The Hyundai Elantra is a peculiar beast here in the Philippines. The compact car segment may be dwindling in terms of volume (and relevance to be completely honest), but the Korean automaker doubled down by introducing no less than six variants encompassing a barebones fleet special all the way to a full-fledged high-performance N. In the one year or so that it has been available in the market, we’ve managed to sample the Elantra N, the Elantra N Line, and the Elantra HEV Premium. Now, we’ve completed the Infinity Stones by getting seat time in the just-above base Elantra GL variant.
Priced at P 1.14-million, the Elantra GL doesn’t go against your usual compact car suspects. The closest among its traditional rivals is the Corolla Altis 1.8 E and that one sets you back P 1.213-million. Instead, it goes against (price-wise, at least) the likes of the City RS (P 1.138-million), Almera VL (P 1.199-million), and even the Toyota Ativ HEV (P 1.198-million). This size up, price low strategy goes against what Hyundai’s trying to achieve these days. Instead, it harks back to Hyundai’s pre-Korean run days; a time when all the carmaker did was sell de-contented cars to buyers who couldn’t otherwise afford a Toyota or Honda.
In that regard, the Elantra GL too is sort of a throwback machine. It covers the basics of everyday motoring—nothing more, nothing less. From afar, it looks like any other Elantra with the same geometric shapes and crisscrossing lines; heck, it even shares the same wheel design as the HEV variant. Come closer and you see where Hyundai cut corners. All the shiny black accents have been striped away in favor of unpainted plastic. And while it thoughtfully keeps its LED headlights (they’re automatic to boot), all other lighting elements like the DRLs and taillights have been swapped over to traditional bulbs.
The same can be said about the interior. Generally, it’s solid and well-built, but the materials used could be better. Surprisingly, it’s not the fabric seats or the urethane steering wheel that are at fault; for the price point, they’re fine. It’s just that like the other Elantra variants, there are no soft-touch surfaces. Plus, the door cards, arm rests, and center console all produce this hollow, cheap-feeling sound. Shame as the switchgear and controls convey this crisp, clicky feel. And while the gauges do convey information in a legible manner, the gauge cluster is pixel starved. There are both USB Type A and C ports present, but oddly, the only way to use CarPlay is via a wireless connection.
No complaints when it comes to ergonomics. The driving position is spot on with the front seats offering ample adjustment and support, and the pedals being well-positioned. Space for the driver is good, but the gear lever does occupy plenty of space on the center console. The presence of the high-rise divider/handle bar further encroaches on the passenger’s leg space.
Rear room is where it shines the best. Not only can it accommodate the long limbed, but it can even fit three wide passengers abreast. Mind you, there are compromises at the back as there are no AC vents, center armrest, and adjustable headrests.
As for trunk space, the Elantra GL is sufficiently large, but ditches any sort of folding mechanism reducing its flexibility to handle larger, longer loads. There are also numerous storage spaces dotting the cabin, including cup holders that can accommodate smaller and larger drinks thanks to an ingenious adapter.
Like its size-above dimensions, the Elantra also offers an engine displacement that’s around 100 cc more than those in its price range. In this case, the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder puts out 128 horsepower and 155 Nm of torque—sensible numbers; numbers which are largely reflective in the way it drives.
Driven like a Point A to Point B commuter car, it’s quiet, refined, and smooth. NVH is well-managed with the 6-speed automatic being well-matched for the engine. However, dip the throttle too aggressively, and the engine can become quite vocal. Its aural character isn’t quite annoying, but it is loud. Plus, its 7.19 km/L average (done when EDSA was closed due to the rally), could be better.
As for on-road behavior, it’s a well-balanced car. The ride is incredibly supple, enabling it to absorb most road cracks, ruts, and bumps with ease. Best yet, this smoothness comes without floatiness. On long straights and sweeping bends, it remains stable with body roll being dialed in. It’s only when you hit quick transitions that the non-independent rear suspension shows its limitations. Still, it offers the confidence and the steering also has a good degree of precision too.
In terms of safety, the Elantra GL is quite basic. Aside from the center rear passenger having to make do with a two-point lap belt, it only has dual airbags. There are no parking sensors as well, although at least it keeps its rear parking camera. Thankfully, it does manage to stay equipped with anti-lock brakes and stability control with hill start assist.
There are two ways of looking at the Elantra GL. Taken by itself, in a vacuum, there’s no questioning that it’s a solid offering. Even as all the fat and trimmings have been stripped away, its engineering shines through, making it a great car for the price. But when you try to look at it from the bigger picture, it also doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Just when you think Hyundai’s been laser-focused on transforming itself from a budget conscious brand to a worthy competitor to the Japanese mainstream, they’ve gone back to old habits. As enthusiasts, we always love the variety of choice, but in all honesty, they’ve shotgun sprayed themselves on this occasion by offering an oddly diverse lineup in a shrinking segment.
