2024 Hyundai Elantra N Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

After only three years, Hyundai's feisty Elantra N sport compact gets an update, aligning its design with the calmer sedan it's based on. Hyundai has made some tweaks to the car's suspension system, but the 276-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four goes unchanged for 2024, so straight-line performance remains the same. We're happy with that. We loved the last Elantra N so much that it took first place in a comparison test against two of our other favorites, the Honda Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI. A new 19-inch wheel design and new front and rear bumper covers with updated headlamps and taillights visually differentiate the 2024 model from the 2023, in what we think is a handsome update to a great sport compact sedan, earning it a spot on our Editors' Choice list again this year.

What's New for 2024?

Though not a generational change, the refreshed Hyundai Elantra N looks to usher in several noteworthy changes. New front and rear bumpers are accompanied by snazzy new headlights and taillights. The "H" logo on the hood is now black, and there are two new 19-inch wheel designs. There are also a few changes inside in the way of new seats and a revised steering wheel and shift knob. Hyundai also made performance-oriented updates to the car's software, in addition to several physical changes that claim to improve performance, including a reinforced engine mount, new steering components, and updated rear-suspension bushings.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The N comes fully loaded with both attitude and equipment. Amongst the performance upgrades from standard Elantra's are a host of technology and safety features, leaving buyers with a handful of paint options to choose from and the choice of either a manual or automatic transmission. If it were us, we'd pick the stick.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Hyundai Elantra N inherits its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Veloster N hatchback. That engine makes a stout 275-hp in the Veloster N, but thanks to an overboost feature the company calls N Grin Shift, the Elantra N boasts a 286-hp rating. That gives the Elantra N a big power advantage over the similarly priced Jetta GLI. An eight-speed automatic is available but we're happy to report a six-speed manual is standard. During our instrumented testing of an Elantra N with the eight-speed automatic, we observed sprints to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a 13.4-second quarter-mile run with a trap speed of 106 mph. The Elantra N offers sharp throttle response, crisp handling, and a sonorous exhaust note. We also found that the Elantra N's longer wheelbase gives it a more compliant ride than the Veloster N but it still delivers the surefootedness we look for in a sports sedan. In fact, the more time we spend with it the more the Elantra N confirms its position as a top player in the spicy sport compact segment.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA rates the Elantra N at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for models equipped with a manual transmission, and 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway for automatics. When we put it through our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the Elantra N with the manual transmission did slightly better than its EPA highway estimate, notching a 32 mpg result; the automatic-equipped model we tested delivered an impressive 37 mpg. For more information about the Elantra N's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The regular Elantra's dramatically-styled cabin has a decidedly co*ckpit-like look and feel which translates perfectly to the racier Elantra N. The sportier-looking ambiance is enhanced by sport seats with aggressive bolsters, metal-accented pedals, and a smattering of N badges. Rear seat passenger space is more generous here than in the Veloster N and the trunk offers more space for cargo. A sunroof is available, but only if you get the automatic transmission.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Elantra's all-digital dashboard carries over to the N model, with a large 10.3-inch digital gauge display sharing real estate with a 10.3-inch infotainment display that's angled slightly toward the driver. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all likely to be standard features.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

A host of driver-assistance technologies are on the menu as standard features. For more information about the Elantra N's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Elantra N offers Hyundai's now-legendary 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. The only other brand to offer such a warranty is Kia, but Hyundai's models come with three years of complimentary maintenance as an added perk.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs