Hyundai Elantra N: Hilariously Fun, Great Value, But Slightly Flawed

Last year, I came very close to buying a Veloster N, Hyundai's quirky hot hatchback. The Elantra N takes all of the fun and hilarity of the Veloster and turns the otherwise typical rental car into an excellent performance car, but in usual Korean fashion one that is still slightly flawed. And yet, I desperately love it.
Additional Content:
alsoandrew.com/
Dashcam Channel:
‪@CentralNCDashcam‬
Music:
Epidemic Sound www.epidemicso...
Master Planned Music cityplannerpla...
NCS ncs.io/music
Follow Me:
/ imalsoandrew
/ imalsoandrewyt

[@GenXisT]

The issue with all the "negatives" being presented in the various videos of this car is that they're SUPER nitpicky negatives. I own a 2023 that I bought in May (2023), it's also white, but has a 6M because I'm a grown up. While it's objectively true that the DCT is faster, I'm not really big on street or track racing and the 6M is a helluva lot more fun to drive, as are all manuals. 1) So there's a plastic, shaky handle in the front? And? How often does anyone even look at it, let alone grab it? The seats aren't power? And? You adjust your seat ONCE, and then you literally never move it again. I've had my 2011 Optima SX since 09/10/11 and I STILL haven't moved the seats from initial setting; 12+ years ago. 2 ) No vents or ports in the back? How often do you have people in the back seat of your car where this is actually ever going to matter. In the 7 mos I've owned mine, the only person in the back seat was me, once, to install the rear facing 'dash' camera. 3) Rear bracing blocking large stuff being put in the trunk? Interesting. Why would anyone be putting such large items in the trunk of a CAR? They make SUVs and Trucks for that very reason. This is a small, economy sports car that has a trunk suitable for picking up groceries. The intent would've never been for small construction projects or hauling LED TVs. That's not to say there aren't some truly dumb things about this car: 1) The paint is pretty bad. I only have 1607 miles on my car and there are already about 5 - 6 rock chips in the paint, even one on the rest strip on the bottom in the front. It's super annoying especially here in AZ here stuff is always flying off the roads. It would've been nice to have higher quality paint and not have to resort to getting a wrap. 2) The fact that the car doesn't start in the same mode you turned it off in. In other words, if you turn it off in 'N' mode, it should stay there. But it doesn't. It reverts back to Normal mode. I don't see the point in this, other than maybe because the valves need to be closed. If you notice, the 'pops' don't really start until the car is warmed up a bit. But it's still silly to have to put it back in your desired drive mode every single time. The same goes for the REV matching, which turns off in Normal and Sport mode once the vehicle is turned off. Makes no sense. 3) Up until a few weeks ago, the BOSE stereo was really underpowered and underwhelming. Used to have to turn it up to like 25 or 30 in order to get any decent sound. However, there was an over-the-air update to the car's software which has fixed this stereo. Now, you can get quality sound with power at around 5 to 6, which takes this negative away. I'm leaving it here because if they can fix the stereo like this, then they should've been able to fix #2 as well, right? I don't know, I'm not an engineer. I really did enjoy your video. You gave an honest and thorough review. What I like the most about it is what happens with literally EVERYONE who drives this car. Any perceived negatives about it, and Hyundai in general, completely vanish as soon as you drive it. This is a driver's car. Not over priced, doesn't have bells and whistles for the sake of bells and whistles. It is priced correctly and gives the driver all the feedback and fun required for this type of car. I don't regret my purchase, at all. Not even a little bit. Cheers.

[@benglasby8014]

The Australian version gets rear air vents and powered heated and cooled front seats. I would get the Elantra N over any of its rivals that are out. I recently test drive a GR Corolla and I truly think the Elantra N handles better.