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2026 Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL |
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| Bottom Line | |
| Pros | Roomy, smooth and well-balanced ride and handling. |
| Cons | Disappointing fuel economy, plasticky interior, basic safety features. |
| TL;DR | We always love the variety of choice, but the presence of the Elantra GL is odd with what Hyundai's trying to achieve in the Philippines. |
| Ownership | |
| Year Introduced | 2025 |
| Warranty | 5 years / 200,000 kilometers |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | Compact |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/F |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 1.6 |
| Aspiration | Normally Aspirated |
| Fuel Delivery | EFI |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| Maximum Output (PS @ rpm) | 128 @ 6,300 |
| Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) | 155 @ 4,850 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / ~91 |
| Transmission | 6 AT |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Fuel Economy (km/L) @ Ave. Speed (km/h) | 7.19 km/L @ 11 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Size (L) | 47 |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,710 |
| Width (mm) | 1,825 |
| Height (mm) | 1,430 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,720 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,215 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Parking Brake | Hand-Type |
| Tires |
Kumho Ecowing ES31 205/55 R 16 H (f & r) |
| Recommended Tire Pressure (PSI) |
34 front, 31 rear
(partial), 35 all (full) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 2 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes, with EBD |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | None |
| Parking Camera | Year, Rear |
| Front Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR w/ pre-tensioners x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelts |
3-pt ELR x 2, 2-pt Lap Belt x 1 |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes |
| Advanced Driver Assist System | Hill Start Assist |
| Other Safety Features | None |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED |
| Fog Lamps | None |
| Light Operation | Automatic |
| Wiper Operation | Variable Intermittent |
| Tailgate | Manual |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Urethane |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | Manual, 6-way |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | Manual, 4-way |
| Seating Surface | Fabric |
| 2nd Row | Fixed |
| 3rd Row | None |
| Sunroof | None |
| Multi-Information Display / Size | Yes, 4.2-inch |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, w/ Fold |
| Rear View Mirror | Day/Night |
| Proximity Key | Yes |
| Climate Control | Manual |
| Audio System |
Stereo USB Type A USB Type C Bluetooth |
| Wireless Charger | None |
| Infotainment Display / Size | 8-inch |
| Smartphone Connectivity |
Apple CarPlay (Wireless) Android Auto |
| # of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Controls | Yes |
It's always funny how car people deride purchase prices going higher but when provided with entry- and mid-level trims, it's suddenly "too cheap". There are people who need the size and space but maybe not the added height, or all the features... and there are increasingly less options for affordable bigger cars now.
ReplyDeleteThe average buyer does not care about brand positioning or market strategies... they do care if the 1.1M price would fare well against an Ativ HEV or a Kicks EL.
It's a good car for the price. Better built and better handling than the Ativ but loses out tremendously when it comes to fuel efficiency and features.
DeleteBut it also doesn't do the Hyundai brand any favors too. Seems they're back to their old ways of selling cheap, low spec units (Elantra, Santa Fe to name a few), but they're not really selling well as their previous positioning has been occupied by Chinese brands already.
Uly, don't be too harsh, Hyundai Ph may not bring the all new 2027 Elantra over here ever haha.
DeleteHyundai Ph should've brought in only the TOTL variants. Compact sedans/hatchbacks are basically emotional purchases now. I would love to daily a Mazda3 hatch non-hybrid version (SRP1.5M) but it's difficult to ignore that Haval H7 HEV which is a lot more powerful, more efficient, macho-looking machine at only Php1.250M (after discount) and a plethora of other cheaper xSUVs
They can and they should. But they should also re-consider their overall goals. Perhaps sticking with just 2-3 variants would suffice. Heck, maybe just one.
DeleteAn all-new model, a.k.a. The Art Of Steel metallic design concept Elantra is coming soon…
ReplyDeletelooks good for cheapo bare bones car. I think this is sufficient. I'd rather have this than overly complex chinese cars with turbo engines and dual clutch BS
ReplyDeleteAgree. This car is for those who want or need a proper sedan that is not small and at a really affordable price, but are NOT dependent to excessive tech. There's actually a market for these kinds of people. Just like someone would choose an Avanza over a Veloz.
DeleteRight. Chinese brands have never produced a proper Suzuki competitor (simple, reliable...the pre-EV Chery QQ failed). And yet filipino consumers are enamored with gazillion ipads on the dash and all the tech first introduced by European brands that became expensive headaches a few years later. I don't think they even bother tropicalizing.
Delete