side mirrors add a level of convenience. Daytime running lights provide a stylish accent to its sleek appearance.
Elantra SEL
The SEL takes the automatic transmission version of the SE and adds a suite of upgrades. Heated side mirrors melt away frost, and automatic headlights turn on for you at dusk. The HD radio and infotainment center includes access to Android and Apple apps. Its 16-inch alloy wheels lend it a more urbane air.
The rearview camera helps to guide you into tight spaces. Blind-spot detection and lane change alerts provide a safer ride.
Elantra Value
On any model, the Hyundai Value Edition usually includes the most popular amenities without going overboard on upholstery and sound systems. The Elantra Value Edition adds a power sunroof, leather steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a smart key enter-and-start feature.
You will enjoy heated front seats, a hands-free trunk, and splash lights that illuminate when you approach the vehicle. There is also an integrated garage door transceiver.
Elantra Limited
Need a few more refinements on top of the SEL trim? Consider the Limited (pictured above). Its high-intensity discharge headlights also turn with your steering wheel for improved visibility on dark turns. LED lights anchor all corners.
Leather seating surfaces add extra comfort for all passengers, and the driver enjoys a power seat with adjustable lumbar support. Dual front USB ports keep everyone charged, and the Blue Link Connected Care car system gives you access to roadside assistance and concierge services for a monthly fee.
Ultimate Package
If you are seeking all the tech toys, look for a 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited that includes the Ultimate Package. This includes navigation, an eight-speaker Infinity surround sound system, and a larger color center driver display. Driver memory adjusts your seats and mirrors. The back passengers enjoy heated seats, too. You also get smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and smart high beams.
Elantra Eco
When hunting for a car that excels at fuel economy, look at the Elantra Eco. It features a 1.4L 128-horsepower engine matched to a seven-speed transmission, and earns an EPA-estimated 40 mpg highway.
While skipping the pumps, you still are treated to heated front seats, automatic climate control, a smart key, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Elantra Sport
For those seeking a more spirited ride, the Sport (pictured above) adds a 201 horsepower turbocharged engine matched to the six-speed manual or seven-speed Shiftronic transmission. You will find twin chrome exhaust tips, larger brakes, a sport-tuned suspension, and 18-inch wheels.
Visually, it features a sport grille, bumper, and side sill extensions. Look inside for more upgrades such as sport seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and alloy pedals.
Elantra Sport Premium Package
This package takes your athletic sedan to the top level by adding to all the amenities included in the Sport trim.
The touchscreen is upgraded to eight inches and features navigation. Crank up the music on the Infinity Premium Audio system with a center channel and subwoofer. Automatic climate control and the garage door controller also are added.
Looking for a 2018 Elantra Hatchback?
There is a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT (seen above) that gives you more cargo space with its large liftback design. It is available in two trim levels: the GT and the GT Sport. It is a fun and flirty front-wheel-drive ride, and includes the 2.0L or 1.6L turbo powertrain combinations also found in the sedan.
A Tech Package adds driver-assist features on both trims. The Style Package for the standard GT upgrades you to a heated driver’s seat and the smart key.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Pricing Range
How much should you expect to pay for a new-to-you 2018 Hyundai Elantra? Kelley Blue Book listings offer this compact starting as low as $13,000 and climbing well into the low-$20k range. You can refine your search by looking for the trim that best suits your needs and budget.
Remember that low mileage and a good maintenance record often translate into a higher asking price.
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra SE: $12,900 – $19,500
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL: $14,000 – $19,000
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition: $15,000 – $20,500
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra Limited: $17,000 – $22,000
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra Eco: $17,000 – $20,000
- 2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport: $19,000 – $23,000
2018 Hyundai Elantra Engine and Transmission Options
There are three engines and transmissions found on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited feature the 2.0L four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine that produces an adequate 147 horsepower.
