2014 Hyundai Elantra SE

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra SE 4-Door Sedan with 6-Speed Automatic is a standout in the compact car segment, offering a well-balanced blend of sporty handling, modern styling, and strong value. With its sharp, angular body lines and standout hexagonal grille, it projects a stylish and contemporary image that's aged gracefully.


?? Powertrain & Performance


Under the hood, this Elantra features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces around 145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. Matched to a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission, it delivers responsive acceleration and reliable performance whether you're merging on the highway or cruising around town. Though not a sports car, this setup is well-suited to everyday driving, providing a comfortable balance between efficiency and pep.

The ride quality is notably comfortable for a compact sedan—thanks to its independent front strut suspension and torsion beam rear, it irons out typical road imperfections with ease. Steering is precise and communicative, making urban and suburban driving enjoyable. Handling leans toward predictable and stable, but the car remains nimble enough for enthusiastic drivers who appreciate crisp cornering without sacrificing everyday comfort.


?? Interior & Comfort


Inside, the Elantra SE delivers a pleasantly refined cabin for its class. Cloth-trimmed seats are well-cushioned, offering good support for longer commutes. The front row is spacious with ample head- and legroom, while the rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults and even a third in a pinch. Seat fabrics hold up well to wear over time, and Hyundai’s attention to detail is evident through thoughtful touches like soft-touch dash materials and silver accent trim.


The dashboard is clean and user-friendly, featuring backlit analog gauges and a simple central infotainment area. Though this trim doesn’t include touchscreen navigation, it does offer a 4-speaker audio system, AM/FM radio, CD player, and auxiliary input. Bluetooth streaming and hands-free phone controls are standard, making this Elantra well-equipped for connected daily use.


?? Cargo & Practicality


The trunk is generous, offering around 14 cubic feet of space—enough to handle groceries, luggage, or sports gear with ease. A split-folding rear seat further enhances versatility, allowing longer items like skis or small furniture pieces to fit while maintaining passenger space up front.


??? Safety & Reliability


Safety is well-addressed with standard anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, and a suite of airbags including front, side, and curtain. Front seatbelt pre-tensioners and active head restraints add to occupant protection. Historically, the Elantra has earned strong reliability ratings, and the SE model exemplifies this reputation with low long-term ownership costs and a strong parts supply.


?? Ownership Value


The 2014 Elantra SE is known for its excellent fuel economy—typically around 28–29 mpg city and 37–38 mpg highway—making it ideal for commuters and cost-conscious buyers. Its ongoing expense is low, thanks to Hyundai’s generous warranty (often including 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage), affordable parts, and widespread service network.


?? Final Take


Overall, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra SE with a 6-speed automatic offers a compelling mix of sporty style, reliable performance, and comfort. It stands out in the compact segment for delivering high utility—ample passenger room, a big trunk, and solid safety—while remaining affordable to buy and maintain. Ideal for first-time buyers, commuters, or families on a budget, this Elantra offers consistent day-to-day satisfaction without any dramatic compromises.