Hyundai unveiled the updated Avante, also known as Elantra or i30 Sedan outside of South Korea, almost a year ago. The energetic Elantra N with the same set of styling enhancements followed in April 2023 before the company introduced the North American-specific Elantra in August alongside the 2024 Hyundai Sonata. Later on, we saw the first appearance of the 2024 Elantra N in November during the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.
The improved model promised to arrive at dealerships nationwide in early 2024 with refined performance: “enhanced handling, improved safety, and superior comfort to provide an engaging driving experience based on the three pillars of N-vehicle development — Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar.” Among other changes, it featured a redesigned front fascia and grille, new dual-projector LED headlights, fresh 19-inch forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires, and a modified rear bumper and diffuser.
The switch to new wheels also brought a specific advantage – the Elantra N shed 33 pounds of unsprung weight, and the new tires will likely play a significant role when the sporty Hyundai sedan competes against rivals during spirited driving reviews or at the local dragstrip. There was only one unknown factor in the equation – pricing. Fortunately, Hyundai has quietly updated the Elantra N specifications with the dealer price list, and now we have information about the cost to the customer.
So, the 2023 Elantra N, without any of the improvements, starts at $32,900 excluding destination and other fees, while the 2024 model year begins at $33,700 with the six-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the N 8-Speed Wet Dual Clutch transmission comes at an additional cost, and the 2024 Elantra N has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $35,200. Adding the $1,150 destination charge, the total comes to $34,850. This is slightly higher than the previous model, but it also exceeds the pricing of several competitors.
For instance, the highly competitive segment of affordable performance models includes the 2024 Honda Civic Si starting at $29,100 (excluding destination), the Volkswagen Golf GTI priced at $31,965, and the Subaru WRX at $32,735, all of which are below the quoted price of the Elantra N. In fact, Volkswagen still offers the older Jetta GLI for $28,085, making it the most affordable performance compact sedan. The only models that surpass Hyundai’s four-door in terms of cost are the 2024 Toyota GR Corolla priced at $36,500 and the more powerful Honda Civic Type R, which starts at a minimum of $44,795.
Given all this information, if you’re in the market for a performance-oriented yet still accessible sporty model, which one would you choose and why?