Hyundai Elantra

First generation (J1; 1990–1995)

Launched in October 1990, the Elantra (codename J1) received a mid-term facelift in 1993.

The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1596 cc) straight-four. This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp (84 kW) at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced 80 mph (129 km/h). Top speed was 116 mph (187 km/h). The Elantra got 22 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km) in the city cycle. Starting in 1993 a Mitsubishi-designed 1.8 L (1836 cc) inline-four option was available; this unit produces 124 hp (99 kW) at 6000 rpm.

Facelifts

The vehicle was refreshed in 1992 for the European market, adding Hyundai's current logo to the grille, although North American models retained the previous year's look. In 1993, the vehicle was refreshed again. The third (second in North America) and final facelift of this generation occurred in 1994 for both front and rear fascias. The vehicle featured ABS brakes, front airbags, fog lamps, power-operated side mirrors and optional alloy seven-spoke wheels.

The Thailand options were:

Second generation (J2/RD; 1995–2000)

Launched in 1995, the second generation (codename RD or J2) was offered as a sedan and station wagon. It was sold in the South Korean market as the "Hyundai Avante" in sedan form and "Avante Touring" in the wagon body style. Some export markets such as Australia and Europe received the series as the "Hyundai Lantra" as per the first generation. Australian market wagons were titled "Lantra Sportswagon". Between 1996 and 1998, the Elantra was marketed as the "Bimantara Nenggala" (1.6-liter petrol) in Indonesia.

In Europe, 1996 through 1997 sedan models had carried a silver Mercury-type false grille, while the wagon carried no front grille.

At launch, a 1.5-liter Alpha SOHC (61 kW or 82 hp) inline-four engine and 1.8-liter Beta DOHC (95 kW or 127 hp) gasoline I4 engine were available domestically. Later, a 1.5-liter lean-burn (66 kW or 89 hp) gasoline engine based on the Alpha DOHC engine was added. The Philippine version, as well as in some European markets, had the 1.6 (1599 cc) Beta, DOHC (G4GR) which produced (86 kW or 115 hp) (in some European markets 66 kW (89 hp)).

Facelift

New grilles arrived in 1998 for the 1999 model year. The Lantra in Europe converged into a single-front end design, for both sedan and wagon. The model received the "RD2" or "J3" model codes.

A new 2.0-liter engine option became available. In Australia the GLS model was an upgrade on the GL model and offered the 2.0-liter engine, velour trim, softer cloth seats and alloy wheels. The GLS had body-colored rear license plate light holder and exterior side-view mirrors.

Third generation (XD; 2000–2006)

An all-new model (codename XD) was launched in 2000. The estate was dropped in favor of a five-door hatchback. Starting in 2001, all American models came with standard front and front-side airbags, air conditioning, power locks, power windows and power steering. This simplified dealer inventories and repairs and also sought to improve Hyundai's image of "value" cars.

Facelift

In 2003, all models were refreshed (codename XD2); this introduced new headlights and taillights, a new grille, new front and rear bumpers, a refreshed hood and trunk, and a redesigned dashboard.

The GLS trim is standard for the Elantra. The top-of-the-line model, the GT trim, came with a stiffer suspension, leather seats, fog lights, alloy wheels, lip spoiler and blue-lit instrument cluster. Offered as a hatchback since 2001 as a 2002 model year vehicle, the only options for the GT were a power moonroof and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The only major option was a Kenwood MP3/CD deck. The GT trim sedan was introduced in 2003 and discontinued in 2005. The GT trim was replaced for the 2006 model year with the Limited trim, which featured new paint colors, a chrome vertical grille, leather interior with leather steering wheel and leather shifter and wood trim. The Limited trim featured steel rims with a 6-spoke cover featured in the GLS model. The GT trim for the five-door was produced for the remainder of the 2006 model year.

Canadian trim levels differed from that in the US: "GT" models came standard with alloy wheels, four way disc brakes and ABS but leather and TCS were only available on the "premium" GT edition.

The XD was available with 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.0-L gasoline engines and a 2.0-L turbodiesel. North American models are available only with the 2.0-L gasoline engine. The 1.8-L engine is a 1.6-L engine modified for the New Zealand market.

