The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS sedan, produced at the Alabama plant, has carved a niche in the midsize car segment with its impressive blend of style, features, and affordability. Priced starting at $17,760, this sedan truly delivers on value while ensuring a comfortable driving experience and ample space for passengers. Join me as we take a closer look at the ins and outs of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS, discussing its specifications, performance, comfort, safety, and everything else that makes it stand out in the market.
Specifications Overview
The Elantra GLS comes with a dynamic setup, housing a 1.8L Gas I4 engine that churns out 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Its fuel economy is quite commendable, boasting an EPA rating of 32 MPG combined, 28 MPG in the city, and a stellar 38 MPG on the highway. With a manual transmission featuring six speeds, you’ll appreciate the precise shifts and engaging driving dynamics, especially on twisty roads.
Design and Interior Comfort
One glance at the 2013 Elantra and you’ll notice its sporty and sleek design. It’s not just a pretty face, either. Inside, the Elantra offers a roomy cabin, with a total passenger volume of 95.6 cubic feet. Front passengers enjoy a generous 43.6 inches of legroom, complemented by 40 inches of headroom. The rear seat space isn’t lacking either with 33.1 inches of legroom, making it accommodating for taller passengers.
Feature-Rich Cabin
The interior of the Elantra is filled with practical features. From the 172-watt AM/FM/XM stereo system with a CD/MP3 player to the cloth front bucket seats with adjustable head restraints, Hyundai didn’t skimp on comfort either. You’ll find plenty of storage, including a center console with armrest and a rear center armrest with cupholders, ensuring that there’s a spot for everything.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Elantra performs effectively, especially for city driving. The front-wheel drive setup and MacPherson strut front suspension provide a smooth and stable ride over bumpy roads. The precise steering response gives drivers confidence in steering through sharp corners, and a turning radius of 34.78 feet makes maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Fuel Efficiency That Impresses
With rising fuel costs, the Elantra’s fuel economy truly stands out, making it an excellent option for both city dwellers and frequent road trippers. You can travel up to 358.4 miles in the city and a whopping 486.4 miles on the highway, thanks to its 12.8-gallon fuel tank, ensuring you won’t be making pit stops as often as some of your competitors might require.
Safety Ratings and Features
When it comes to safety, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra doesn’t play around. Garnering an impressive 5-star overall rating in crash tests, it keeps both driver and passengers protected. Key safety features include advanced airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Additionally, the vehicle stability management (VSM) enhances stability during adverse conditions, making it a reliable choice for families and safety-conscious drivers.
Warranty Coverage
Your peace of mind is essential, and Hyundai’s robust warranty helps with that. Offering 5 years/60,000 miles of basic warranty and an impressive 10 years or 100,000 miles for the drivetrain, this level of coverage is tough to beat in the compact sedan market. The corrosion warranty just sweetens the deal, giving you 7 years of protection.
Pros and Cons of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS
- Pros:
- Exceptional fuel economy
- Spacious interior with competitive passenger space
- Comprehensive safety features and high safety ratings
- Affordable pricing and great warranty coverage
- Attractive, sporty design
- Cons:
- Some may prefer a little more power for highway merging
- Manual transmission could be a learning curve for some drivers
- Rear visibility might feel cramped for taller folks
The Verdict: Is the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS for You?
All in all, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GLS is a solid vehicle that checks off many boxes for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to compromise on essential features or style. Its engaging driving experience, spacious interior, impressive fuel economy, and strong safety ratings make it an appealing choice in the crowded sedan market.
So, if you’re in the hunt for a compact car that’s equal parts fun to drive and practical, you might want to give the Elantra a spin. It’s been a crowd-pleaser for a reason, and it could just be the car you’ve been waiting for!
