2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line a solid used car choice

The 2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line remains a solid choice in the used market

The Hyundai Elantra GT N Line Ultimate version has a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine. This is a lively automobile, with gobs of takeoff and excellent reserve power. The N Line GT is an attractively styled hatchback and very European looking.

If you’re a regular reader of my reviews, you’ll be aware of my aversion to CVTs – continuously variable transmission. With rare exceptions, they often fall short compared to traditional planetary gear setups. While some brands like Toyota and Mazda have improved their CVT designs, the majority still feel underwhelming. They’re cheaper to produce, which is likely why manufacturers continue to use them despite the performance drawbacks.

Hyundai, unfortunately, hasn’t avoided this trend, and many Elantra models come standard with a CVT. However, if you opt for the used 2019-2020 Hyundai Elantra GT N Line, you’ll avoid the CVT and instead get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. But even that has its issues.

The Elantra GT N Line is based on the Elantra sedan platform but features a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. While this engine is a highlight, offering excellent performance, the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) can be frustrating, especially at low speeds. It feels hesitant and unresponsive when parking or navigating through traffic. It’s a different story on the highway: smooth, quick, and efficient. But if you’re mostly doing city driving, this could be a deal-breaker.

You might want to look for a version with the six-speed manual transmission, which avoids these DCT issues entirely.

As I said, the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line shines on the highway. The engine delivers ample power, the suspension is tuned for a smooth ride, and cabin noise is impressively low for a vehicle in this class, which is particularly valuable for those seeking a comfortable long-distance commuter. Back in 2019, when it was new, I took it for a 500-km trip through British Columbia’s Okanagan region, and it handled the journey superbly with minimal fatigue. Even now, as a used vehicle, these comfort features, including heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, remain excellent selling points.

One of the best features of the Elantra GT N Line is its well-thought-out interior. The front seats are comfortable and supportive for long drives. The cargo space is still competitive in 2024, with about 700 litres of room when the rear seats are folded down, making it a practical option for small families or those needing extra luggage space.

The interior quality remains a strong point, with leather finishes and soft-touch materials throughout, giving it a more premium feel than competitors like the Subaru Impreza or Honda Fit.

When new, fuel economy for this turbocharged engine was rated at about 9.7 litres/100 km in the city and 7.4 litres/100 km on the highway, though many owners have reported lower-than-expected consumption, particularly on highway trips. On average, expect something around 7.7 litres/100 km.

Reliability has generally been good for the 2019-2020 Elantra GT N Line models, though some owners have reported minor issues with the dual-clutch transmission’s hesitation. If you’re purchasing used, make sure the previous owner has kept up with regular maintenance, especially for the DCT.

While the Elantra GT N Line was a solid competitor back in 2019, offering good power, a well-designed interior, and excellent highway comfort, its dual-clutch transmission is still a weak point, particularly for those driving primarily in urban areas. As a used car in 2024, it’s still a worthy option if you’re looking for a sporty, turbocharged hatchback, but I’d recommend going for the manual version if possible.

With strong competition from alternatives like the Mazda3, VW Golf, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback, the Elantra GT N Line holds its own, but it’s essential to weigh its strengths and weaknesses before committing. Expect to find a well-maintained example in Canada priced anywhere from $22,000 to $25,000 depending on condition and mileage.

Hyundai Elantra GT N Line (2019-2020)

• Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
• Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (or six-speed manual)
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
• Horsepower: 201 hp
• Torque: 195 lb-ft
• Fuel economy: 9.7 L/100 km (city), 7.4 L/100 km (highway)
• Used Price Range (2024): $22,000 to $25,000

Alternatives: Mazda3, VW Golf, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Honda Fit, Mini Cooper.

Ted Laturnus has been an automotive journalist since 1976. He was named Canadian Automobile Journalist of the Year twice and is past president of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). 

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