There is a six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic associated with this engine. Either combination gives you the acceleration and control needed to navigate city streets and crowded freeways.
The Eco uses a 1.4L turbocharged engine that squeaks out 128 horsepower and is paired to the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. With this model, you trade performance for added fuel economy. It is a great choice for lots of low-speed city driving or hours spent cruising.
Surprisingly, the 1.4L gives you the low-end torque needed for a more spirited leap off the line. It is the high-speed acceleration that you will not experience on this trim.
The Sport matches performance to the sleek exterior with the 1.6L turbocharged engine, pumping out 201 horsepower of fun. It was built with either the manual or dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.
For those that love to seek out winding back roads or feel the thrill of acceleration on a deserted highway, the Sport is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra for you.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra performs well when compared to other compact sedans in its segment. Even if you are driving the Sport, you still can earn an estimated 30 mpg highway.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delivers all the stats needed to decide which trim offers the best fuel economy based on its engine and transmission.
- 2.0L engine with manual six-speed transmission: 26 city/36 hwy/29 combined
- 2.0L engine with automatic six-speed transmission: 28 city/37 hwy/32 combined
- 1.4L engine with automatic seven-speed transmission: 32 city/40 hwy/35 combined
- 1.6L engine with manual six-speed transmission: 22 city/30 hwy/25 combined
- 1.6L engine with automatic seven-speed transmission: 26 city/33 hwy/29 combined
Some drivers have reported that their SE with an automatic transmission breaks the reported ratings with a 40.1 mpg highway. Users of the SE with a manual logged their own ratings of 31 mpg highway. Your fuel usage will vary based on your typical commute, hard acceleration, braking, and time spent idling at the lights.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Performance
The standard 2.0L engine featured on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra SE, SEL, Value Edition, and Limited produces just enough power to get you around town without being too disappointed in its abilities.
For city driving, it is eminently capable of racing from light to light without getting in the way of other vehicles. The suspension is reported as stiff, and a decent amount of road noise can be heard in the cabin.
Reviewers actually found that the 1.4L turbo on the Eco gives you a more responsive ride, even though it lacks overall horsepower. It is a pleasant surprise when you choose the trim for its fuel efficiency and then find out that it is also fun.
When you need more than a quiet ride to work, the Sport really does amp up the driving experience. The 1.6L turbo inline-four and six-speed manual make for some spirited driving. Its dual-exhaust tips create a pleasant rumble, and the double-wishbone suspension works hard to hug the corners.
When test-driving other cars in the segment, like the Honda Civic Si or VW Jetta GLI, you might be surprised at how well the Sport performs.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Cargo Space & Dimensions
Your Elantra is considered a compact sedan, but design alterations to its cabin for the 2018 model year actually deliver a roomier cabin comparable to a midsize sedan.
The trunk is not huge, but its 14.4 cubic feet is more than enough for several shopping trips, a weekend of luggage, or your sports gear. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded down to expand cargo capacity.
The passenger compartment has a total of 95.8 cubic feet. There is 38.8 inches of headroom up front and 37.3 inches in the rear. The front legroom gives you 42.2 inches and 35.7 inches in the back. If you are of average height, it is more than enough for a comfortable ride.
There is ample shoulder room for front passengers at 56.2 inches wide, and your back seat passengers have 55.3 inches unless a third person is sitting in the middle. Hip room is 53.4 inches and 51.8 inches, respectively.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Safety Features and Ratings
Advanced Safety Technologies
- Available Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist
- Available Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection
- Available Lane Keep Assist and Smart Cruise Control
- Seven standard airbags including driver’s knee airbag
- Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Safety Ratings
The IIHS gave the 2018 Hyundai Elantra their prized Top Safety Pick + award for the small four-door sedan segment in this model year. This only applies to an Elantra with the Ultimate Package with driver-assist safety upgrades that include pedestrian detection with automatic braking and the HID headlights with Bending Light technology.
