The market for passenger cars has "stabilized," according to Hyundai executives, enough for the automaker to keep sedans in its lineup at a time when many rivals have left the segment. The updated 2024 versions of the mid-sized Hyundai Sonata and Elantra compact sedans are proof of that commitment.
Since the early 1990s, the Hyundai Elantra has been a value-laden alternative to the usual Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta. The latest generation of the Hyundai four-door arrived for the 2021 model year with concept-car styling, a tech-laden cabin, and the arrival of sportier N trims. Just three years later, Hyundai has refreshed its Elantra with more of the same elements of its winning formula.
Hyundai Designers Add Even More Flair
The most recent seventh-generation Elantra sedan has stood out mainly due to dramatic exterior looks not usually found in the conservatively styled compact car class. And although the updates for 2024 can be filed under "tweaks," the 2024 version is arguably better looking.
With what Hyundai calls a new "shark-nosed character," the 2024 Elantra gets updated front and rear fascias. Thinner LED daytime running lights with a connecting metallic element, a two-piece grille, and a rear diffuser are also part of the exterior design refinements. The sportiest Elantra, the N, also returns with updated exterior elements.
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra four-cylinder engine lineup remains familiar. Returning are the 2.0-litre, the N's turbocharged version, a 1.6L turbo, and the 1.6L gas-electric hybrid version.
More Customer-Friendly Safety and Tech
While the new Elantra's exterior may get all the attention, Hyundai's interior designers have also been at work. Like the outside of the car, the changes to the cabin may seem minor, but there are some notable upgrades.
New details, like the soft-touch front door panels, fresh colour schemes, and leatherette seating surfaces on the Luxury and N-Line trims, refine a cabin already loaded with up-to-the-minute technology supporting the stylish exterior.
On the tech front, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra gets a newly available 4.2-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system, optional Bose Premium Audio, Bluelink Connected Car tech, and a smartphone device-compatible Digital Key that locks, unlocks and starts the Elantra. New rear side airbags, a rear seat belt reminder, and a steering wheel with haptic feedback have been added to the 2024 Elantra's safety suite.
2024 Hyundai Elantra N Gets Improved Ride and Handling
Hyundai's in-house N team's work on the latest Elantra N has been applauded by buyers who enjoy a fun driving experience. To keep attracting those discerning types, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N gets a host of refinements in the ride and handling departments.
From the suspension standpoint, there's a new engine mount membrane (to improve "after shake" and agility), new "G bushing" reinforcement (for yaw response and steering precision), ECS hardware improvements (for better body control), and a rear suspension/ABS insulator change from rubber to urethane (for better damping and yaw response).
As for throwing the hot Hyundai sedan into turns, the 2024 N's steering gearbox yoke spec has been changed, and the universal joint friction was reduced for improved steering feel and accuracy for enhanced steering precision. Finally, tire pressures have increased from the current front/rear 36/33 PSI to 35/33 "to optimize front axle load increase while maintaining front-to-rear ride and handling balance."
You may also like
