2016 Hyundai Elantra GT Reviews, Pricing & Specs

So you like the look and the feel of Hyundai’s Elantra sedan and its coupe sibling, but you need a lot more cargo grunt than the one, and a few more doors than the other. Well, check out the 2016 Elantra GT 5-door compact hatchback, which is due in dealer showrooms in the early spring of this year. This 5-passenger compact commuter scooter and mall-hopping maven packs 51 cubic feet of toting space with the rear seatbacks folded, and the rear doors require fewer contortions to get in and out. Not only that, but this pint-size Hyundai offers traditionally spiffy looks complemented by a few tweaks for the upcoming model year, including an up-sized and sharpened grille, a marginally lower roofline, and available LED taillights. Furthermore, for 2016, Hyundai adds its Blue Link infotainment system, along with Apple’s Siri voice-activation function into the upcoming list of options in the Elantra GT, as well as available ventilated front seats.

As you may have noted, there remains a single Base trim scheduled for the upcoming year, and said trim is offered only with front-wheel drive (FWD). Additionally, a sole engine choice, the steady-as-she-goes 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder mill, returns in this heady hatchback. However, this competent, if not exactly neck-snapping powerplant comes managed by a standard 6-speed manual transmission to the tune of 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. And for those who want a bit less intensity on their morning commute, a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission again returns as an option. Mileage estimates, meantime, run 24 mpg city/34 highway/28 combined for stick-shift-toting versions, while the automatic is rated at 24/33/27. Oh, and 3 selectable driving modes—Normal, Comfort, and Sport—also return to interact with the electric power-steering setup, though some reviewers note that this system does little to improve steering feedback or to mitigate the historically hefty torque steer on hard acceleration.

Appearance-wise, 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler return to complement the upgraded grille and taillights, while inside, there are no significant changes to the standard premium cloth upholstery, heated front seats, full power accessories, and manual air conditioning. Of course, cruise control and telescoping tilt-wheel steering also return in the 2016 Elantra GT, as do perks like a standard cooled glove box, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and a single-CD player boasting 6 speakers, satellite radio, and a USB port.

Options, meanwhile, include the M/T Style package, featuring, besides the new-for-2016 Blue Link infotainment functions and Siri telematics upgrade, a sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, aluminum pedals, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The available Tech Package for A/T, boasting a power sunroof, a rear-view camera, and GPS navigation with 7-inch display can be ordered for the automatic-transmission-equipped Elantra GT for 2016, as well, along with the new Blue Link/Siri technology. Standalone options, meanwhile, remain a roof rack with cross bars and remote engine start.

Standard safety equipment aboard the upcoming edition of the Elantra GT includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, front and rear side-mounted airbags, daytime running lights, and a remote antitheft alarm. Optional safety stuff again includes front fog/driving lights and turn-signal-integrated mirrors, each of which is included in the available M/T Style package. Meantime, government safety tests give the current GT a 5-star overall safety rating, and there's no reason to expect less than that in the upcoming year's trim.

Owners of the current Elantra GT, finally, are impressed with this value-laden hatchback’s balance of a touring-style ride and better-than-competent handling, as well as its admirable fuel efficiency. Reviewers caution, however, that potential owners of the 2016 GT might end up a bit leery of the yet-to-be-perfected Blue Link infotainment upgrade.