In the crashworthiness test, it ranked as Good in all areas except the small overlap front passenger side, where it was awarded an Acceptable rating.
Without the Ultimate Package extras, its standard headlights are ranked as Poor, due to the lack of curve and adaptive high beams. They still comply with all federal regulations for brightness and longevity. The lack of driver-assist features does not negatively affect the frame’s ability to protect you in the event of an accident.
When you visit the NHTSA rankings, the Elantra has an overall four-star safety rating with a notation relating to the rear passenger side barrier test. The frontal crash earns an acceptable four stars.
While the side barrier test also earned four stars, their test showed that their rear passenger dummy suffered a spinal injury with potential injury to the areas of the lungs and heart.
It has a 10.7% rollover risk, placing it in the four-star category in the rollover test.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Technology Features
Now that you are shopping for a sedan built in the current decade, you probably are hoping it will come with a few tech toys. While the Elantra SE still sticks to some pretty basic standards, you will enjoy quite a few more modern amenities in the higher trims.
An Infotainment Center that Rocks
Every level of the 2018 Elantra features a seven- or eight-inch color touchscreen to access your audio functions, apps, and available navigation. Bluetooth technology connects your smartphone to hands-free calling when you have an automatic transmission.
When you slide into the SEL or higher, you also have Android and Apple compatibility for contacts, playlists, and hands-free messaging. The Ultimate and Premium packages include an eight-speaker Infinity surround sound system with Clari-Fi technology.
Hyundai Blue Link Offers Remote Engine Start and Climate Control
Another premium feature found on the Limited or Premium Sport is the Blue Link Connected Care Car service. As part of a monthly subscription, you can remote-start the engine and climate control, lock your doors from the office, and set up a valet geo-fence. This also provides automatic collision alerts to roadside assistance and emergency services.
If you need help finding a hotel, just press the blue button and speak up. It will supply directions powered by Google.
Smart Driver-assist Adds HID headlights and Blind-spot Mirror
The base SE trim includes a blind-spot mirror in addition to its rearview camera. Once you step into the SEL, the mirror is replaced with blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alerts. These help you avoid sideswiping another vehicle on the highway or in a crowded parking lot.
The Limited adds a set of HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Light able to illuminate twisting turns. If you desire the convenience of smart cruise control and autonomous emergency braking, you want an Elantra Limited with the Ultimate Package.
Easy Access when Using the Proximity Key
Are you tired of fumbling for your keys while carrying your backpack, purse, kids’ soccer equipment, and a gallon of milk? The 2018 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition and higher trims have a proximity key that lets you leave your fob in your pocket.
The fob allows you to unlock the doors when you approach, and it primes the ignition. You just have to press start.
Better yet, go stand in front of the hands-free trunk and watch it pop open.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Exterior Color Options
When it was released, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra came with eight paint options for all trim levels and a ninth reserved for the Sport. If you are perusing used car listings, you are most likely to find a ride finished in gray, beige, or white. The other colors were less popular, and therefore harder to find on the aftermarket.
Bold color choices included Electric Blue (pictured above), Scarlet Red, and a darker Lakeside Blue. Phantom Black blends in at the executive car park and is nicely accented by a set of alloy wheels.
Mineral Beige and Symphony Silver will be the most common colors found on the market, followed by Machine Gray and Quartz White Pearl. Ceramic White was offered only on the Sport, and offers a more refined appearance, as it dials back the brightness compared to Quartz White.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Interior Color Options
The SE, SEL, Eco, and Value Edition of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra were built with cloth upholstery for seating. There was a choice of three colors: beige, gray, and black. The Value Edition offered only beige and black.
The Limited gave you leather seats in beige, gray, and black. The leather-wrapped steering wheel matched the upholstery.
In the Sport, black leather is highlighted by red stitching along the seat back, headrest, and flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Every Elantra left the factory with carpeted flooring but no floor mats. If you find a ride with mats, they are an additional accessory and may or may not match your upholstery.
