2024 Hyundai Elantra is More Refined, N Sticks With Manual Gearbox

Similar to the larger Sonata, the compact Hyundai Elantra gets a mid-cycle update for the 2024 model year that includes several cosmetic revisions and new technology.

The exterior doesn’t change much, but the company says it boasts a more refined look. The front end incorporates thinner headlights that are connected by a metallic accent, while the Hyundai logo above the grille is flat and made of stainless steel. Said grille is revised and split into two sections with a body-coloured element in the middle.

The new front fenders house updated wheel designs ranging from 15-18 inches. New body colours can be specified including Ecotronic Gray, Ultimate Red and Exotic Green. Oh, and the rear diffuser comes with a wide U-shaped silver element.

“We’ve added customer-friendly features and created a more unique, purposeful and playful character,” said Simon Loasby, head of the Hyundai Style Group at Hyundai Motor Company. “We have emphasized Elantra’s bold, dynamic exterior design achieving what we call ‘Parametric Dynamics,’ conveying new emotions to customers through geometrically separated beauty. Elantra has a new shark-nosed character that gives the car an aggressive, wider stance.”

Improved Cabin

The interior of the 2024 Elantra has been updated with new colours, new door panel materials and new H-Tex synthetic leather seating surfaces on select models. The standard 4.2-inch instrument cluster and wireless charging pad are redesigned, too.

Available technologies include Digital Key 2 (compatible with iPhone and Android), Bose Premium Audio with eight speakers and a 10.25-inch infotainment system. A few safety features make their debut such as standard rear side airbags on all models.

Base Elantra models retain a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. The Elantra Hybrid is still the most fuel-efficient of the lot, maintaining combined fuel consumption below 5 L/100 km. And then there’s the Elantra N Line, whose turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivers 201 horsepower.

Don’t Forget the N!

The high-performance Elantra N returns for 2024 with some styling changes, as well. Among others, you’ll find a redesigned fascia front and rear along with an updated grille design.

The most significant upgrades affect the car’s handling characteristics. In particular, the engine mount is reinforced to improve after shake and agility, while G bushing reinforcement improves yaw response and steering precision. The rear suspension/ABS insulator changes from rubber to urethane for better damping.

Steering enhancements and new software tuning are part of the package, too. What doesn’t change is the 276-horsepower turbocharged engine under the hood. Good news: the six-speed manual gearbox continues to be offered.