While compact on the outside, it was listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a mid-size car because of a spacious interior. Although the basic powertrain design had changed little since the second generation, fuel economy improved for Elantras with manual transmissions from an EPA city rating of 24 mpg_‑US (9.8 L/100 km; 29 mpg_‑imp) to 25 mpg_‑US (9.4 L/100 km; 30 mpg_‑imp), and further to 27 mpg_‑US (8.7 L/100 km; 32 mpg_‑imp) in 2006. Cars with automatic transmissions returned 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp), a reduction of 3 mpg_‑US (3.6 mpg_‑imp).Horsepower improved from 135 hp (100 kW) to 138 hp (102 kW), and torque from 132 to 136, mainly due to the addition of continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) in 2004. Originally, the horsepower rating was misrepresented as 140 hp (104 kW). In 2006, the Elantra was offered with a SULEV emission rated engine in some US states.

Fourth generation (HD; 2006–2010)

A redesigned sedan (designated HD) debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show for the 2007 model year. As before, the HD sold under the Hyundai Avante name in its South Korean home market. It utilized a resurrected appearance from the 1960s and 1970s called "coke bottle styling".

The engine lineup included 1.6- Gamma and 2.0-liter Beta II gasoline inline-four engines, and a 1.6-liter turbodiesel inline-four. All engines featured improved fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional four-speed automatic.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the Elantra received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and a Marginal overall score in the side impact test, but all Hyundai Elantras manufactured after November 2009 earned a Good overall score in the side impact test. Standard side airbags included front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags.

Asia

Beijing Hyundai launched a redesigned Elantra called the "Elantra Yue Dong" for the Chinese market with an updated exterior and a separate facelifted 2011 Elantra model.

In Singapore, the Singapore Police Force has used the Hyundai Elantra police cars as Fast Response Cars (first Korean police patrol cars in Singapore) that they are commonly seen alongside the Toyota Corolla Altis police cars.

North America

Only the 2.0-liter engine was offered in North America. Unlike the 2006 model year XD series, the 2007 model year base HD Elantra GLS trim did not include air conditioning as standard equipment, but added side curtain airbags (previously front and side only), active head restraints and all-round disc brakes with four-channel ABS. The Elantra offered the most interior room in its class, leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify it as a mid-size car.

Hyundai offered the Hyundai i30 wagon in the U.S. and Canada marketed as the "Elantra Touring". Elsewhere, the same vehicle was marketed as the Hyundai i30cw.

Canadian trim levels were different from the US models. The base model "L" offered a base package with a four-speaker CD/MP3/Auxiliary stereo and front airbags. This trim included power windows in the front with manual windows in the rear. The "GL" added heated mirrors, air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a six-speaker stereo, wheel-mounted cruise control and keyless entry with alarm. The "GLS" trim added wheel-mounted audio controls, ABS, all-round disc brakes, and front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The "GLS" with the Sport Package included a rear spoiler, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shifter. The final trim level, the "Limited", added leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel and automatic climate control air conditioning.

LPI Hybrid

Hyundai presented the LPI Hybrid at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show, and sales began as the Avante "LPI Hybrid" in the South Korean market in July 2009. The LPI Hybrid (liquefied petroleum injected) is a mild hybrid and is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. Hyundai developed the technology and all key components in the LPI Hybrid, together with its local partners including the electric motor, battery and low DC/DC converter. The lithium-ion polymer batteries, which the LPI Hybrid was the first hybrid to adopt, differed from lithium-ion batteries, using a claimedly more stable and fire-resistant dry polymer electrolyte from Korean company LG Chem instead of a liquid or gel.

The LPI Hybrid came equipped with the 1.6-liter Gamma engine, a 15 kilowatts (20 hp) electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The LPI Hybrid delivered 41.9 miles per US gallon (5.61 L/100 km; 50.3 mpg_‑imp). Compared to the conventional 1.6-liter model, and considering South Korean gasoline prices, the LPI Hybrid can travel 39 kilometres (24 mi) for the price of one liter of gasoline, while the conventional model would be able to travel only 15 kilometres (9.3 mi). The engine emitted 99 g/km of CO₂, which allows the car to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). The LPI Hybrid produced 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline powered model, and LPG is a low carbon emitting hydrocarbon fuel that burns more cleanly than either gasoline or diesel, and also is free of the particulates associated with diesel. The LPI Hybrid shares its powertrain with the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid.

