2019 Hyundai Elantra GT: Specs, Prices, Ratings, and Reviews (2024)

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT is now available in N Line trim which replaces the Sport and is Hyundai’s new designation for its performance-focused lineup. It receives a thorough chassis update as it looks to make a name for itself in the hot hatch segment.

The Elantra GT hatchback shares very little with the recently updated Elantra sedan. Upfront, the large and upright chrome grille and sweeping headlights carry the eye to a nearly horizontal sharp styling edge that traces to the taillights. The gloss black rear spoiler creates a forward-leaning C-pillar and blends into the upright rear hatch door.

Inside, a low dash and horizontally stacked controls are also entirely different from the sedan, while the hatchback configuration affords an additional 10.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat.

There are two powertrains available. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine serves as the base unit and generates 161 horsepower and 159 pound-feet of torque. It's mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine produces 201 hp at 6,000 rpm while peak torque of 195 lb-ft is delivered from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. The more powerful engine is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission as standard or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission for $1,100. Front-wheel drive is the only configuration available.

The base powertrain receives EPA estimates of 25 miles per gallon city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 combined, while the more powerful engine with the dual clutch transmission actually delivers better ratings at 25/32/28 mpg (city/highway/combined). Selecting the manual transmission reduces those figures to 23/30/26 mpg

Get your price on a Hyundai Elantra GT»

Affordable model for tuner set. Starting out at $21,335, the Elantra GT is competitively priced with the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Mazda3 5-Door hatchback, Volkswagen Golf, and Honda Civic. It also includes some features that’ll cost you extra elsewhere, including power-controlled and heated side mirrors, alloy wheels, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility.

Like its competitors, the Elantra GT targets tuners, individuals who like to customize their rides. The N Line bundles many of the items consumers want, including performance tires, alloy pedals, and sport front seats. The same aftermarket suppliers that target Mitsubishi, Ford, and Honda owners offer plenty for Hyundai buyers to consider as well.

Enhanced performance with available N Line. The Elantra GT includes both standard and N Line models, the latter with a distinct performance edge. A multi-link rear suspension and rear stabilizer bar give the N Line its handling chops. You’ll also find a firm, yet absorbent ride.

The standard model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The N Line features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

Only the N Line comes with a six-speed manual transmission. This gearbox allows for quick shifts and supplies a clean clutch uptake. Although it doesn’t rival the manual transmissions found in sports cars, it's definitely an improvement over the standard shifters in rival mainstream models. Choose the standard Elantra GT and Hyundai supplies it with a six-speed automatic. The N Line also allows for an upgrade to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Top safety features available, with a catch. Do you prize driver-assist safety features such as adaptive cruise control with full stop and go? How about high beam assist, lane keeping assist, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection? Each of these features will soon become standard on new models, but for now, you typically must upgrade to get them.

Hyundai does offer blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane change assist with the standard Elantra GT model, but it's bundled within a $2,900 Style Package, thus it costs extra. These features are standard with the Corolla Hatchback.

As for the other safety features, you can only find them with the N Line after selecting the $1,100 seven-speed transmission. It still costs another $3,850 on top of that to access them in the Tech Package.

Final thoughts. We very much like that Hyundai is staying with cars even as the domestics abandon or cut back on various models. The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT should appeal to Ford Focus owners, who no longer can buy a new one in the US. It's also light-years ahead of the dated Chevrolet Sonic.

The Elantra GT shares its platform with the sporty and quirky Hyundai Veloster. The Veloster costs just under $2,000 less than the Elantra GT and also features a performance N model with 275 horsepower. Regardless of your choice, a small Hyundai with performance credibility awaits.

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