The 2018 Hyundai Elantra lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor engine and transmission software issues. At $13,900 to $17,475, it’s cheaper than many other compact cars while offering a touch of luxury for the money.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Hyundai Elantra since it offers reliability paired with comfort, giving it a high overall rating. Owner reviews praise the efficient engines, entertainment technology, as well as the long warranty.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other compact cars, the seats are comfortable & supportive, cargo space is also good.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Avoid models from 2010–2015 which have engine problems, 2016–2022 are reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the base engines, while the Sport model offers good performance for its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The Elantra is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars overall in government crash tests. Optional safety tech includes a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, as well as lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 32 MPG, giving 448 miles of range from the 14 gallon tank. Gas costs are $65 cheaper than average, at $147 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Elantra is cheaper than many other compact cars with low ownership costs, making it an excellent value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Elantra?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Hyundai Elantra offers excellent fuel economy and space, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the 2018 Elantra at 4.1/5, praising the excellent technology features, but doesn’t like the slow shifts from the seven-speed transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Elantra a 4.2/5, enjoying the luxurious interior, but owners don’t like the limited legroom in the rear seats.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra include excessive noise from the engine, the seven-speed transmission shifting poorly, as well as peeling paint. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact cars, leading to average repair costs as the Elantra ages.
Excessive noise from the engine is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, at roughly 7,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by the engine misfiring. There is a software update for the ECU which reduces the number of misfires. Most Hyundai dealerships will install the software update for free, while others may charge up to around $50.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifting poorly has also been mentioned by some owners at around 15,000 miles. The dual-clutch transmission is more complex than a traditional automatic, which leads to it shifting harder between gears. There are also transmission software updates available from Hyundai which smooth out the shifting performance.
Peeling paint also shows up on some Hyundai Elantra models at around 50,000 miles. Paint which is not properly cared for and left out in direct sunlight will start to fail. If there are any failure spots, the only way to fix the issue is to repaint the affected areas, costing around $1,000 per panel.
There are no recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, which means none of the issues have been severe enough in Hyundai’s opinion to issue a recall to change out any parts.
How Long Will the 2018 Hyundai Elantra Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Hyundai Elantra can last around 250,000 miles, which is only slightly less than the top-rated Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other compact cars, at $420 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
As a 2018 Hyundai Elantra reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the blower motor resistor for $125, oil pump costing $900, as well as the transmission mounts which cost $365.
A blind spot on the sides if the windshield is my only complaint. . No other problems noted. We have driven for a year and a half.
I have had no problems..It is very reliable. No complaints. I like that a little wrench appears when an oil change is needed.
Reliability is truly not an issue. This my third Elantra and have not had any issues with either one. No problems with anything to date.
I haven't had any problems with my car. I have only had my car since about July. So therefore I haven't had any issues.
I have not had any problems with the car. I believe it has been very reliable for me. I drive it almost everyday and for longer distances.
Yes, the Hyundai Elantra sport is very reliable. I have experienced no problems when driving the car and it performs great.
Very reliable car. I have never had one problem with it. Very low maintenance. And great on gas. Has good pick up speed for getting on freeway.
Yes it is reliable. So far, I haven't had any problems or concerns with the car. It drives well and is comfortable.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is okay in the 2018 Hyundai Elantra, standard features include 3.5-inch display while 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens are available as an upgrade.
There’s no standard advanced safety technology offered. Optional safety tech upgrades include a backup camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, as well as adaptive cruise control.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a good value since it’s cheaper than many other compact cars. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $13,900 to $17,475, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $16,950 to $24,350. Depreciation is similar to other small cars, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Elantra?
There are six models of the Hyundai Elantra offered in 2018, from the entry-level SE all the way up to the Sport. It’s also offered as either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Rear Drum Brakes
- 5-Inch Display
- USB Port
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SEL is a popular step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Automatic Headlights
- Rearview Camera
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Keyless Entry
- Push-Button Start
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Satellite Radio
Value Edition adds features including:
- Sunroof
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Hands Free Trunk Release
- Heated Seats
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
Eco is more efficient with:
- Smaller Turbo Engine
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- More Underbody Paneling
Limited is the most luxurious model which adds:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Power Driver Seat
- LED Taillights
- Blue Link App Connectivity
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Eight-Speaker Stereo System
Sport is the high-performance version which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- More Powerful Engine
- Sport Suspension
- Xenon Headlights
- Unique Leather Seats
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Elantra?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 147 horsepower while getting up to 29 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission with an optional six-speed automatic available.
- The Eco model has a more efficient 1.4L 4-cylinder which generates 128 horsepower at up to 32 MPG. It has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- The sport model has a more powerful 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo which produces 201 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. This engine has either the six-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed dual clutch. Performance is good, taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Elantra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Elantra?
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a comfortable compact car offered as a sedan or hatchback, with enough space to fit five passengers. Seating is comfortable throughout the cabin, with nice materials used.
Passenger room is good in the front seats, although the rear seats have limited legroom, which may make them uncomfortable for taller passengers on long rides.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Elantra Have?
Cargo room is larger than average in the trunk of the sedan model, with enough room for 3-4 full size suitcases. The hatchback offers enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the rear seats, and around 10 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Hyundai Elantra came out in 2017, and was replaced by the seventh generation in 2021.
2015: No major changes.
2016: Limited model gets standard keyless entry & ignition, leather seats removed from sport model.
2017: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new styling, engines, and a refreshed transmission.
2018: SEL replaces the SE model with Popular Equipment Package.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes, updated technology in the stereo system, more safety features.
2020: New automatic transmission, dual-zone climate control standard.
2021: Fully redesigned with new exterior styling, great touchscreens, and sportier engines.
How Does the Hyundai Elantra Compare to the Competition?
The Hyundai Elantra is a great car, offering some great optional technology, good reliability, as well as a nice interior for the money.
The Hyundai Sonata is a larger sedan offered by Hyundai which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is much better in the Hyundai Sonata, while the Hyundai Elantra is sportier to drive. We recommend the Hyundai Elantra since there are more problems reported with the Hyundai Sonata.
The Honda Civic is another compact car which is about $3,000 more expensive. Standard technology is better in the Honda Civic, while the Hyundai Elantra offers a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Honda Civic since the ownership costs are lower and you get more tech for your money.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Elantra?
Yes..We enjoy to be warmed seats and sunroof. It has good economy and looks sharp. Reasonable in price.
Yes. Very reliable. Love the back up camera and the warning bell when changing lanes. Feel very safe in this car. Live the heated seats..Controls are easy to read.
Yes. Very reliable, easy on gas, plenty of leg and head room. Plenty of power, stable on the road wet or dry.
Yes. I have only had it for about since around July. I needed a bigger vehicle because I had just had a child. It definitely is a good car for children.
Yes, it is safe and gets great gas mileage. I have drove it on multiple long car rides or trips to other states and never felt unsafe or like I wasted too much money on gas. There are a lot of great features in the car for the price point of it.
Yes, it is reliable and a great size. It has amazing gas mileage which is fantastic for my everyday commute. I recommend this car to anyone.
Yes, it is good on gas and makes driving and parking in big cities easy. Even though it is a small car it is got plenty of room for 5 people to fit comfortably.
Yes, it gets me where I need to go reliably. It is comfortable and works for me. I will keep it for a few more years.