The Elantra hybrid comes with an "Eco Guide" tree icon meant to coach the driver into developing more eco driving habits. The CVT has an optional "E (Eco-Drive)" gear to maximize fuel efficiency. The LPG Hybrid was dropped in Australia due to lack of demand, increase in emphasis on brand image and change in focus to cleaner diesel engines.

Fifth generation (MD/UD; 2010–2015)

The fifth-generation Avante debuted at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010. It was codenamed "MD" for the sedan, "UD" for sedans manufactured in the US, and "JK" for the coupe. It featured a 1.6-L gasoline direct-injection engine, producing 103 kW (138 hp) and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque, mated to a new 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. For markets such as the Middle East, the 1.6-L engine was a MPI version that delivers 128 hp. The Israeli market received the Elantra, with a 1.6 GDI 132 hp coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission only. The design continued Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" styling theme first seen in the 2011 Sonata. The new model went on sale in August 2010 in South Korea, and began selling between end of 2010 and early 2011 as a 2011 model. The US version of the fifth-generation Elantra debuted at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is powered by a new 1.8-L Nu engine producing 148 hp (145 hp-PZEV) and 131 lb-ft (130 lb-ft-PZEV). The fuel economy was aided by a low drag coefficient of just 0.28. The Nu engine block is made of aluminum instead of the previous cast iron.

EPA's estimated gas mileage 40/29 was questioned by Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica CA consumer group. USA Today writer Jefferson Graham claimed to get combined city/highway mpg of 22 mpg. However, a real-world test by Popular Mechanics showed significantly better fuel economy than EPA estimated MPG. Also, The Truth About Cars editor tested real-world MPG, leading them to give Consumer Watchdog a thumbs down. EPA mileage estimates were originally 29 mpg_‑US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 40 mpg_‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_‑imp) on the highway but were revised to 28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 38 mpg_‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg_‑imp) on the highway due to a series of testing procedural errors in November 2012. The underpinnings of the second-generation i30 and Elantra were similar in their configuration and makeup. The similarities between the second-generation i30 and Elantra continued in front end and suspension characteristics.

It was available in two trim levels, GLS and Limited. Premium features included heated front and rear seats, proximity key entry with electronic push-button start with immobilizer, and touch screen navigation. US 2011 sales reached 186,361 units, up 41 percent from 2010. The Elantra was crowned North American Car of the Year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, over the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat. The Elantra was crowned South African Car of the Year for 2012. At the 8th Manila International Auto Show, the Elantra was crowned as the Philippine Car of the Year, the first Korean car maker to win the award. Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS won the WesBank's Car of the Year in South Africa and North American Car of the Year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

In 2013 for the 2014 model year, the Elantra sedan received significant updates. The GLS trim was changed to SE and an all-new Elantra Sport was now available with a more powerful 2.0 liter GDI engine.

Exterior enhancements include new front and rear styling with tinted taillights and L-shaped fog light housings. Limited and Sport models included projector headlights with LED accents and LED taillights. New wheel designs were available for all trims, including the base SE, SE with SE Preferred Package, Limited, and Sport models. A driver's blind spot mirror was added and a new Driver Selectable Steering Mode is standard on the Limited and Sport models.

Interior enhancements include raised HVAC vent locations and new HVAC control design; 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen radio with backup camera on the SE Preferred Package, Limited, Sport models; updated navigation system; increased center armrest location; and straight pull gear selector with leather boot.