[@thecamdenyard]

“a 6M because I’m a grown up” You good Sir are my kinda people. best thing I’ve read all week. It’s also a great theft deterrent 👍 Totally agree so many people have the most irrational complaints/comparisons when reviewing or commenting on reviews!!! I think my favorite mindless comment was on the Acura Type S… they said “at that price point I could buy a used Supra” Your comparing a new car’s price to a used car?? and a 2 door on top of that… worlds apart from their intended purpose and obviously a used car is a better deal… but who’s seriously looking at a 4 door car then buys a 2 seater ?? Just confirms my theory that kids wearing helmets and plastic playgrounds have allowed the mouth breathers to live long enough to reproduce…

[@A_chunk_of_pie]

I agree with everything - what this guy was complaining about, I don’t feel was valid. More a personal opinion. The stiff handle “it flexes when I do that”… then don’t do that? I’ve had mine for a year, I’ve touched that thing once. The strutbar?? Buy an economy car. Not a sports car. If you have big shit? Buy a big car? The seats? How often are you adjusting your seat? I’ve moved mine once since I’ve bought it and it was to reach my fkn iPhone lol they’re bucket seats because this car is a track car. Idk. Maybe I’m just triggered but all these KZbinrs having bizarre reviews about this car. While I’m typing this, he said the Golf is more practical… mf, how?

[@SonikDethmonkey]

The reason the car can’t be started in N mode is due to sound regulations. The “loud” mode cannot be the default on startup.

[@A_chunk_of_pie]

@@SonikDethmonkeyyeah I completely understand why the car doesn’t stay in the mode you turned it off in. I must have missed that part.. all the cars I’ve had have never stayed in the mode they were in when I turned them off. Especially if it was a sport mode.. like my e90 M3… M mode does not stay on.

[@brock8140]

Currently at the top of my list for my next car here soon, the EN has done a good job working towards eliminating the Hyundai stigma

[@mharro88]

The i30n did that years ago. They've been awesome since 2016. U.S is only catching on now.

[@Muffin1980]

I got a 22 EN and it’s fun as fuck!

[@jeremyhenry3126]

​@@mharro88 we have too many retarded assholes. That's why it's taking so long.

[@taemeister9302]

People comparing this to cars at 40k+ price tags. I think the only thing that's flawed is the reviewers.

[@AlsoAndrew]

Performance wise it’s in between a Golf GTI & R. A fully loaded GTI is over 40k and an R is close to 50. What would you compare it to instead?

[@wilhelm2016]

I got the manual transmission 2023 elantra N in phantom black (to hide that grill). I've had it about 6 months and couldn't be happier. Turning heads in a hyundai is something I never expected. I'm actually sad when my commute is over.

[@troywasacase5741]

You can totally customize the screens I have the 23

[@michaelwilburn1001]

Adding power controls to the seat could add an extra 20 pounds or more per chair. It's a bunch of small things across the whole vehicle that save weight. 3,300 pounds can turn into 3,600 pounds fast. Also, it would change the shape and size, removing some of that back seat leg room The rear vents are acrually in other markets, just not in NA. I assume it may have to do with import cost, but idk. With the bracing, it seems like you forget this is supposed to be a track ready car. Not just a more powerful car. Everything was tuned and changed to make it track ready while still being a good daily. So the argument of needing to take it out, etc, just doesn't make sense cause that should be part of why you buy it. If you simply wanted a faster economy car, the sonota nline or K5 GT would be your choice. Not the Elantra N. This car is supposed to be raced. Most of the marketing is on track. You have to remember what hyundai advertised this car for. So when you say why aren't the seats power, what's up with this bracing. It makes me wonder if you paid attention to what the car was advertised for. It's fun, it great, its daily, its track. Things you'd have to modify to other cars to make it more track capable or take corners better hyundai did that for you. Otherwise. Solid review.

[@vinnylabrocca4926]

Just bought 2023 N performance blue love the car and got it for MSRP so is a win win for me 🎉

[@ArtyXTV]

🤣Because the appearance of the 2024 model has changed

[@spyynz]

@@ArtyXTVit’s worse

[@lamonmabron-rock6178]

If the car isn’t good enough for you go buy a bmw it’s the best car ever for that price point

[@stonedasameteor3338]

hell no buy a audi, it will never break like a bmw

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

Slightly used 2020-2022 m340i. Amazing!

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

​@@stonedasameteor3338And Audi/VWs definitely do break. 2002 Audi A4 nothing but problems, got rid of it after a year of my wallet being emptied. Bought a pre-owned 2002 330Ci and had it for 5 problem free, and awesome years.

