The Hyundai Elantra N just barely entered a 7th generation a couple of years ago and now it’s already received an update. The biggest change is the exterior design but there are a few tweaks underneath it as well.
Performance
Engine – Like previous years, the 2024 Elantra N is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It produces 276 hp & 289 lb-ft of torque (206 kW & 392 Nm). Sadly, because the demo car I test drove had the manual transmission, it did not have an NGS mode, or N Grin Shift. This feature provides an additional 10 hp for 20 seconds but it is only available on Elantra Ns with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.
But getting back to the engine, it produces the peak torque at low rpms that is then sustained throughout the mid-rev range. Hyundai calls this a “flat-power” engine because of the flat torque curve and the peak horsepower which is sustained from 5,500 rpms to 6,000 rpms. The throttle response can be changed through the different drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, & N) or it can be customized using the Custom 1 or Custom 2 drive modes.
This is also a pretty good sounding engine. The valved exhaust can make the Elantra N sound almost as silent as a standard Elantra or it can make the car the loudest thing on a Monday morning in your neighborhood.
Fuel Economy – With the 6-speed manual transmission, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is rated for 11 L/100km (21.4 MPG) in a city and 8.1 L/100km (29 MPG) on a highway. I managed to average 11 L/100km (21.4 MPG) during my time with the car. In fairness, I did put my foot down a bit more than usual because I just liked how it sounded.
Transmission – As I mentioned earlier, the 2024 Elantra N is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 6-speed is an easy transmission to use whether it be in everyday traffic or more spirited drives. The shifter is smooth but it doesn’t have the same hefty weight as the one in the Civic Type-R nor does it have quite the same satisfying “click” as it goes into the next gear. The clutch pedal is light and it is smooth to engage the clutch. This transmission also has a rev match function which will blip the engine’s rpms with every downshift to make them smoother.
Braking – This being a sports car, it has upgraded brakes over the standard Elantra models. The N has 14.2” front rotors and 12.4” rear rotors, both axles use floating brake calipers instead of the more expensive fixed brake calipers. These brakes provide more than enough stopping force for the 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs) body. The brake pedal is firm and confidence inspiring with smooth actuation in everyday driving situations.
Handling – For the 2024 model year, the Hyundai Elantra N received stiffer engine mounts, stiffer suspension bushings, retuned steering rack and updated adaptive dampers. I’ll admit, it’s been a few years since I last drove an Elantra N so it’s hard for me to notice these updates to the handling dynamics of the car. But what I can say is that it is a fun front-wheel-drive compact car. The car is planted through corners and the limited slip differential does wonders to pull it out of turns with minimal wheel spin. There is a little hint of torque steer under full throttle applications but it is far more controlled than the hot-hatches of a decade or two ago. The adaptive dampers have three different stiffness settings and the steering itself can also be adjusted to provide a heftier feel through corners. In all, this is an excellent driving car for the amount of money that Hyundai wants for it.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – The ride of the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is overall stiffer than a standard Elantra even with the adaptive suspension in comfort mode. Having said that, the ride is not unbearable on city streets. The ride doesn’t feel too punishing. In the stiffest setting, the ride is much more jiggly but strangely, it doesn’t feel quite as jiggly as I remember it in the Veloster N. Additionally, Hyundai provides some of the best sport seats in this segment. They may look almost like race bucket seats but they have just the right amount of padding to support most body types.
Interior Space – The 2024 Elantra N is, for the most part, a spacious compact car. The front seats provide about as much space as the Honda Civic. For my above average height of 6’4”, I had absolutely no complaints with space in the front. Additionally, the rear seats offer half an inch more legroom than the Civic. That means tall individuals can comfortably sit back there for long periods without feeling too squished. There are a couple of USB-C ports in the middle and decently sized hump in the center but there are no air vents for the rear occupants.
In the trunk, the Elantra N has 402 L (14.2 cu-ft) of cargo space. This car does away with a spare wheel under the floor and instead you get a tire repair kit. The rear backrest can be folded down but it’s not split 60/40 like some other vehicles. Additionally, you won’t be able to put very large items through the pass-through because of the strut brace.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – One of the best features about Hyundai N cars is the active exhaust. It can be relatively quiet when the valves are closed but can easily make the car sound like a rally or touring car. Crackles, pops, bangs, it’s all there. In the Elantra N, you can also add some enhanced sounds into the cabin through the stereo system. In the infotainment system, you can choose between Sporty, high performance or TCR (touring car). You can also customize the sounds for a deeper bass or more whine and fine tune the volume. Otherwise, wind noise on highways is minimal but tire noise is prevalent.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – Sadly, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N has increased in pricing. The last time I reviewed the Elantra N, it had a starting price of $37,199 CAD ($32,150 USD). Now, it’ll cost you $39,399 CAD ($33,700 USD)with the 6-speed manual transmission. The 8-speed DCT is an additional $1,600 CAD ($1,500 USD). Worse yet, for the 2025 model year, the car is an additional $500 CAD ($250 USD).
Gadgets – On the plus side, the Elantra N is a fully loaded car. It comes equipped with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, backup camera, wireless phone charging pad, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bose audio system, power sunroof, keyless entry and push button start.
The infotainment system is displayed on a 10.25” touchscreen and is the same that is found in some other Hyundai vehicles. The only difference is the addition of the N performance pages. These display various performance parameters such as throttle & brake application, g-force, and lap times to name a few. Speaking of lap times, there are a few pre-programmed tracks in the system and you can set one of the two N steering wheel buttons to start or stop the lap timer. These performance pages also allow you to customize the N1 and N2 buttons, customize the launch control & shift light rpms.
Interior Design – The 2024 Elantra N doesn’t see any major changes to the interior design for this model year. It has simple to use climate controls, quick access buttons for the infotainment system, simple buttons on the steering wheel, and a traditional parking brake.
Exterior Design – The biggest change to this car is the exterior styling. However, it wasn’t done for the sake of being different than the previous year. The redesigned front fascia improves cooling for the engine without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency. There’s also better cooling for the brakes with this new front bumper design. The 19” forged wheels are new as well with Hyundai saying that they save 33 lbs in unsprung weight over the previous design. Around back, there is a small trunk spoiler, a faux diffuser, and some pretty sizable exhaust tips.
Safety – The 2024 Elantra N is equipped with a lot of advanced safety and driver aids. These include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keep, lane centering system, rear cross traffic alert, front & rear parking sensors, blind spot sensors, safe exit warning, and auto high beam headlights.
The IIHS gave the Hyundai Elantra a Top Safety Pick with good scores in the crash tests except for a Marginal score for the updated moderate front overlap crash test.
Warranty – In Canada, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N is covered by a 5 year / 100,000 km new vehicle and powertrain warranty. In the United States, the basic warranty is 5 years / 60,000 miles and the powertrain warranty is 10 years / 100,000 miles. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For USA warranty information, click here.
Conclusion – Overall, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N not only remains as a less expensive alternative to something like the Honda Civic Type-R or Toyota GR Corolla, but it’s a car that can stand on its own merits. It’s a lot of fun to drive and it’s easy to live with on a day-to-day basis.
Thank you to Hyundai Canada for providing the vehicle. www.HyundaiCanada.com
2024 Hyundai Elantra N Gallery
