History of the Hyundai Elantra

For anyone looking for an affordable, well-equipped compact sedan, the Hyundai Elantra is a popular choice. It has long been one of Hyundai's most popular models and gets even better year after year. Here is a brief history of the Elantra here in the United States.

First Generation

The Elantra made its debut in the United States in 1990 as a 1991 model. It came with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. In 1994, the Elantra got a refresh with new features including front airbags, ABS brakes, and power-operated side mirrors.

Second Generation 

The second generation Elantra was revealed in 1996. It was available as either a sedan or a station wagon. In 1999, there was a newly-available 2.0-liter engine.

Third Generation

In 2001, North American got a redesigned, third-generation Elantra. For the first time, it came standard with front and side airbags, power locks, air conditioning, power windows, and power steering. This helped set up Hyundai as a value-oriented brand. The Elantra got an exterior refresh in 2003.

Fourth Generation

The fourth generation Elantra was introduced for the 2007 model year. This new model features improved fuel economy and improved safety performance. It featured an incredibly spacious interior. This generation saw the introduction of features like USB ports, Bluetooth® connectivity, and iPod interfaces.

Fifth Generation

In 2011, North American got the fifth generation Elantra. It came with Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" design. Upscale features like leather upholstery, navigation, and heated seats were popular options.

Sixth Generation

The Elantra is currently in its sixth generation, which made its debut for the 2016 model year. These models dropped the fluidic sculpture design and have more of a fastback profile. Advanced safety features like rear cross-traffic alert became widely available with simple package options. For the 2019 model year, the Elantra got new exterior styling, additional standard safety features, and updated interior technology.

To see the latest iteration of the Elantra, simply take a trip to The Duell's Hyundai of Evansville.