Elantra Langdong

Elantra Langdong (朗動) is a longer version of Elantra for the Chinese market. The Langdong sedan is 4 cm (1.6 in) longer and 1 cm (0.39 in) thicker than the Elantra sold in other markets. Its hexagonal front grille was replaced with a chrome wing-shaped version to give it a higher-end appearance. The design was based on the Wind Craft concept.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Production models included a choice of 1.6-liter MPI engine rated 127.4 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) and 15.9 kg·m (156 N·m; 115 lbf·ft), 1.8-liter MPI engines rated 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp) and 17.8 kg·m (175 N·m; 129 lbf·ft); six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Coupe (JK; 2013–2014)

For the 2013 year, a coupé based on the sedan debuted. The coupé featured a continuation of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture body design language, with more aggressive styling than the sedan.

The vehicle was unveiled at the Busan International Motor Show 2012. Production model included 2.0 Nu GDi Engine with a 6-speed transmission.

On 13 August 2014, Hyundai announced that the Elantra Coupe was discontinued in the US due after the 2014 model year to poor sales, citing that the brand will focus more on the sedan and GT models.

Sixth generation (AD; 2015–present)

Following the 2015 launch of the Avante in South Korea, the sixth generation Elantra was announced to be released for sale in February 2016 for the 2017 model year in North America. Two trims are present in the 2017 model release: SE and Limited. (Sport and Value Edition trims from 2016 are discontinued.) In India, the AD series Hyundai Elantra launched on 23 August 2016 with petrol and diesel engine options. Its petrol variants displaces 2.0 liters, while the diesel engine is a 1.6-litre unit.

The design of the car has been changed to a more conservative appearance. The "fluidic sculpture" design that persisted across the Hyundai portfolio since 2011 is gone in the sixth generation Elantra. The car is now more like a fastback with its roofline sloped from the windshield to the rear of the car and it has less curves overall with pentagonal head and tail lights, a hexagonal grille, and redesigned body panels and bumper emphasizing straight lines along the body. The windshield is drawn back from the hood further than the prior generation, making for a more traditional sedan look. The interior is also less curved, with a cockpit, audio/temp controls and glove compartment in a single bow line across the dash. This was done without reducing the interior cabin space of the prior generation at 110.2 cubic feet (while the Elantra is sold under the compact class, it classifies as a mid-size sedan according to the EPA.)

The SE Model in 2017 has been noted to come standard with less features compared to the prior generation trim level. Packages include for the SE Trim: An ECO package which replaces the engine with a lower displacement 1.4-liter, 126 hp (94 kW) Kappa type along with a manual transmission that improves eMPG use for eco driving customers; a Popular Equipment package which includes alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic headlights, and touchscreen stereo with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support; and a Tech Package (that requires the Popular Equipment package) which includes LED daytime running lights, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert system, proximity key/push button start, hands-free trunk access, and TFT monochromatic cluster display (replacing the LCD cluster that comes standard).

Packages for the Limited Edition includes a Limited Tech Package with a power sunroof, touchscreen stereo with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, heated seats, and ClariFi module to enhance interior car audio; and the Ultimate Package (that requires the Limited Tech Package) which adds automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and memory presets for mirrors/driver seat adjustments.

Elantra Sport

Roughly halfway through the 2017 model year, Hyundai released a Sport model for the North American market. The Sport slots between the Eco and Limited models and is differentiated externally by different headlights and taillights, ground effects, a more aggressive front and rear bumper and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. Under the hood, the Sport features a 1.6-liter direct-injected four cylinder with a turbocharger producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque. Transmission options include a 7-speed dual clutch automatic with manual shift mode or a traditional 6-speed manual. Additional modifications for the sport include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red stitching on the seats, shift boot and steering wheel, larger front brakes, 18" alloy wheels, an independent multi-link rear suspension, a thicker front stabilizer bar and a steering ratio tuned for a quicker, sportier feel.

Naming disputes

Mitsubishi Motors Australia complained that the Hyundai Elantra was too close to the Elante trim level, which was last used on the 1991 Magna. The British Lotus and the European Kia said that the Elantra name was too close to the Lotus Elan and its Kia counterpart. In 2001, both the Elan and the Elante had ceased production but the Avante's renaming remained necessary as Audi owned the Avant name in Europe. There are also disputes about the chassis codes for the 1996–2000 and the 1999–2000 model years. Hyundai states that the codename of the 1996–98 Elantra is RD and not J2, and the 1999–2000 Elantra's codename is RD2 and not J3.