The Hyundai Elantra N has always been a bit of a wild child, a performance machine lurking beneath a somewhat controversial exterior. While undeniably potent, the previous model’s styling was… polarizing, to put it mildly. Fast forward to the 2024 model year, and Hyundai has addressed the aesthetic elephant in the room with a significant exterior refresh. This isn’t just a nip and tuck; it’s a transformation that elevates the Elantra N from intriguing oddity to genuinely desirable sport sedan. So, has this visual upgrade finally unlocked the Elantra N’s full potential, making it a true contender in the competitive performance car market? Let’s dive into this 2024 Hyundai Elantra N Review to find out.
Exterior Evolution: From Quirky to Captivating
The most immediate and impactful change for the 2024 Elantra N is its redesigned front fascia. Gone is the somewhat disjointed and aggressive look, replaced by a more cohesive and mature design. The sharper lines and refined grille give the car a more sophisticated and less juvenile appearance. This exterior refresh isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about broadening the Elantra N’s appeal. Previously, the styling might have deterred some buyers, but the updated look should attract a wider audience who appreciate performance without sacrificing visual appeal. The rest of the car retains its sporty silhouette, but the front-end transformation is truly game-changing.
Driving Dynamics: Still a Thrill Machine
Beyond the updated looks, the core of the Elantra N remains a riotously fun driving experience. It’s a front-wheel-drive car that defies expectations, delivering levels of engagement and agility often associated with rear-wheel-drive platforms. Comparing it to stalwarts like the Toyota GR86 and Mazda Miata might seem sacrilegious to some, but the Elantra N genuinely holds its own in terms of driver involvement and sheer fun factor. In some respects, it even surpasses them, particularly in terms of outright speed and everyday usability. The Elantra N’s chassis is remarkably composed, exhibiting minimal torque steer despite channeling a healthy dose of power to the front wheels. This is a testament to Hyundai N’s engineering prowess, particularly considering the team is led by a former BMW M division engineer.
Interior and Comfort: Performance Focused, Not Lavish
Stepping inside the Elantra N, you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes function over outright luxury. Hard plastics are present, as expected in this price range, but the focus is clearly on the driving experience. The sport seats are a highlight, providing excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable enough for daily commutes. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels substantial and provides a tactile connection to the road. While a manual transmission is available and arguably the purist’s choice, the optional eight-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) in this test car is impressively responsive, delivering rapid and seamless shifts both up and down the gears.
Chassis and Handling: Grip and Grin Factor
The Elantra N’s true brilliance lies in its chassis tuning. It’s remarkably planted and composed, inspiring confidence to push harder in corners. The front-end grip is tenacious, virtually eliminating understeer even when driven aggressively. Turn-in is sharp and precise, making the car feel eager to attack apexes. This isn’t just about clinical grip, though; the Elantra N is also immensely playful and engaging. It encourages you to explore its limits, providing a constant stream of feedback and rewarding enthusiastic driving. While it might not be a drift machine in the traditional sense, the Elantra N is incredibly rewarding to drive quickly and smoothly, offering an addictive and inclusive experience.
Engine and Performance: Punchy and Potent
Under the hood resides a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a surprising punch. With 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque available from low in the rev range, the Elantra N offers effortless acceleration and impressive midrange grunt. The engine note is surprisingly pleasant for a four-cylinder, lacking the harshness that can plague some competitors. The DCT further enhances the powertrain’s responsiveness, ensuring quick and decisive gear changes. While peak power tapers off slightly at higher RPMs, the engine remains eager and willing to rev. In a straight line, the Elantra N comfortably outpaces the Miata and GR86, clocking a 0-60 mph time of around 4.9 seconds. For those seeking aural excitement, the active exhaust system in race mode provides a playful barrage of pops and bangs. Even with spirited driving, fuel economy remains respectable, averaging around 25 MPG.
Steering and Suspension: Real-World Refinement
The steering in the Elantra N is well-weighted and predictable, offering a natural feel that builds confidence. Feedback is decent, providing enough communication to keep the driver informed without being overly intrusive. Crucially, the suspension strikes an excellent balance between performance and comfort. Unlike some rivals, such as the Honda Civic Type R, which prioritizes track performance with a very stiff setup, the Elantra N is more forgiving and compliant on real-world roads. This makes it a more enjoyable daily driver without sacrificing its backroad prowess. The multi-link rear suspension works effectively to maintain composure and stability, even over imperfect surfaces.
Elantra N vs. the Competition: Value King?
Compared to other front-wheel-drive hot hatches, the Elantra N presents a compelling value proposition. The Volkswagen GTI, while a capable and refined car, feels somewhat tame in comparison to the Elantra N’s more extroverted personality. Then there’s the Honda Civic Type R, the benchmark in the segment. While the Type R might offer a slight edge in outright track performance, it comes with a significant price premium. The Elantra N delivers a remarkable amount of performance and driver engagement for its price, making it arguably the most accessible and attainable entry point into the world of high-performance compact cars.
Conclusion: The 2024 Elantra N – A Performance Bargain with Added Appeal
The 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is a significant step forward for an already impressive performance sedan. The exterior refresh has addressed the previous model’s styling shortcomings, making it a much more visually appealing package. More importantly, the core driving experience remains as thrilling and engaging as ever. It’s a car that punches above its weight, offering performance and fun that rivals cars costing significantly more. While some might still balk at the Hyundai badge, those willing to look beyond brand snobbery will discover a truly exceptional sport sedan. For maximum driver involvement, the manual transmission is highly recommended, but even with the DCT, the Elantra N is an absolute blast. If you’re in the market for a performance car that won’t break the bank and delivers genuine thrills, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N deserves to be at the top of your list.
2024 Hyundai Elantra N DCT
As-tested price: $36,820
Pros:
- Significantly improved exterior styling
- Outrageous fun and engaging performance
- Exceptional value for money
Cons:
- Brand perception for some buyers
- Manual transmission preferred for ultimate engagement