[@juanarroyo465]

What are you talking about? Audis are notorious for being horrible at durability.​@@stonedasameteor3338

[@goodbad-boy]

0:25 the car looks huge

[@benglasby8014]

I recently test drove a GR Corolla, and I surprisingly liked the Elantra N (I30 Sedan N in Australia) more. I haven’t driven the current Type R, but can anyone justify paying a lot more for it? In Australia it’s around $17-20K difference in price.

[@XQoozMii]

Did you drive the manual or DCT i30 Sedan N? How did it compare to the manual transmission on the GR?

[@benglasby8014]

@@XQoozMii I test drove the DCT I30 Sedan N. I would like to try a manual too. I own a manual 2013 BRZ, and that is a great handling car. I also daily drive a 2015 Skoda Octavia RS DSG. I have also tested an FK8 type r, GR86, and a Megan RS. The best manual box I’ve personally driven is the FK8 type r. The GR Corolla was on par with my BRZ in my opinion. Just the whole package and handling really got me interested in the I30 Sedan n.

[@Duran762]

Thats accurate to the US as well. Type R is so much more expensive here.

[@drewh22]

That's a pretty insane price difference. The Type R in the US is like $12k difference nowadays for an Fl5. I recommend looking at 10th gen Civic Type R's for anyone that is open to buying used. The Fk8 had an original MSRP for $38k, and for that price, it's an insanely good car. In my opinion it's easy to justify a $6-8k price difference for the Type R, but definitely not $17-20k lmao.

[@vincentvanderbilt5598]

the option I see is either this elantra N or used RC F, RC F takes the cake easy since they go for 40k+ used

[@4drturbo85]

In the video you said the car weighs 3,500 lb It doesn't weigh that much. Maybe with the owner. Manual transmission version weighs 3,186 lb.

[@AlsoAndrew]

It was a little exaggerated but DCT is a little over 3300 + driver and all other variables it can be pretty close

[@MaxPwr176]

The differential is *AMAZEBALLS* I've put the EN into full lock drifts and it'll pull itself right out. This car is a track & autocross monster. The seats make much more sense once you get onto track. Never once in my ownership I have I wished that rear strut brace wasn't there, it's not that hard to remove if you're planning to go to IKEA.

[@MimikU7812]

4:12 ''thats not very much force btw'' he says as the whole car shakes

[@oraclemiata845]

lol, KONAN is legend… but the EN and the VN are cool too.

[@JorgeCabrera-zh7yr]

In my opinion the veloster N is still a better track car just because of the wheel base as far as power just change the turbo out to the EN turbo like i did 😁

[@troywasacase5741]

It's a performance car that bar is there for a reason it's the stabilize bar it prevents it from sliding

[@TheL88t]

They really need to adopt the liftback for the boot. increases its utility massively. the liftback for the skoda and VW alone makes the price increase worth it for me.

[@jessicaphoenix1312]

Actually bud, the MT Elantra N is under 3200 lbs. It is not a 3500 lb car. The DCT transmission model is heavier, though. I love my Elantra N and for 34 k I am glad I bought it over the Golf GTI. And please put some pants on those pasty white goat legs!

[@damienfrizzell9394]

haha

[@jeremyhenry3126]

It's true. Manual is like 3098. DCT is something like 3180

[@nezabytes]

Lol😂

[@drewstermalloy]

The rear chassis brace is annoying but it's 4 bolts to remove it, less than 5 minutes. The rear seats folding down in 1 big piece is a lot more annoying, especially if you have carseats.

[@damienfrizzell9394]

thatt is also for ridgity

[@dansonmenezes]

Master of humor.

[@mharro88]

Its amazing really what you get for the price. We get a slightly more upscaled version here in Australia and i chose it over the honda type r . Its quicker and more comfortable as a daily.

[@benglasby8014]

💯 I30 Sedan N is top of my list too! I haven’t test driven the FL5 Type R though.

[@GLIDashcam]

N go brrrrrrrrrr

[@brock8140]

If you had to compare the driving fun of this and your S4 and the M340i, would you say you're sacrificing fun going with this or no?

