2019 Hyundai Elantra Adds Safety Tech

Hyundai debuted its 2019 Elantra today at a Park City, Utah, media event as a heavily refreshed compact car with new advanced driver assistance and safety technology to improve its competitiveness in the segment.

The Elantra, which entered its sixth generation with the 2016 model year, entered the U.S. market in 1991.

Safety Technology

All trims above the base Elantra SE add Hyundai's SmartSense safety package (SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Sport, and Limited). Safety technologies includes camera-based automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, and a drowsy driver warning. More than 75% of Elantras will be equipped with these features, according to Hyundai.

The Elantra Limited with the Ultimate Package also adds a feature that lets passengers exiting the vehicle know about objects in the rear, and pedestrian detection. Other available safety technologies include a blind-spot collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.

Smartphone Connectivity

The 2019 Elantra also arrives with Hyundai's newest AVN 5.0 infotainment system with an upgraded processor and a larger center console screen that grows to 8 inches from 7 inches. The Elantra is available with Infinity Premium Audio with Clari-Fi, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging.

Under the Hood

Elantra will offer three engines when all is said and done, including a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder that powers the SE, SEL, and Limited; 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Eco; and 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that powers the Sport, which will arrive in late 2018.

The 2.0L is an Atkinson Cycle engine that makes 147 horsepower that delivers power through a six-speed automatic, except with the base SE's six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.4-liter makes 128 hp (at 5,500 rpm), Hyundai pairs it with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission to deliver an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined fuel economy.

The 1.6-liter fitted to the Sport will arrive with a standard six-speed manual and optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Hyundai will release more details about this model in the fall.