Retro Reviews: What Critics Said in 2018
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra was the second year of the current generation with a complete refresh rolling out in 2017. As usual, this means that the 2018 benefits from the smoothing out of any problems associated with the debut year for the generation.
As such, many of the changes were still new to reviewers and their enthusiasm for the new entry-level Hyundai was reflected in their reports. Its most attractive attribute according to CNBC is its power and smooth drive.
“The GT Sport feels like a refined and more powerful small hatchback,” said auto critic Mack Hogan in his May 2018 CNBC car review of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. “It doesn’t light your hair on fire, but the driving experience still offers more engagement than a traditional compact car, especially with the six-speed manual.
“…Handling is competent and the power is adequate,” added Hogan in his unbiased review, which qaso pointed out a few faults with the then-new Elantra. “It’s not technically bad at cornering, but the wheel feels dead in your hands. The engine has the torque to move you off the line, but it never seems to encourage spirited driving. It’ll do it, but it doesn’t seem to want to.”
In Driving‘s Oct. 2017 review of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport, real owner Darcy Kraus was also impressed with the vehicle’s power, although it took a moment for the Elantra to prove its worth.
“Power felt underwhelming at first,” said Kraus about the 2018 Elantra’s turbocharged engine and its output of 201 horsepower. “But the more I got to know the car, I realized it’s really adequate. The shifter has nice short throws and the clutch action is very smooth on the uptake.”
In the end, Kraus seemed to have enjoyed the week he spent test-driving the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. “Overall, the car is not a head turner in public,” he said. “However, anyone who I visited with during the course of the week liked the styling and loved the interior.”
In Jan. 2018, the YouTubers at Go Auto posted a video review of their test-drive of a 2018 Hyundai Elantra and really had only positive things to say about it, proclaiming. “I like it! It’s quiet, it’s comfy, and it’s incredibly affordable ($15,999 for the base trim), especially for all the [extra features] you get. That’s the No. 1 [selling point] for me.”
Current Reviews: Critics (Mostly) Love the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Now that the 2018 Hyundai Elantra has been out and about on the road for up to three years, that new car shine has worn off. Do people still love their small sedans after all this time, or are they ready to switch up to something else?
Within our vast collection of Vehicle History real owner reviews, a vast majority of 2018 Elantra owners have awarded it a 4.5 out of a five-star rating, commonly noting its reliability as a positive perk.
Hyundai includes with every new car a five-year and 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. The guys over at Car Confections drive a 2018 Hyundai Elantra SEL for their own personal ride and provide a solid long-term review following two years of ownership as a daily driver.
“Owning this car for two years and 15,000 miles, I have to say, I’m very impressed by it, I really am,” says Car Confections host Mason Hardesty. “You know, sometimes Honda gets knocked for being less quality than Toyota or Honda, that it’s inferior. But I really haven’t had a single issue out of this vehicle except for really common stuff…so, I can’t really complain about anything…”
However, Hardesty did have a problem with the heat in the Elantra, and it required a computer update to fix. The car also had its battery die after just two years, but the warranty covered both the jump to get the car back to the service center and the replacement battery. The battery issue was not a problem with the vehicle, but the actual battery.
In their 2020 YouTube video review of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, the auto influencers over at Everyman Driver spent some time with the vehicle, but they weren’t as impressed as other auto critics. But they do acknowledge that, “Luckily, newer model years have fewer reported problems,” says Everyman Driver before denoting the annual number of reported problems for the Elanta, including “…36 for 2016, 52 for 2017, and just 13 for 2018…”
The influencers at the YouTube channel Drive & Ride took a test-drive in a 2018 Hyundai Elantra that sports a nice-looking Phoenix Orange exterior.
“There’s a lot of nice styling in it,” said Drive & Ride in the 2020 video review of a 2018 Elantra. “Up front it’s got these nice sleek headlights, and LED fog lights with individual lights that really give it a classy look.”
