Affordable, reliable, and satisfying to drive, Hyundai cars are unlike any others. With exciting new changes, the 2018 Hyundai lineup is packed with value. And this year, Hyundai is giving drivers more options than ever.
2018 Hyundai Sonata
Trims
Base SE – $22,900
Eco – $23,500
SEL – $24,500
Sport – $26,000
Limited – $28,285
For 2018, several key updates were made to the midsize Hyundai Sonata. Refreshed exterior styling gives the sedan a more stunning appearance. Meanwhile, the arrival of standard blind-spot monitoring makes the Sonata a safer family hauler. When it comes to pricing, the Sonata is still less expensive than the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry.
When shopping for a new Sonata, you’ll have three different engines to pick from. Developing a total of 185 horsepower, the base four-cylinder engine is expected to remain a popular choice. A special 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is featured exclusively on the Sonata Eco. It pushes out a healthy 178 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a new eight-speed transmission, Hyundai’s top-of-the-line turbocharged engine develops a formidable 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
While the base Sonata is rated to return a combined 29 mpg, the Eco trim will return a combined 31 mpg. Stepping up to the most powerful engine lowers fuel economy to a combined 26 mpg.
Although even the least expensive Sonata comes loaded with a 7.0-inch touchscreen and a helpful backup camera, there are plenty of upgrades available. Music fans will especially like the 10-speaker Infinity audio system. Aside from earning a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, the Sonata offers advanced driving aids such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist.
2018 Hyundai Elantra
Trims
Base Elantra – $17,800
SEL – $19,800
Value Edition – $20,700
Eco – $21,500
Sport – $22,600
Limited – $22,995
The Hyundai Elantra ranks among the best compact sedans on the market. Drivers like the Elantra’s strong fuel economy and sleek exterior design. It was also chosen as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS for its superior crash protection.
With a total production of 147 horsepower, the Elantra’s base four-cylinder engine will fulfill most drivers. Fuel economy stands at a combined 32 mpg. Although the Elantra Eco doesn’t offer more performance, its smaller turbocharged engine improves fuel efficiency to a combined 35 mpg.
If you really want to have some fun, get behind the wheel of the more aggressive Elantra Sport. Hyundai tuned its boosted four-cylinder engine to develop an enjoyable 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. In the eyes of some automotive critics, the Elantra Sport’s refined ride gives it an edge over the new Nissan Sentra SR Turbo and the Honda Civic Si.
While the base Elantra comes lightly equipped, the optional Popular Equipment package is well worth the extra cost. It rewards you with a lot of nice features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Available as an option, the Elantra’s hands-free Smart Trunk is a feature that you’ll grow to love. Automatic collision braking, and lane departure warning are offered as well.
2018 Hyundai Ioniq
Trims
Base Ioniq Blue – $22,200
SEL – $23,950
Limited – $27,500
The 2018 Hyundai Ioniq poses a serious threat to the popular Toyota Prius. This sporty hybrid’s cool styling and impressive fuel savings should win over a lot of drivers. A spacious interior design also makes the new Ioniq a deserving family vehicle.
The Ioniq’s hybrid engine develops 104 horsepower and 109 pound-feet of torque. Although this car isn’t built to blow you away with its performance, there’s ample power for daily driving. Unlike rival hybrids such as the Toyota Prius, the Ioniq uses a dual-clutch automatic transmission opposed to a CVT. This feature gives the Ioniq an enhanced fun factor. In terms of fuel economy, you can look forward to getting an economical 57 mpg in town and 59 mpg on the highway.
If you take pride in maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the 2018 Hyundai Ioniq. Its interior features various types of recycled materials. There are also plenty of high-tech goodies inside the new Ioniq. Smartphone integration, a high-resolution touchscreen, and selectable driving modes come standard. From blind-spot detection to adaptive cruise control, Hyundai gives you access to several modern safety technologies.
2018 Hyundai Accent
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding subcompact sedan than the 2018 Hyundai Accent. This year, it’s been completely redesigned. A lot of car shoppers will be attracted to the all-new Accent’s sexier exterior styling. In fact, it looks like a smaller version of the sleek Hyundai Sonata. Constructed with a greater percentage of high-strength steel, the new Accent also promises to provide even better crash protection.
Powering the 2018 Hyundai Accent is a tiny four-cylinder engine, which has been revised to produce 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. While the new Accent doesn’t pack more power under the hood, it will save you more money at the fuel pump. It’s rated by the EPA to deliver 28 mpg in traffic and up to 38 mpg on the open road.
While the standard six-speed manual gearbox is fun, Hyundai reworked the Accent’s six-speed automatic transmission to deliver smoother shifting. Although the Accent is sized just right for city commuting, its well-dampened suspension will keep you comfortable on the interstate. Rival subcompact cars, such as the Mitsubishi Mirage and the Chevrolet Sonic, don’t feel as refined as the new Hyundai Accent.
Its interior quality is a cut above the competition. Bluetooth connectivity, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, and a basic sound system come standard. Stepping up to the mid-level SE trim enables you to experience Hyundai’s top-rated infotainment system. In contrast to the Accent, the new Toyota Yaris fails to even offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the first time, buyers are now able to get automatic collision braking on the Accent.
2018 Hyundai Azera
Trims
Base Azera – $35,000
Limited – $40,000
If you can’t handle the expense of a German luxury sedan like the BMW 5 Series, the Hyundai Azera definitely deserves some consideration. While the full-size Hyundai Azera may not be a big name, an attractive price tag and a generous list of standard features make it an appealing option. When evaluated by the IIHS, it scored a good rating on all of the most critical crash tests. Class-leading warranty coverage sweetens the deal.
The Hyundai Azera has plenty of get-up-and-go. Its meaty V6 engine develops a competitive 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A responsive transmission further enhances the sedan’s smooth performance. Although the Azera isn’t as sporty as some other luxury sedans, its suspension excels at absorbing bumps in the road. In terms of gas mileage, the Azera will return around 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the freeway.
Most people will be happy with the Azera’s standard equipment, which includes heated/ventilated leather seats and a 14-speaker premium sound system. However, others will be lured by the Limited trim’s additional safety technologies.