Drive in Style in the 2017 Hyundai Elantra

What are the first things on your list when you’re looking for a new vehicle? For some it’s space, or the size of the vehicle, and for others, it’s the safety features. For me, it’s a mix of safety features as well as the use inside the vehicle. I’m usually partial to larger vehicles like SUVs for hauling capabilities, but let’s be real – what do I really haul around? Beyond groceries and a couple other items, not much.

Hyundai brought over their 2017 Elantra for me to check out, and this bright and shiny car offered everything I’d be looking for in a new car, except for a couple items. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra comes fully loaded with all of the technology you’d expect in a higher end package from satellite radio, USB charging, heated seats, navigation, back up camera and more. All of the features are easy to use and find in the central console. The only thing that was a little odd is the storage container directly under the console – it slides open easily, but to close it you have to press the lid and it closes itself. But other than that note, it was an easy set up to use.

Space is always an issue in our home with two above average height drivers. While the Elantra easily seats 5 (with car seat anchor points for 2), to get the required leg room for both adults in the family the Elantra doesn’t leave much space for anyone in the back seat over the age of ten.

With that being said, storage space in the Elantra was not lacking. With a larger trunk and two central storage bins between the driver and passenger seat. The trunk space alone can easily accommodate luggage, storage, groceries and more. One of my favorite things about the trunk is it is a “smart” trunk, it sense the key fob in your pocket and will unlock and open for you. Think of when you’re carrying all of those grocery bags and just don’t have that extra hand to open the trunk – it provides you the help you need.

Offering a smooth ride, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is fun to drive around town and on the freeway. Despite being a 4 cylinder, the car had a lot of pick up and kept up well on the busy freeways. But a fun ride isn’t all the Hyundai Elantra offers drivers. Inside the sporty looking car, you’ll also find Automatic Emergency Braking, Integrated Memory System for seating (not offered on comprable models), Apple CarPlay with Siri, Android Auto with app connection, 147 horse power, hands free smart trunk (which is actually pretty cool!), back seat heated option, lane departure warning, available smart cruise control, and available lane keep assist.

Features aside, the Hyundai Elantra will keep you safe while driving. From air bags including side curtains and one for the drivers knees, the Elantra also includes Automatic Emergency Braking with segment-first Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Smart Cruise Control, plus Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.

Even if it is a smaller vehicle, inside it’s small package the Elantra packs in features, safety and storage you’ll love. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra starts at $17,150 and gets 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.