In the debut year of its sixth generation, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra maintains the carmaker’s firm position among top economically priced compacts. The newly designed sedan is offered in three trim levels: SE, Eco and Limited.
The SE model is standard with 15-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, height-adjustable front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback. There’s also a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and a CD player.
Key Takeaways
- Sixth-generation compact with three trims: SE, Eco, and Limited. Each targets a different priority — price for SE, fuel economy for Eco, features for Limited.
- Eco trim returns 35 combined mpg on a 1.4L turbo: The 128-horsepower turbo paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined mpg on regular gasoline.
- $20,690 base, $21,610 as-tested for the Eco: About $10,000 below the U.S. average new-vehicle transaction price, placing the Elantra firmly in the value compact category.
- Interior feels bigger than its compact designation: Roominess, ride refinement, and noise isolation rival some midsize sedans. Fit and finish are solid across the range.
- Industry-best powertrain warranty: Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper backing remain a meaningful differentiator in the segment.
Automatic-transmission SE models offer a Popular Equipment package. Included are 16-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and steering wheel controls (but no CD player).
The Eco model, similar to the SE with Popular Equipment and Tech packages, was my test vehicle. It substitutes 15-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
With a base price of slightly less that $21,000 (about $10,000 less than the average price of a new car in the United States) the Elantra is also firmly positioned into the super value sedan category.
Despite its designation as a compact, the Elantra has more interior space than many midsize vehicles. It also drives as smoothly and quietly and with as much confident as many higher-priced, larger sedans.
Beyond its roominess and a lengthy list of standard features, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra gets top safety ratings. It also has a 10-year engine warranty, the best in the automotive industry.
There’s no downside as long as the Elantra is accepted for what it is. It has a lot attributes greater than its status as a compact. But it is 128-horsepower sedan it would fare particularly well in performance tests.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco, Likes:
Spacious interior for the segment. Quality interior and exterior construction. Superior gas mileage.2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco, Dislikes:
Mediocre acceleration.2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco,
What Others Say:
“The 2017 Hyundai Elantra’s overall quality, though, has taken another step forward. With a starting price of $17,985, compact-car buyers should take it seriously.” — Automobile Magazine.“To us, there’s no doubt that the latest Elantra is among the best compact cars on the market, and it definitely deserves a place on your shopping list.” — AutoTrader.com.
“This refreshed compact, this mini-Sonata, isn’t going to generate a lot of headlines, but it’s a major improvement to a key player in Hyundai‘s lineup. Caranddriver.com.
The Weekly Driver’s Final Words:
“Hyundai keeps improving, year after year. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is arguably the best car $21,000 can buy.”What We Like
- 35 mpg combined on the Eco trim
- Spacious cabin for a compact
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard with Popular Equipment package
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Quiet, composed ride at freeway speeds
What We Don’t
- 128 horsepower feels modest for highway merges
- Popular Equipment package required to get key tech features
- SE base model lacks advanced driver-assistance features
- CD player deleted when Popular Equipment is added
- Touchscreen graphics trail newer segment rivals
Facts & Figures: 2017 Hyundai Elantra
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.4L Turbo 4-cylinder (Eco) |
| Horsepower | 128 |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Economy | 32 city / 40 hwy / 35 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 7 years/unlimited miles |
| Acceleration | 0-60 mph, 7.8 seconds |
| Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price | $20,690 |
| Price As Tested | $21,610 |
How It Compares
| Vehicle | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2017 Honda Civic | |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | |
| 2017 Mazda Mazda3 | |
| 2017 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| 2017 Kia Forte | |
| 2017 Ford Focus |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco have?
The 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Eco trim produces 128 horsepower. The base SE model uses a 2.0-liter engine rated at 147 horsepower.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Elantra Eco?
EPA ratings for the Eco are 32 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 35 combined mpg on regular gasoline. Base SE trims earn roughly 29/38/33 mpg.
How fast is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco?
0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds despite its 128 horsepower, thanks to the turbocharger’s low-end torque and the quick-shifting seven-speed DCT.
How much does the 2017 Hyundai Elantra cost?
The Eco trim carries an MSRP of $20,690, reaching $21,610 as-tested with destination charges. Base SE models start around $17,985.
What trim levels does the 2017 Hyundai Elantra offer?
Three trims: SE (value), Eco (fuel efficiency), and Limited (features). Popular Equipment and Tech packages add touchscreen, CarPlay, heated seats, and active safety features.
What is the warranty on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty provides 5 years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, and 7 years/unlimited miles of corrosion protection.
Is the 2017 Elantra safe?
Yes. The Elantra earned top safety ratings with seven standard airbags, and available advanced driver-assistance features include automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control in higher trims.
What are the main rivals to the 2017 Hyundai Elantra?
Primary competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze, Kia Forte, and Ford Focus in the compact sedan segment.
Article Last Updated: April 17, 2026.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004.
In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida.
An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.