Refreshing or Revolting: 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai has come a long way from the Elantra Touring, having transformed this boxy car into the sleek and sensible vehicle we know today as the Elantra GT. The new 2018 Elantra GT, based on the i30 sold in other markets, was designed with a renewed emphasis on European styling and gains some thoughtful design features. However, it has also grown in size this year. Before you let us know whether it’s refreshing or revolting, let’s take a look at some of the biggest updates.

The previous Elantra GT featured a traditional-looking grille flanked by horizontal slats, but the new model ushers in a new design. Slender headlights add to the elegance of the textured “cascading” grille. The hood also appears longer, making the Elantra GT look more athletic and planted.

No, it’s not your imagination. The Elantra GT is longer, wider, and lower than the old model. From the side profile, the 2018 model looks like an entirely different vehicle. Much of its heft has been pushed toward the rear, which looks more upright than before.

And let’s not forget the back. The car’s taillights no longer jut out to the side and appear softer and rounder. Hyundai also changed up the bumper, the license plate holder, and the rear hatch, including the handle.

Look inside, and the first thing you might notice is the updated 8-inch infotainment screen, which replaces the old 7.0-inch unit. Instead of embedding the infotainment system into the dashboard, Hyundai created a thin screen that stands by itself up front and center. Hyundai has rearranged the buttons and controls and created a much cleaner look.

Do you think the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is refreshing or revolting? Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, we asked for your thoughts on the 2018 Ford Expedition, and you certainly had a lot to say on both sides.

“Absolutely refreshing!” writes BT07. “…Once this goes on sale it will be the nicest looking full size SUV on the market.”

“Revolting! It’s too minivan and not truck enough,” says David Wilhite.

“Chevy has the same damn grille,” claims JF Robertson.

“The Expedition never had state-of-the-art styling, but now it looks modern at least,” notes markthomas.

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