Hyundai Driver IN
First of all, the reason I bought this car was to decrease my monthly car payment. No other reason besides that. I prefer an SUV, I had a 2022 Hyundai Tucson before, but this vehicle was cheaper and buying a brand new 2025 decreased my payment by $250/month.
For it being a 2025, I expected it to have more. My Tucson (which was base model) had the push button entry, push button start, heated seats, BlueLink, etc. My 2025 Elantra has none of that. Not sure why the base model is so basic when the Tucson was not. So this review is based off of MY opinion of this vehicle of owning Hyundai vehicles for years. I also currently own a 2016 Elantra.
Driving the 2025 Elantra is also basic. There are different drive modes, but unless it’s in sports mode it has very little power or pickup and go. I’m not even one of those drivers that drives rough. Unless I’m in sports mode, I feel like I’m driving like that old person that pulls out right in front of you and goes super slow. My 2016 Elantra is much better in power than my new one.
But in sports mode, it drives more like a typical vehicle, with a lot more power and very little of a difference on gas mileage unless you “punch it” all the time. Sports mode on the 2025 Elantra is a small step above normal mode on my 2016.
The gas mileage on this vehicle is great! I went from Indiana to Ohio (approximately 6 hour drive) and my average MPG was a little over 40. So that’s excellent. Comparable, but better than my 2016 Elantra.
Interior:
It’s basic… SUPER BASIC! I will say the front seats are very comfortable to me. The are curved where it feels like you’re cradled into your seat.
I do like the bar that comes around the right side of the dash. It is unique. I have two jobs and one of my jobs requires me to be in my car and drive a lot. So that wrap around area holds my clipboard I need for work. Unless you find a use for it, it’s just feasible for aesthetic purposes.
On that bar I also use a carabiner clip to hang a car trash can on it. Very limited on what cups fit in cup holder, especially if they have handles. They can only go in a certain way.
I’ve already had paint start to peel off on my steering wheel and door/window controls. It’s not bad, but I bought my vehicle brand new on May 6th. So the fact I’m already having this issue not even 5 months in is concerning. Already have gash and scratches on dash too from folding my passenger seat up for hauling.
Not much to say about the inside… again it’s basic and feels cheaply made. I chose black interior because I feel it looks cleaner for longer.
Exterior:
I feel is pretty fancy looking and sharp. My vehicle is this unique greenish gray color and I like it. I feel like they have definitely improved the look of the Elantra over the years.
Towing/Hauling:
With being used to SUV’s I did look into getting a tow package, but it’s not worth it on this vehicle. I knew changing from an SUV to a car would change what I could haul, but I’m putting this in my review for those people who want to save money, but want to make sure they get the options that they want. (To me) It’s common sense to know a car can’t haul as much as an SUV or truck.
It is practically pointless to get the tow package and it limits you on weight so bad that you would be better off renting a truck to haul anything. The back seat folds flat to be able to haul longer, thinner objects from the back of the front seats all the way into the trunk, so that’s nice.
My vehicle only has about 6k miles on it and I haven’t had any issues yet. So that’s good. The Hyundai warranty is always great!
Things to Note:
The collision detection is a bit more dramatic than it needs to be in my opinion. I understand when you get close to another vehicle it beeps a lot, but when you get too close it stops your car. Too close is seeing the entire back end of their vehicle. I wish I could change the distance. If I’m able to do that, I haven’t found it yet. But again, I bought this ONLY to save money.
I also have been in the car twice before where collision detection turned on and stopped my car with no other vehicles around. Luckily I was only going a max of 35 MPH. Not sure what triggered it. It’s only twice, but what happens if it turns on by itself while I’m going 70 down the highway? Yes, I worry about this now.
Pros:
Great gas mileage
Outside design is sleek
Front seats are curved which feels like it cradles your body
Spacious backseat space and trunk space
Back seats fold flat to haul more items
Hyundai’s most inexpensive vehicle
Cons:
No BlueLink, heated seats, push button start, etc. on basic model (very basic)
Has very little power unless in sports mode
Minimal hauling capacity, not worth the tow package
Sits very low to the ground so people with mobility issues might want to consider a taller vehicle
Cheaply made and low quality interior
Accident detection goes off on its own sometimes
Verified Owner
