2024 Hyundai Elantra Adds New Style, N Model Gets Handling Updates

Hyundai remains committed to sedans. That’s the brand's messaging as the North American version of the heavily updated 2024 Elantra is shown for first time.

While many automakers have abandoned the sedan market, especially compact ones like the Elantra, Hyundai sees stability and potential growth in the segment. That’s why the manufacturer has thoroughly overhauled the four-door for the new model year.

The Elantra’s exterior features a design called Parametric Dynamics, which Hyundai claims conveys new emotions to customers through geometrically separated beauty. We’re not too sure about all that but do like the new shark-nose front-end.

The updated front facias has thinner LED daytime running lights connected by a metallic bar. It gives the illusion of a full LED front light like the larger Sonata sedan. There’s also a new two-piece grille that houses a body-colored center piece.

The rear is equally updated with new H-shaped taillights and a rear diffuser with a U-shape silver element. At the side, there’s a choice of new wheels on most trims and three new available colors, including Ecotronic Gray, Ultimate Red, and Exotic Green.

Inside there are more subtle, yet welcome updates. The front door panels have a new soft touch material and the cabin as a whole features new color choices.

Both the Luxury and N-Line trims have a new leatherette seating surface while some lower trims get a new 4.2-inch instrument cluster. New USB-C ports have been added, one up front and two in the rear.

On a technology front, the wireless charging pad has been redesigned to better keep a smartphone connected and charging. There’s now an optional Digital Key, available 8-speaker Bose sound system, and 10.25-inch infotainment system.

The biggest updates for the 2024 model year are found on the sporty Elantra N. It too gets exterior updates, with a new front grille, side sills, 19-inch wheels, rear wing spoiler, rear fascia, rear diffuser, and exhaust tips.

More importantly though are the Elantra N’s ride and handling updates. The goal is to make the sporty sedan respond better and we wonder if the car’s tendency to oversteer has been dialed down a bit. The engine mount membrane is reinforced to improve after shake and agility. The rear suspension and ABS insulator are changed from rubber to urethane on rear support for improved damping and yaw response. Tire pressure is increased all around and the ECS hardware is improved for better enhancement of body control.

The Elantra N’s steering has been significantly updated as well. The steering gear box yoke is changed for what Hyundai claims is better connection and precision. The universal joint found in the steering has reduced friction and the power steering software is optimized for these chassis and steering changes.

All the Elantra’s engine are carried over from the 2023 model year. This means there’s the 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder for most trim levels and the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder on the N-Line models. The Elantra N continues to exclusively use the 2.0L turbo while the Elantra Hybrid has a 1.6L hybrid electric powertrain.

The final updates for the 2024 model year center around safety. There are new standard rear side airbags and a rear seat belt reminder. The steering wheel haptic feedback has been expanded and will now alert the driver for lane keeping assist, blind-spot collision-warning, and rear cross traffic alert.

More details, and pricing for the 2024 will be available closer to the on-sale date.

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