[@AlsoAndrew]

S4/M340 are certainly faster and more premium but in typical German fashion, way more clinical. The N is loud and hilarious even in everyday driving so for pure fun I’d go N.

[@christopherhernandez2434]

Bro u look so small compared to the car in the first shot. Nice car tho. Shits sick

[@flcl_tx]

Cyber Grey is best

[@mharro88]

Nah white for sure.

[@i.d.6492]

The face lift EN looks really good. You can't compare this car to golf gti. VW gotta be the most unreliable cars

[@4drturbo85]

Meh I think it looks worse. Mainly the rear though. Front looks less aggressive and has too much going on with it. Don't like that big matte plastic "bar" on the front

[@i.d.6492]

@@4drturbo85 that's your opinion and you're entitled to it, I however disagree. The preface looked too ricy and didn't even look aggressive at all, it looked like a clown car from any angle. If you take Veloster N for example, that car looked way more aggressive Lots of black plastic in the front. Now it looks more sophisticated, wider. Sportier. One thing I'd agree with you is rear end didn't improve and slightly got worse, I'd still however choose it over preface because I as much as I tried to like the exterior design I just couldn't and that's coming from VN owner. I got G70 3.3T now

[@jeremyhenry3126]

Omg the plastic! *adds leather and price jumps* omg not enough power. *price jump* omg no awd *price jump* omg this audio system sucks *price jump* final..... 70,000$ from 34k OMG YOUR ASKING THAT MUCH!? 🙄🤦

[@DarkSkillchain]

I got a VN an don’t like the fact that they killed my car for a damn sedan used our engine then put it in damn sedan smh don’t see a lot of Elantra N’s and go for the Kona N which is even more rare to see they could of built a legacy with the VN now they got nothing but a semi sporty sedan An a SUV that nobody wants sigh hope Hyundai do better understand having certain cars in your line up helps build notoriety with enthusiast which help its brand the VN for rally the Elantra N for TCR events

[@a7x266]

i wouldnt say they killed the VN for a sedan, the kona replaced the VN not the EN.

[@fxded626]

what lip is that?

[@XQoozMii]

Ya mums lips

[@codyhook248]

aeroflow dynamics. it’s my car

[@edcipriani8873]

I have been driving Hyundai's since the late 90's and I am currently driving my 3rd Elantra now, just the regular 2020 IVT version, and my ownership experience with Hyundai has proven to be very reliable. I am glad I purchased my Elantra before the 2021 major redesign. One of the flaws that you had mentioned is the the front end of the current Elantra, it's just weird looking, to the point of being fugly. The other thing is the handle bar on the center console, idiotic and looks stupid as hell. So Hyundai takes a few steps forward and then one or 2 steps backwards. I have come to accept that Hyundais use cheaper plastics for the interiors of their vehicles. I was at a Mazda dealership a couple years ago, and the difference of the entry level Mazda 3 to the Elantra was very noticeable when it comes to the interior materials. But it seems that the interior quality of the more recent Elantras has improved since the 2021 redesign. I think that Hyundai gets most things right when it comes to delivering what customers want and what they are looking for, but it just seems that sometimes Hyundai is oblivious when it comes to a few other decisions. Then again, other car makers do the same thing. Overall, it's great to see Hyundais are now being compared to Honda, Toyota, Mazda, VW these days. I was around in the mid 1980's when Hyundai began selling cars in the US, to be honest with you, I didn't think they were going to be around that long. Just hope that Hyundai can work out the issues they have with some of their previous and current vehicles and move forward.

[@jayrockfromdablock2940]

Practicality? It’s a performance car. go get a truck 😭

[@DeliveryCamMan]

I went with the veloster n. Just can't deal with how the elantra looks from the front

[@4drturbo85]

I was debating against the two but ended with the Elantra N due to the much better interior. Absolutely love the hatch and the rear of the Veloster N but I don't really care for the front of it, looks too boring to me. A lot less aggressive than the Elantra N. But I honestly might pick up a veloster N to have with my Elantra as prices continued to dwindle on cars.