2016 Hyundai Elantra GT: First Look

By Mike Hanley

March 30, 2017

Competes with: Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus

Looks like: Hyundai’s gaping grille is spreading

Drivetrain: 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; six-speed manual or automatic transmission; front-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: March 2015

Starting price: $19,625, including an $825 destination charge

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback debuted today at the 2015 Chicago Auto show with revised styling and new available technology and convenience features. It hits dealerships in March with the same starting price as its predecessor: $19,625, including destination.

More 2015 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Exterior

The Elantra GT gets a new grille that significantly changes the car’s appearance, but look closely and you’ll see that it takes up the same real estate as the prior, more segmented design. The new look makes the grille seem bigger and provides a visual connection with other Hyundais like the Genesis sedan.

Otherwise, styling changes are relatively minor. Restyled taillights can be fitted with available LEDs, and the 17-inch alloy wheels have a new look. Other available features include automatic headlights and side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

Interior

The five-seat cabin is mostly the same, but a new navigation system and ventilated front seats are included in the available Tech Package.

The new navigation system is based on the one offered in Hyundai’s Genesis and Sonata sedans and features a 7-inch touch-screen and SiriusXM Travel Link. Travel Link provides weather and traffic information, sports scores and fuel prices, among other info. The navigation system also supports Pandora and other apps, and offers Apple Siri Eyes Free integration for iPhone users. The backup camera, which retracts when not in use to help the lens stay clean all-year round, uses the screen to show what’s behind the car.

Standard features include heated front seats, steering wheel audio controls, cruise control, Bluetooth streaming audio, and a CD stereo with satellite radio capability, an MP3 jack and a USB port. A power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, dual-zone automatic air conditioning and leather upholstery are available.

Under the Hood

The Elantra GT’s powertrain is unchanged; it still uses a 173-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that teams with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated gas mileage is 24/33/27 mpg city/highway/combined.

Hyundai says the Elantra GT’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode has been tuned for better steering feel. The system has three modes — Comfort, Normal and Sport — that offer varying levels of power assistance, on-center feel and steering build-up when cornering. The available Style Package includes sport-oriented suspension tuning.

Safety

The Elantra GT includes federally mandated front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system. It also has standard side-impact and side curtain airbags.

The latest version of Hyundai’s Blue Link communication system is included in the Tech Package, and it now supports remote start with a climate control feature and destination search via Google. Hyundai says Blue Link features eventually will be accessible from a paired smart watch. A one-year trial of Blue Link Connected Care, which offers automatic collision notification among other features, is included. The remote start and destination search features are part of the Remote and Guidance packages, respectively.