The redesigned 2019 Hyundai Elantra is on its sixth generation and set to hit dealerships in North America later this year. The manufacturer has just released detailed info on the U.S. edition, filling us in on the revisions and updates the popular model is getting for 2019 – most if not all of which should apply to the versions we get in Canada.
Significantly revised on the outside, the 2019 Elantra gets an even bigger update in terms of its tech offering. Read on.
Exterior changes
Undergoing a significant esthetic overhaul, the new 2019 Elantra is decked in a new hood, front fender, front fascia, front grille and headlights. In back, the trunk, taillights and rear fascia are also new. The designs of the Elantra’s 16- and 17-inch wheels have been redesigned as well (the Eco trim also gets a new design for its 15-inch wheels). The model’s Limited and Sport trims get LED headlights for 2019.
Interior changes
The centre console’s ergonomics have been updated, with new placements for the air vents, the audio and climate control commands and the instrument cluster. A storage tray has been added as well. Hyundai’s SmartSense system is now included as of the SEL trim, as are the Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Alert functions. The Limited version, when taking the Ultimate Package, now comes with Safe Exit Assist.
Buyers of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra get a standard 5-inch colour screen for the audio system, Bluetooth connectivity right from the entry model and Qi wireless charging on the Limited trim. Higher trims offer an available 8-inch multimedia navigation system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The Limited also gets an 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a subwoofer. SEL versions and up get the Smart Shift Drive Mode
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“Refinements to both the interior and exterior were initiated on the 2019 Elantra to maintain its emotional design character and include affordable and desired features. The hood, front fenders, fascia, grille and headlights as well as the rear fascia, trunk and taillights each have been redesigned to convey a catchy and confident image. On the rear of the vehicle, the license plate has been relocated to the lower fascia to further enhance the new body sculpture.”
- Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai
The powertrain
The U.S. edition of the 2019 Elantra comes with two engine choices, along with a third option that will power the Sport version, set to release later in 2018. The first is the same 2.0L Atkinson Cycle engine (147 hp) found in the current Canadian Elantra, while the second if a 1.4L turbo (128 hp); we don’t know yet if that will make it to the Canadian product offering.
No announcement has been made regarding U.S. pricing, but we expect that, in the interest of staying competitive in its segment, the 2019 Elantra will not be much more expensive - if at all - than the 2018 edition, which starts at $15,999 in Canada.