During the test-drive, Drive & Ride reports that, “It gets moving pretty good. At the price point of these units, you really can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a car that’s economical for maintenance, economical for driving/fuel, economical for insurance, but still have all the quality and creature comforts that a lot of the higher-end cars have. You can’t go wrong with [the 2018 Hyundai Elantra].”
Maintenance & Reliability Numbers for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
How much will you pay to keep a Hyundai Elantra on the road?
If you keep up with the recommended maintenance schedule, Repair Pal reports that the average owner will spend around $450 a year for service. You will take it into the shop about once every three years for an unscheduled repair. There is only a 9% chance that it will be a severe fix. This earns it an excellent reliability rating when compared to other vehicles in the compact car segment.
Over at U.S. News & World Report, it is ranked ninth out of 17 cars in the Best Compact Cars for this model year, and they remark that you can expect it to have above-average reliability.
At J.D. Power, it earned an 87/100 Quality and Reliability rating from registered users, which is considered great! They also awarded it third place in their Top 10 Consumer Rated Sedan category.
The downside is that owners only give their dealership and dealer-owned service center experience an Average rating. Since the Hyundai brand was built on selling affordable cars, their business model is focused on keeping costs in line instead of the more customer-centric experience found at luxury brand dealers.
Your experience may vary based on your neighborhood and unique dealer practices.
Known Issues for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
With over 200,000 vehicles on the road in America, you must expect to see some mechanical problems on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra.
If you go digging at NHTSA, you will find over 80 consumer complaints about this make and model. However, it should be noted that as of July 2021, there are no open recalls for this vehicle. In this day and age, that is a remarkable feat of automotive manufacturing.
The most common complaints registered for the ride have to do with the engine. About half of the complaints have been filed in 2020 or later. While several of the complaints cite the engine shutting down or throwing a rod without warning, some vehicles were over the 100,000-mile warranty period.
In one instance, the dealer refused to replace the engine because there were no maintenance records for the last few years.
There are a couple of complaints that state the engine failed after 18,000 or 33,000 miles. Ultimately, the engine complaints do not show a trend or particular problem that demanded a recall or part replacement.
The second-highest number of complaints was recorded in the electrical section at 10. However, some of those complaints are duplicates of the engine issue. Part of the engine failure process includes all the warning lights going off before the car loses power.
There are 10 service bulletins issued for identifying known problems in the engine compartment. Manufacturer communication number 21-EM-004H provides directions to ensure there is proper clearance for the pushrod bearings.
Another features an ECM flash to balance the cylinders. Excessive exhaust noise may be due to a poor weld, requiring the replacement of the muffler assembly. Finally, a service campaign began in June 2018 to inspect the serpentine belt on any Elantra with the 2.0L engine.
In comparison, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra has 299 complaints logged and four issued recalls. Clearly, many problems were sorted out between the two model years.
2018 Hyundai Elantra’s Competition
When you are shopping for a pre-owned car, you want to make sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck. It also should be a ride that matches your lifestyle. If the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is not quite your speed, check out some other top-ranking compact cars.
2018 Kia Soul
The 2018 Kia Soul stands out from the crowd of small SUVs and sedans with its contemporary boxy design. Its upright shape gives you ample headroom and nearly 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats down.
It doesn’t do quite as well as the Elantra for fuel economy but still can earn an EPA-estimated 30 mpg highway. Like the Elantra, you can get driver-assist features with the Primo Lit package. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating, and it is a Top Safety Pick at the IIHS.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
When you love driving a sedan for your daily commute, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze gives you all the fuel economy and function found on the Elantra. Its design is not quite as sleek, but there is a 1.6L diesel that cranks up the mileage to an EPA-estimated 52 mpg highway. Add the Driver Confidence II package to get lane departure warnings and forward collision prevention.
