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Refreshing or Revolting: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

Pushing the definition of a compact hatch
Writer

Hyundai has come a long way from the Elantra Touring, having transformed this boxy car into the sleek and sensible vehicle we know today as the Elantra GT. The new 2018 Elantra GT, based on the i30 sold in other markets, was designed with a renewed emphasis on European styling and gains some thoughtful design features. However, it has also grown in size this year. Before you let us know whether it's refreshing or revolting, let's take a look at some of the biggest updates.

The previous Elantra GT featured a traditional-looking grille flanked by horizontal slats, but the new model ushers in a new design. Slender headlights add to the elegance of the textured "cascading" grille. The hood also appears longer, making the Elantra GT look more athletic and planted.

No, it's not your imagination. The Elantra GT is longer, wider, and lower than the old model. From the side profile, the 2018 model looks like an entirely different vehicle. Much of its heft has been pushed toward the rear, which looks more upright than before.

And let's not forget the back. The car's taillights no longer jut out to the side and appear softer and rounder. Hyundai also changed up the bumper, the license plate holder, and the rear hatch, including the handle.

Look inside, and the first thing you might notice is the updated 8-inch infotainment screen, which replaces the old 7.0-inch unit. Instead of embedding the infotainment system into the dashboard, Hyundai created a thin screen that stands by itself up front and center. Hyundai has rearranged the buttons and controls and created a much cleaner look.

Do you think the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is refreshing or revolting? Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, we asked for your thoughts on the 2018 Ford Expedition, and you certainly had a lot to say on both sides.

"Absolutely refreshing!" writesBT07. "...Once this goes on sale it will be the nicest looking full size SUV on the market."

"Revolting! It's too minivan and not truck enough," saysDavid Wilhite.

"Chevy has the same damn grille," claimsJF Robertson.

"The Expedition never had state-of-the-art styling, but now it looks modern at least," notesmarkthomas.

Kelly Lin

When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.

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