2017 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–173 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 168.9–179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,811–2,855 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 30% better than the average 2017 midsize car (26.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints796 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,811 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 40 highway), 30% better than the 2017 midsize car average of 26.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 796 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2017
- Engines added: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 31 to 35
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Montgomery, Alabama · Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2017 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 179.9 in | 70.5 in | 55.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,811 lb | 62/38 |
| GT 5dr Hatchback | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,855 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 / 40 / 35 | +30% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Elantra SE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 33 | +23% | $2,050 | 272 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 32 | +19% | $2,100 | 282 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 301 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | 0% | $2,500 | 331 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -7% | $2,700 | 356 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Later Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD Early Release | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |

Similar 2017 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2017 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2017 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
Recalls (4)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 28, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V213000 · 99 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. The affected vehicles may have a damaged Electronic Power Steering (MDPS) connector resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPS motor, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 28, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-243-7766. Hyundai's number for this recall 161.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Hydraulic · Jan 26, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V063000 · 33,803 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2017 Elantra vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake booster may fail, resulting in a loss of power brake assist.
- Risk
- A loss of power brake assist can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai has notified owners, and dealers will replace the brake system booster assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 6, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 157.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Dec 30, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V956000 · 110 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2017 Hyundai Elantra vehicles manufactured April 15, 2016, to September 13, 2016, and Sonata vehicles manufactured May 27, 2016 to September 16, 2016. In these vehicles, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2017. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 156.
Air Bags › Frontal · Apr 21, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V232000 · 33 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Sonata vehicles manufactured May 29, 2014 to February 11, 2016, 2017 Elantra vehicles manufactured January 12, 2016 to February 22, 2016, and one 2016 Sonata Hybrid vehicle manufactured October 15, 2015. In these vehicles, the driver's frontal air bag may be missing a chemical enhancer required for the second stage air bag deployment, resulting in the second stage not deploying in certain crashes. The primary stage will deploy as intended.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not inflate increases the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 5,2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 144.
Not every 2017 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 312 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Structure › Body — 128 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 109 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 261 |
| 2014 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →