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Hyundai Elantra (6th Gen)

17-20 · Hyundai Elantra

88out of 100

The 6th gen Elantra is one of the sharpest-looking cars under $15k and offers solid safety ratings, the connecting rod bearing issue from the 5th gen carries over, so a VIN recall check is still required.

Score breakdown

80/ 100Reliability×2.588/ 100True Annual Cost×3.095/ 100Safety×2.085/ 100Practicality×1.5100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

A redesigned Elantra with a notably improved interior and standard Android Auto/Apple CarPlay from 2017. The 2.0L Nu engine is still chain-driven. The connecting rod bearing recall extends to some 6th gen units as well. Standard ESC across all trims. 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual available.

Why it's on this list

The best-looking compact under $15k for the money, with standard ESC and good safety ratings. Lower insurance costs than equivalent Honda/Toyota trims. For a buyer who wants style and won't pay Honda prices, the 6th gen Elantra is the argument.

The honest trade-offs

Nu engine connecting rod bearing recall applies to some 6th gen units, check VIN. Reliability still trails Civic and Corolla at high mileage. Hyundai's independent shop coverage is narrower than Honda/Toyota in rural areas.

What to buy and what to avoid

18-20 SEL or Value Edition. Check NHTSA.gov for connecting rod bearing recall on your specific VIN. Prefer low-mileage examples. Hyundai long-term reliability improves dramatically when kept under 100k. Manual transmission avoids automatic fluid neglect issues.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,254 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$452 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$173 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$1,800 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,360 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$2,306 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$1,866 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
32[5]
MPG city / hwy
29 / 38[5]
Engine
2.0L 4-cyl (Nu)
Horsepower
147 hp
Torque
132 lb-ft
Seats
5
Cargo max
14.4 cu ft
Stock tires
205/55R16
Body
Sedan (trunk)
Rear seats
60/40 split

Also available in hatchback. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall
5/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
16%[2]
IIHS rating
Good[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Minimal
Frame rust risk
Low

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$452 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.4[1]
Severe issue probability
11%[1]
250k-mile survival
50%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$20 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual repair cost, visit frequency, and severe issue probability. Used in the reliability formula.

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Federal crash test star ratings and rollover percentages. Used in the safety formula.

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-issued service bulletins flagging known defects. Used in the PPI checklist generator.

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Insurance Institute crash test ratings (small overlap, side, headlight quality). Used in the safety formula and the repairability headlight benchmark.

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    Official combined/city/highway MPG figures. Used in the true annual cost formula.

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Owner-reported defect patterns by mileage and year. Used in the known-issues list and PPI checklist.

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    Probability of reaching 250,000 miles by make and model. Used in the reliability formula.

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Full-coverage insurance estimates by driver profile (25M, 40F). Used in the true annual cost formula.

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Hyundai Elantra?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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