Technology and Design Make the 2019 Hyundai Elantra a Car You’ll Love to Drive
Becky Fixel
|
The sleek new design on the 2019 Elantra is just the start.
Hitting the road to explore new places is something that drives us all. And one of the most important things you need to get there is a good car. We’re not just talking about any car, but one that is completely loaded with technology that not only helps keep you safe but also keeps you on the road longer by optimizing the comfort of the driver and the passengers.
Finding this in a car that you can also drive every day as you plan your getaways is the goal. We were delighted by the perfect combination of technology and comfort in the 2019 Hyundai Elantra. A newly redesigned version of Elantra, is the sixth generation of the model, has comfort built into every step of the design and at a price that will leave room in your budget for travel.
With creature comforts we’ve grown to expect like heated seats and hands free calling and, of course, GPS navigation, the Elantra is great for short trips or long haul drives. It features technology to help ensure our drive is safe and to help entertain us as we go. Because we all know, long hours on the road can cause drivers fatigue, we need to have those options close at hand.
Loaded with technology, the 2019 Elantra has the latest features you want for your time on the road. Photo: Becky Fixel
Who This Car is For
- Singles, couples or small families
- Lovers of premium features who are budget conscious
- Buyers who want to reward themselves with a premium features without the sticker shock
- Buyers who need room for 5 passengers
- Buyers who need space that is flexible for both cargo and passengers
- Lovers of good fuel economy! You won’t be stopping to visit the gas station as often!
What This Car Costs
- Base Price: $17,200 for the SE model, which includes a 5″ touchscreen display, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio with bluetooth and 60/40 split-folding rear seats
- SEL: $19,500 which includes a 7-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, blind spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning, forward collision-avoidance assistance
- Value Edition: $20,500, which includes proximity key entry, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, hands-free smart trunk release, lane keeping assist.
- Eco: $21,050, which includes 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission with Shiftronic, which allows you to pop the shifter into +/- mode to manually shift gears, heated front seats, dual charging USB ports, LED daytime running lights
- Sport: $22,600, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, multi-link independent rear suspension, leather seating surfaces, sport front grill & rear spoiler.
- Sport Premium Package: Add $2,250 for an upgraded navigation system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Infinity premium audio with 8 speakers including center channel and subwoofer, Clari-Fi sound technology, dual automatic temperature control, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink garage door opener and Blue Link connected car system with complimentary three year package that includes remote start and navigation guidance
- Limited model: $22,700, which includes power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, automatic high beam assist, Infinity premium audio and a wireless phone charge pad
- Ultimate Package for the Limited model: Add $3,350 which includes 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation, blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning, 4.2-inch color driver instrument cluster display, power sunroof, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control (SCC), seat and side mirror memory for the driver
Related: With a beautiful new look , Elantra steps back into center stage
Leg room and comfort for passengers are priority in the Elantra. Coupled with safety features your most important cargo will get to your destination safely. Photo: Becky Fixel
Passengers Are Set for the Long Haul for Road Trips
Remember sitting in the back seat of your parents car on a a road trip and have nothing to do but stare out the window? Times have changed! And not only will the back seat passengers have a comfortable place to sit in the back with a lot of legroom. They also have access to USB ports to plug their phones or tablets in to make sure they are entertained the whole way.
Drivers with small children will find two LATCH compatible child safety seat restraint systems that accommodate both forward and rear facing seats. From a trip from to the store, school or to see the Grand Canyon, passengers are comfortable and connected in the back seat.
The 2019 Elantra offers an update look including streamline headlights. Photo: Becky Fixel
A Small Sedan with a Lot of Features – What’s Inside the 2019 Elantra?
Maybe I’m a sucker for an elegantly designed car, but I fell in love with the 2019 Elantra just on looks alone. It’s beautiful new design features a refined and angled front grille and headlights, crisp side lines along the door and lower panel and a swooping rear end finished with an elegant spoiler on the trunk. It all feels elegant and grown up, not childish the way some well-priced entry level cars can.
Inside the promise of elegance and grown-up maturity is fulfilled with features we’re starting to see standard everywhere, including with the hands free calling, satellite radio, a touchscreen, Apple Car Play or Android Auto and more.
We all live on our phones and running out of power, especially when traveling, is not ideal. Upgraded Elantra models sure you to keep you charged; in the center console you’ll find a Qi charging pad. If your phone has a wireless charging option, all you have to do is set it on the pad and your phone will remain charged while you’re driving (or riding along).
Want to take your own music on the road? Connect your phone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and keep connected. Not only will you be able to take your calls wherever but stream your favorite soundtrack or custom playlist on the go. Kids want to hear Baby Shark for the 100th time on the road? No problem, just hit play while you’re on the go!
Related: Packed with features the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe is the Mid-Sized SUV You Will Love
Sleek lines and curves give the Elantra an updated look that is ready for the road. Photo: Becky Fixel
Safety is Key in the Elantra – Get You To Your Destination Safe and Sound
Safety is a huge priority for any time you hit the road, but especially if you’re going for hundreds of miles. The Elantra uses technology to help ensure that you are as safe as possible while driving. They have taken the steps to make sure you and the passengers are safe from the moment you step into the car to when you exit it. Giving you the peace of mind that your family will be safe as you drive through life.
-
Forward collision-avoidance Assist (camera-only type) that is designed to help detect and monitor the vehicle ahead and warn the driver if a collision may be imminent. The system also initiates automatic braking when it detects a slower or stopped vehicle ahead.
-
Lane keep assist that detects the lane on the road and may apply steering wheel control if the vehicle leaves the lane when the vehicle speed is over 40 mph.
-
Driver attention alert that warns the driver of tired driving patterns with an audible alert and visual warning displayed on the instrument cluster.
-
Safe exit assist that may sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle.
- Forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection is a technology that utilizes both the front forward-facing radar and camera through sensor fusion to help detect a vehicle or pedestrian, and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system may apply emergency braking in certain circumstances.
- Blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.
Related: What Should You Look For In Your Next Road Trip Car?
Storage will not be an issue in the Elantra, with an oversized trunk space with a spare tire in case the roads get rough. Photo: Becky Fixel
What We Loved
- Beautiful design steals your heart at the first look
- Goes easily from a family car to one perfect for road trips
- Smart key with push button start
- Multiple drive modes including eco, sport and snow adapts easily to your driving conditions.
- Rear seats fold for extra cargo space
- Standard driver assistance and safety features
- Gas mileage that keeps you on the road for longer
The 2019 Elantra brings in comfort features we’re used to and blends in new technology that drivers want for the long haul. Photo: Becky Fixel
What You Need to Know
- Seating for 5 but more comfortable for 4, and with leg room to spare
- Ability to connect two car seats with LATCH system
- Wireless charging and connectivity will keep you powered and energized.
- Lower clearance for improved aerodynamics
- 28 MPG city/37 highway
- Regular gas is recommended
All of the technology you need is within a quick reach for the driver, keeping you connected on the go. Photo: Becky Fixel
Our Initial Thoughts and a Walk Around of the 2019 Elantra
Disclosure: The Hyundai Elantra was provided for this story; all opinions are my own.
