DecodedCars2018 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 1.6t 5dr Hatchback, GT 2.0l 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–201 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 171.7–179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,811–3,067 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2018 midsize car (27.2 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 201 hp, versus about 152 hp for similar 2018 models.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints335 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 67 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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), 29% better than the 2018 midsize car average of 27.2 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 335 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2018 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 | 57/43 |
| GT 1.6t 5dr Hatchback | 171.7 in | 70.1 in | 56.3 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,067 lb | |
| GT 2.0l 5dr Hatchback | 171.7 in | 70.1 in | 56.3 in | 104.3 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 2,943 lb |
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 | +29% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Elantra SE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 33 | +21% | $2,050 | 272 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 32 | +18% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | +7% | $2,300 | 301 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +7% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +21% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +17% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +13% | $2,600 | 338 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +8% | $2,700 | 363 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -8% | $2,700 | 356 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2018 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2018 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (1)
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Dec 14, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V891000 · 86 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT vehicles. The panoramic sunroof motor may be incorrectly programmed, preventing the sunroof from detecting an obstacle while closing.
- Risk
- If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the panoramic sunroof, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 179.
Not every 2018 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 172 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 45 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 28 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,000 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 2018 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 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 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 →