2018 Hyundai Elantra: Tough Competitor among Compacts

With new trim offerings and great fuel efficiency, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a tough competitor in the compact sedan market. 
The Elantra now comes in five trims: SE, Value Edition, Eco, Sport and Limited.
Under the hood of the SE and Limited models is a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and is linked a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Eco features a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 128 horsepower and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Sport comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and has a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Gas mileage for the SE manual is rated by EPA at 26 mpg city, 36 highway. The automatic gets 29 and 38. The Eco rates at 32 and 40 mpg, and the manual Sport ranks lowest at 22 and 33 mpg. The automatic Sport gets 26 and 33 mpg.
Styling for the Elantra is largely unchanged from last model year, with a sizable, hexagon-shaped grille up front with narrow headlights. The angular theme continues at the back end, with a sculpted design. 
The Elantra comes standard with LED daytime running lights, power side mirrors and 15-inch wheels. Options include HID headlights, heated side mirrors, LED taillights, hands-free smart trunk, a power moonroof, chrome exterior accents and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Sport version also has slightly different, more athletic styling cues. 
The inside of the Elantra is not fancy, but does offer some sporty touches. The well-designed center stack has a standard audio system with MP3 playback and a USB port. Optional is a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, BlueLink connect services for emergencies, security, and diagnostics and an Infinity premium audio system. Leather seating, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and heated rear seats are comfort options. 
The Elantra is not the peppiest thing you'll drive, but it gets the job done when merging on to a crowded freeway or passing a tractor trailer. But what it might lack in spirited driving, it makes up for in practicality, a far more important character trait. 
The Elantra starts at around $17,000 and ranges to about $23,000.
It is a solid competitor in the compact sedan market.