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Nearly a decade ago all a car manufacturer had to do was to develop a nice car. Hyundai started pushing their limits long before we even noticed in their 2^nd generation Elantra offering standard power windows, locks, keyless entry and side airbags. In their 3^rd generation, the Elantra started to offer more standard equipment like satellite radio and steering wheel controls all wrapped in an affordable, yet attractive product. But enough can never be enough. Now in its 4^th generation, Hyundai has introduced a Value Edition to their 2017 Elantra line-up that supports a host of the latest and greatest gadgets on the market that starts under $20,000.

With all the hype on the new Elantra GT debuting and devotion the Elantra Sport has been receiving, Hyundai needed to attract some attention back to its most widespread sedan. By introducing a Value Edition, the Elantra comes one way, and one way only, so hopefully it’s the way you like it. Considering it features a 7-inch touchscreen display, Blind Spot Monitoring, LED Running Lights, Dual-Zone Climate Control, Power Sun Roof and much more, it’s a product that easily caught our curiosity.

What’s The Rush?

Styling hasn’t changed for this duration of their new trim that sits right dab in middle of the Elantra’s line-up trailing behind the Eco, Sport and Limited models. Rolling on 16-inch wheels makes due for a quiet, uneventful ride that’s smooth and competent.  Unlike the Eco’s 1.4-liter turbo and Sport’s 2.0-liter turbo, the Value Edition uses the same naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine featured in the SE, SEL and Limited models. Its base 147-horsepower is fairly adequate power for this 2900lb sedan seeing it takes roughly 9 seconds to sixty mph. Its six-speed automatic is nothing special here as it fluidly shifts when we needed it to – there was never a cause for action to use the manual mode feature.

The Elantra has grown up substantially over the years, and its driving demeanor expresses a new kind of outlook. The Elantra maintains a confident chassis that feels solid and composed. While the steering is emotionless, we have to remind ourselves this isn’t a performance sedan. It is followed however with a responsive brake pedal that features a firm application and decent stopping distance. Available drive modes between Eco and Sport can change the behavior by adjusting the throttle’s cohesiveness and steering tension. Even though the Elantra offers an Eco version in their lineup capable of 40 MPG highway, we still managed to exceed our standard 28/37 (city/highway) fuel economy by averaging 45 MPG on our 250 mile highway run and 35 MPG combined in the city.

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Despite our basic beige cloth interior, the Elantra Value Edition is very satisfying. The quality of materials all sustained a premium presence as did the buttons providing a tactile feel. There’s also a consistency used between lighting ambience and font styles. It’s those little details that we never think of. Plus, the Value Edition offers a power adjustable driver seat as well as heated front seats in line with its spacious comfortable interior that even an Uber passenger would have to agree on.

One wouldn’t guess how well equipped the Value Edition would be until settling inside and noticing all the little additions most economy cars don’t usually have. The 7-inch touch screen display has a high resolution output that’s Apple and Android compatible. Navigation isn’t available on this trim, but with the mobile connectivity now, there’s really no need for it. The instrument cluster now features a digital TFT display with trip computer and the Value Edition also features blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic detection built in with the back-up camera.

Hyundai has once done it again – pushed the limits of what we’d expect from an economy compact car and added more bang for its buck. At $19,310, its title says it al. It really is a great value for a fantastic car that anyone can be happy with.