2018 Hyundai Elantra — Full Specifications
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The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 30–42 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Hyundai Elantra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2018 listings: Hyundai Elantra GT.
Compared with the 2017 Hyundai Elantra: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 42 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.4L 4-cyl turbo · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AM7) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 96 cu ft (2,718 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 42 combined / 38 urban / 48 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 35 combined / 32 city / 40 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 159 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra across 3 engines (1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 25 to 35 mpg (US), or 30 to 42 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (32/40) | 159 | $1,900 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (26/32) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/29) | 226 | $2,700 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (28/37) | 175 | $2,100 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/36) | 187 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Running Costs: 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2018 Hyundai Elantra at 42 mpg combined, expect roughly 866 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2018 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Electrical system — campaign 18V891000, reported 14 December 2018. Risk: If the sunroof does not detect an obstacle while closing and then retract, there could be an increased risk of injury.
Owners have filed 334 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The most-reported areas are Engine (171), Unspecified (61), Electrical system (47). Complaints include 12 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, 7 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 263 complaints across the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (171 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (1 recall campaign · 47 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Transmission & drivetrain (29 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2018 Hyundai Elantra's 42 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 159 g/km CO₂ figure is 48 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Hyundai average.
Of the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years we cover, the 2018 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (42 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Hyundai Elantra year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 1.4L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (am7).
What is the fuel economy of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined, or 35 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 30 to 42 mpg.
How much does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2018 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Electrical system (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?
Among the 334 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (171 complaints), Unspecified (61 complaints), Electrical system (47 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2018 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 96 cubic feet (about 2,718 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.