Let’s talk about the Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. A hatchback with attitude. Quick. Fun. Practical. But overlooked.
It wasn’t a full-on hot hatch. Not quite a VW GTI rival. But it had sporty DNA. More power. Tighter handling. A bit of flair. And, for the price? Pretty tempting.
So, does it deserve more love? Let’s break it down.
Why Consider the Hyundai Elantra GT Sport?
A Quick Snapshot
- Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 201 hp
- Torque: 195 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT automatic
- MPG: 22 city / 29 highway (manual)
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Looks good on paper, right? Let’s see how it holds up.
Driving & Performance
The Feel Behind the Wheel
Start it up. The 1.6L turbo kicks in smoothly. It’s peppy. Not crazy fast, but quick enough. 201 hp + lightweight body = fun times.
Steering? Sharp. Tighter than the standard Elantra. Feels planted in corners.
Suspension? Independent rear suspension. Big difference. Handles bumps well. Feels stable at speed.
Fuel Economy
Not bad. 22 city, 29 highway with the manual. DCT automatic? Slightly better. Not the most fuel-efficient, but reasonable for a sporty hatch.
Interior & Comfort
Space and Seating
Inside? Surprisingly upscale. Leather sport seats. Contrast stitching. Flat-bottom steering wheel. Feels like a proper sport trim.
Rear seats? Decent space for a hatch. Tall passengers might feel tight.
Cargo space? One of the best in its class.
| Feature | Measurement |
| Front Headroom | 39.1 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 38.5 inches |
| Front Legroom | 42.2 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 34.8 inches |
| Cargo Space | 24.9 cubic feet (seats up), 55.1 cubic feet (seats down) |
Enough room for groceries, luggage, even a small road trip.
Tech & Safety Features
What’s Inside?
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Infinity premium audio system
- Wireless charging
- Dual-zone climate control
- Heated front seats
Safety First
- Blind Spot Monitoring & Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Braking
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- NHTSA Safety Rating: 5/5 stars
| Category | NHTSA Rating |
| Overall Score | 5/5 |
| Frontal Crash | 5/5 |
| Side Crash | 5/5 |
| Rollover Risk | 4/5 |
Comparisons & Alternatives
Stack it up against the Honda Civic Hatchback, VW Golf, and Mazda3 Hatch, and here’s the breakdown:
- Honda Civic Hatch – More refined. Better MPG. Less fun.
- VW Golf – Classier interior. More premium. Costs more.
- Mazda3 Hatch – Sharper handling. More stylish. But heavier.
But the Elantra GT Sport? More power than Civic. Cheaper than Golf. More practical than the Mazda3.
FAQs
Is the Hyundai Elantra GT Sport fun to drive?
Yes! Sporty handling, peppy turbo, and solid steering feel.
How much does a used Elantra GT Sport cost?
Prices range from $15,000 to $22,000, depending on mileage and condition.
Does it have AWD?
Nope. Only front-wheel drive (FWD).
Common issues to watch for?
Some DCT transmission quirks, minor infotainment glitches. Nothing major.
Is it good for road trips?
Yes! Spacious, comfortable, and solid highway stability.
The Hyundai Elantra GT Sport was an underrated gem. Sporty. Practical. Affordable.
It wasn’t a full hot hatch, but it had enough punch to be fun. And for the price? A great alternative to pricier rivals.
If you find one in good condition? Might be worth snagging.