For 2017 the Elantra received two all-new engines, a 1.4 liter turbocharged Kappa engine for the ECO model and a new 2.0 liter Nu naturally aspirated Atkinson Cycle four cylinder for the rest of the model range such as the one we have here.
The new engines designed to offer more refinement than previous powertrains in the Elantra as well as achieve better fuel economy than before. In the case of the 2.0 liter engine here, it achieves efficiency as high as an EPA estimated 29 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined rating.
It’s rated at 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. Being an Atkinson engine, it can delay intake valve timing to maximize the expansion ratio which is combined with a relatively high compression ratio of 12.5:1.
Like many in its class now it has an electronically controlled thermostat that allows the computer to micromanage the engine’s temperature for better fuel efficiency.
Following the airflow, the intake charge starts up front at the air-box that breathes through a snorkel behind the front grille. It then travels down to a throttle body mounted low and into a composite plastic intake manifold.
Though it has modern features like variable valve timing for its twin cams, it still does its job with port fuel injection instead of the direct-injection that is sweeping the industry. This is likely one of the reasons for its rather quiet and refined operation we experience on our recent test drive.
For servicing, the engine compartment is simple and well laid out. The air filter box, battery, fuse block and the brake fluid reservoir and all arranged quite neatlty together at the driver side. While tightly packed, you can still get your hands in and around them all.
Windshield washer fluid and coolant are right up front on the passenger side and to the middle. Checking and filling the oil also a snap with both the cap and the dipstick clearly seen up on top of the engine.
Though it needs no servicing, the anti-lock brake system controller can be found low on the back of the firewall just ahead of the passenger. It’s just a piece of hardware I like to point out.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra’s 2.0 liter engine is available with both a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, though the manual is only available on the base trim grade SE.
