The 2019 Hyundai Elantra: Your Fuel-Efficient Ride with Surprising MPG
If you're in the market for a reliable compact sedan that won't drain your wallet at the gas pump, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is one of the best contenders out there. Fuel economy is a huge consideration for anyone buying a car these days, and the Elantra stands out with impressive miles per gallon (MPG) ratings. However, while the car offers great efficiency and style, it's not without its quirks. Let's take a deep dive into how the 2019 Elantra performs on the road, focusing on its fuel efficiency while pointing out some potential drawbacks.
What’s the MPG of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2019 Hyundai Elantra offers multiple trims, each with its own unique MPG ratings. Depending on whether you prioritize fuel economy, power, or a balance of both, there’s likely an Elantra model that fits your needs.
Standard Engine Fuel Economy
The 2019 Elantra comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for most trims. Here’s how the fuel efficiency breaks down:
- City MPG: 28 miles per gallon
- Highway MPG: 37 miles per gallon
- Combined MPG: 32 miles per gallon
For a compact sedan in its class, this is a solid figure. While many competitors are pushing hybrid options, Hyundai has stuck with improving its traditional gas engine, and the results are respectable.
Eco Trim Fuel Efficiency
For those more focused on squeezing every last drop of fuel, the Elantra Eco trim is the standout option. It swaps out the standard engine for a smaller 1.4-liter turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- City MPG: 32 miles per gallon
- Highway MPG: 40 miles per gallon
- Combined MPG: 35 miles per gallon
This trim maximizes efficiency, but you do trade off a little in terms of power, which we'll touch on later.
Does It Deliver on the Highway?
With an estimated 37-40 MPG on the highway, depending on the trim, the 2019 Elantra is ideal for long road trips and daily commutes. Drivers report that they can often meet or even exceed these numbers under the right conditions. However, real-world MPG may vary, especially if you're driving in stop-and-go traffic or hauling more weight than usual.
"Honestly, I was surprised by how much the Elantra stretches a tank of gas," says Alex Collantes, an Elantra owner from Houston. "I regularly drive over 200 miles a week, and I’ve noticed the fuel gauge hardly budges. It’s a great car for my lifestyle."
Trims and Their Performance
The Elantra offers six trims: SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Sport, and Limited. Each brings its own set of features and fuel efficiency stats.
SE, SEL, and Value Edition MPG
These trims share the same 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission, so their fuel economy ratings are identical to the standard numbers listed above.
Eco Trim
As mentioned, the Eco trim is optimized for fuel efficiency, delivering an impressive 35 MPG combined, thanks to the 1.4-liter turbo engine. This is the version to get if fuel savings are your top priority.
Sport Trim
If performance matters to you more than squeezing the most miles per gallon, the Sport trim could be the better choice. It comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that delivers more horsepower but reduces fuel efficiency.
- City MPG: 26 miles per gallon
- Highway MPG: 33 miles per gallon
- Combined MPG: 29 miles per gallon
The drop in MPG is worth it for drivers who appreciate sportier handling and quicker acceleration. However, for some people, the fuel trade-off might not be worth the extra punch under the hood.
Limited Trim
The Limited trim offers the same MPG as the standard Elantra models. It does provide more in the way of premium features, so it’s ideal if you want a more luxurious feel while maintaining good fuel efficiency.
Drawbacks to Consider
Lack of Hybrid or Electric Options
In a world that’s increasingly shifting towards hybrids and electric vehicles, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra may feel a bit old-school for some buyers. If you’re looking for a compact sedan that offers alternative fuel options, you’ll need to look at competitors like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid or Honda Insight. Hyundai has a strong lineup of hybrids in its other models, but the Elantra doesn’t get that treatment in 2019.
Performance Over Efficiency in Sport Trim
While the Sport trim gives drivers more power and better handling, it does so at the cost of fuel economy. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is fun to drive, but you’ll find yourself at the pump more often compared to the Eco or standard trims. If you're someone who prioritizes fuel economy, you might want to stick with the more efficient trims and pass on the extra horsepower.
City Driving Impact
Though the Elantra performs very well on the highway, some users report that city MPG can fluctuate depending on driving habits. Stop-and-go traffic and heavier loads in the car can make the engine work harder, leading to lower MPG than what’s advertised.
Features That Enhance Fuel Efficiency
Despite some of the drawbacks, Hyundai has incorporated several features into the 2019 Elantra to help maximize fuel efficiency in real-world driving conditions.
Drive Mode Select
The Drive Mode Select feature allows drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Eco modes, adjusting the throttle response and transmission behavior accordingly. The Eco mode is ideal for those long highway drives or when you’re trying to save on gas.
Aerodynamics
The 2019 Elantra boasts sleek aerodynamics, which helps to reduce drag and improve overall fuel economy. With a low drag coefficient of 0.27, it's one of the more aerodynamically efficient cars in its class. This is especially beneficial at highway speeds, where aerodynamic drag has the most significant effect on fuel efficiency.
Start-Stop Technology
Some trims of the 2019 Elantra come equipped with idle stop-and-go technology. This feature automatically shuts off the engine when the car is stopped at a light, helping to conserve fuel. While not available on all trims, it’s a useful tool for drivers who spend a lot of time in urban traffic.
Real-World Experiences with the 2019 Elantra
To give you a better idea of what to expect from the 2019 Hyundai Elantra, we gathered some real-world feedback from owners like Alex Collantes.
"I drive about 60% in the city and 40% on the highway, and I can usually get about 32 miles per gallon on average," says Alex. "I think that’s pretty good for a gas-powered car, especially since I don’t drive particularly conservatively."
While Alex is generally happy with the fuel economy, he points out that it can vary, especially when driving in traffic. "I live in Houston, so sometimes traffic can be crazy, and I definitely notice the fuel efficiency drops a bit when I’m sitting in stop-and-go conditions."
Owner-Reported MPG vs. EPA Estimates
One thing to keep in mind is that while the EPA estimates are helpful, they don’t always reflect real-world conditions. Factors like driving habits, weather conditions, and road types all play a role in determining actual fuel efficiency. Many owners report coming close to or even exceeding the EPA estimates, but others have noted lower figures, particularly in urban environments.
Pricing and Final Thoughts
At the time of its release, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra was priced competitively, starting at around $18,000 for the base model and going up to about $23,000 for the Limited trim. Considering the wide range of standard features, good fuel economy, and Hyundai’s excellent warranty coverage (including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty), it’s hard to argue against the Elantra’s value proposition.
Pros of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra:
- Great highway MPG for long-distance driving
- Multiple trims to suit various preferences
- Good value for the price
- Standard safety features
- Hyundai's long warranty
Cons of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra:
- No hybrid or electric options
- Sport trim sacrifices fuel economy for power
- City MPG can fluctuate depending on driving conditions
- Interior materials feel a bit cheap in lower trims
Overall, if you’re looking for a solid compact sedan that delivers good fuel economy, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is a strong contender. It may not offer the latest hybrid or electric options, but for a traditional gas-powered vehicle, it strikes an excellent balance between efficiency and performance. With a variety of trims available, there’s likely an Elantra that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, this car won't disappoint at the pump.