DecodedCars2019 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 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
- 147–161 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 171.7–181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,822–2,943 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2019 midsize car (28.1 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints266 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 44 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 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 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,822 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 40 highway), 25% better than the 2019 midsize car average of 28.1 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 266 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
- New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 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 | 181.9 in | 70.9 in | 56.7 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 61 in | 2,822 lb | 61/39 |
| GT 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 | +25% | $1,900 | 256 |
| Elantra SE | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 38 / 33 | +17% | $2,050 | 272 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 32 | +14% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 29 | +3% | $2,300 | 301 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +3% | $2,300 | 305 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +24% | $2,400 | 322 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 27 | +19% | $2,500 | 327 |
| Elantra GT | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +15% | $2,600 | 352 |
| Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -11% | $2,700 | 356 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.7% |
Similar 2019 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Corolla | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2019 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | 32 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2019 Volkswagen Passat | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Engine · Apr 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 158,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Not every 2019 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 144 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Exterior Lighting — 56 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 36 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 50,400 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 2019 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 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 261 |
| 2014 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →