Hyundai Elantra

Elantra in brief

The Elantra has been in production since 1990 and is one of Hyundai’s best-selling models worldwide; in Korea, it’s known as the Avante. In Europe, the Elantra has always been offered alongside the i30 hatchback and estate — as a sedan for those who need a separate boot.

The Elantra is praised for its straightforward technology, spacious interior and large boot, and on the used market, it’s usually cheaper than a similarly aged Toyota Corolla or Volkswagen Jetta. In Lithuania, US-imported Elantras are often encountered — these have different engines, equipment and trim names to their European counterparts.

MD, AD and CN7 — how they differ

The MD generation (2010–2015) stood out with its smooth, swooping body lines. It’s the most affordable option, but the cars are now quite old, so the key thing is the technical condition and rust, not the trim level.

The AD generation (2015–2020) is larger, more refined and better equipped. It’s the most popular generation on the used market. From around the 2019 model year, refreshed cars got a sharper front end with angular headlights and newer infotainment.

CN7 generation (from 2020) — a striking, angular sedan with a digital interior and a hybrid version. It was not officially offered in many European countries, so in Lithuania, you'll mostly encounter cars imported from the USA. The 2023 model has been refreshed.

Engines and transmissions

In the European MD and AD generations of the Elantra, the most common engine is the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (around 128–132 hp), with some markets also getting the 1.6 CRDi diesel or the 2.0-litre petrol engine.

In the US versions, the most common engine is the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit (around 147 hp). The AD generation also had 1.4 turbo (Eco) and 1.6 turbo (Sport) versions, while the CN7 generation offers a hybrid (around 139 hp), N Line with a 1.6 turbo engine (around 200 hp), and the sporty Elantra N (around 276 hp).

Transmissions come as manual or 6-speed hydromechanical automatics, with dual-clutch (DCT) boxes often paired with turbocharged engines. The CN7 generation's 2.0-litre engine is mated to a continuously variable (CVT) automatic, while the hybrid uses a 6-speed DCT.

What to check when buying a used Elantra

For a US-imported car, always check the VIN: these cars are often imported after accidents, so it's crucial to know the extent of the damage, whether the airbags deployed, and how the repairs were carried out. Inspect the gaps between body panels, paint thickness, and check for moisture or rust in the cabin and under the carpets — these can be signs of a previously flooded car.

The petrol engine should run smoothly, without hesitation or stuttering. Ask about the oil change history and check if the engine isn't consuming oil. Inspect older MD generation cars for rust, wheel arches, and the underbody.

With an automatic gearbox, test the movement and shifts: DCT shouldn't hesitate when moving off, and IVT should not shudder or 'slip' when accelerating. Listen to the suspension — rattling often indicates worn-out bushes or stabilizer links. Check the ride based on service and MOT records.

Trim levels

Names and equipment vary greatly by market and year; we list common European and US trims.

CN7 generation (USA) trim comparison

For most buyers, the best choice is the SEL with the 2.0 engine or hybrid. The N Line is worth considering only for sportier driving, and when buying any US-imported Elantra, the trim level is less important than the quality of maintenance.

Frequently asked questions