Overall, it enjoys a Top Five position in the Small Car category when reviewed by the experts at Vehicle History.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Ford Focus
Do you need more excitement? More options? How about a small car ready to make some noise on the weekend at your local track? While you can find a 2018 Ford Focus with similar horsepower and pricing as the Elantra SE, you also can find one loaded with a world of performance toys.
The RS features a hatchback, all-wheel drive, 350 horsepower, and heated leather Recaro seats. There is also a plug-in electric, able to roam up to 115 miles on a single charge.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Honda Civic
In the past, nobody could touch Honda and Toyota on reliability for their small cars. The 2018 Honda Civic is comparable in appearance, fuel economy, and overall power to the Elantra. It also scores an impressive 8.4/10 rating at U.S. News. When you do some digging at Repair Pal, it has a higher average cost of maintenance and breakdown risk compared to the Hyundai.
Still, it ranks in the Top 10 of best compact cars, and owners at Vehicle History give it a 4.7 out of 5 rating satisfaction score.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2018 Mazda3
The 2018 Mazda3 is designed for people that love to drive. Its nicely tuned 2.0L engine produces only an extra 15 horsepower compared to the Elantra. The steering and suspension deliver a fun ride for anybody behind the wheel. The base model lists for about $4,000 more than an Elantra of the same year, so it is not the economical solution to your search.
One quirk that owners either love or hate is that the touchscreen responds to your finger only when the car is at a complete stop. Its interior also looks and feels more like an upscale vehicle than a budget-friendly commuter car.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
What are the Options for a Pre-owned or CPO 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
Hyundai does offer a comprehensive certified pre-owned program. If you find a CPO 2018 Hyundai Elantra on your dealer’s lot, you will spend an extra $2,000 to $3,000 compared to an Elantra sold without the program.
Hyundai certified pre-owned includes the remaining balance of their five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. It undergoes a 173-point safety and performance checklist. Finally, it has a limited 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. They even throw in a copy of its maintenance records.
When shopping outside the CPO program, always take the time to run the VIN of your potential new-to-you car through Vehicle History to check for any red flags.
Will an Elantra hold its value? While you can expect your car to keep moving for at least 100,000 miles, the Hyundai brand was not always associated with quality. For this reason, the Elantra does not appear at the top of the list for resale value. This is not a ride that you buy with an eye on getting back your investment.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a Good Buy as a Used Car?
When you are hunting for an affordable compact sedan that works to keep your gas budget under control, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra should be on your shortlist.
While it won’t win any races, it is a reliable vehicle with a low cost of maintenance. It far surpasses the 2017 version as the second year of the latest generation with minimal complaints and no recalls logged with the NHTSA.
If you are shopping with a keen eye for safety for your kids, you may want to look at a different ride. The rear doors were compromised in a side barrier impact test, which could lead to injury. Otherwise, the top-tier Limited or Sport with an upgraded package delivers the extra driver-assist features that help you to avoid accidents.
While it is a compact sedan, the cabin is surprisingly roomy, and the trunk leaves enough space for a couple of roller bags and a baby seat. You can fit three baby seats across the back without compromising the airbag system. The rear seats also fold forward, expanding your ability to bring home a large impulse buy.
If you desire something a little sportier with a large liftback that won’t blow the budget, look at the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT.
Why You Should Trust Us
The Hyundai Elantra is not the kind of car that you typically see stealing the headlines at the auto show. To bring you a complete and in-depth buying guide, Vehicle History worked with S.D. Grady to unearth all the details you need to make the most informed decision. Grady has been covering automotive sports since 2007. She continues to explore the latest trends in the industry, providing pertinent and applicable insights to her readers.
We spent more than 25 hours gathering information on the Hyundai Elantra from a wide range of trusted sources. Ultimately, we focused on the topics that matter most to you to give you an unbiased view of the vehicle’s ability, durability, and price range.
Images: Hyundai; Kia; Honda; Chevrolet; Mazda; Ford
