2024 hyundai elantra se vs. sel

1. Overview

Aside from the fact that this is a comparison between the two models, this is also a comparison of what someone average would buy into compared to what the typical car enthusiast would buy into. This is due to the fact that a normal average consumer would purchase a standard model vehicle, with no additional perks, bells, or whistles added to it, while a car enthusiast wishes to buy the upgraded model and have all of the extra features the base model does not offer. This comparison is coming from one who purchased the base model 2019 Elantra, with all intent to purchase the 2021 Elantra base model once it is paid off, to a cousin who is a typical car enthusiast and has always purchased the next up models on his vehicles. Coming from both walks of life, allows a very fair comparison with no bias towards one or the other. On the bright side, this could always help someone choose which car to buy regardless of their walk of life. Evidently, others may simply just want to compare the two just to see if the upgraded model is truly worth buying into over the base model. [1][2][3][4]

An overview of two is just a quick look at a comparison between the two vehicles. Starting with the same make, but different models, the comparison starts between the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE and SEL. These two are the base and next up models for the recent release of the Elantra's 2021 version. With starting MSRP at $19,650 and $20,900, it is not difficult to see why an average buyer would want a quick look at the differences to see if it is worth spending the extra money.

1.1. Exterior Design

The design of Hyundai Elantra has improved over the years. The new Elantra now has a more aggressive front end. The wide front grille and the integrated headlamps give it a look of a luxury car. The hood has some lines giving it a strong car look. The car has strong character lines on the side. Taking a look at the SE, the car has 15-inch wheels and has the option of 16 or 17-inch wheels. The SEL has standard 16-inch wheels and has an option of 17-inch wheels. The wheelbase of both cars is the same. Elantra has LED tail lamps and braking is available in the blind spot of the car. Elantra has a standard remote key. There are some comparisons between the manual Elantra and automatic Elantra. The manual Elantra has a standard one-touch triple turn signal. This feature is not available in the automatic Elantra. Both cars have heated side mirrors and have a rear window defroster. The manual car has a side mirror repeater and welcome feature offered in the options. These features are not available in the SEL version of Elantra.

1.2. Interior Features

Although the standard HVAC controls are manual (again to keep price down), the layout has been moved away from the previous generations Elantra. It is no longer in a tiered fashion. The positioning of the controls has also been changed to improve accessibility. This small but important change has a great impact on the overall appearance of the console area. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel has improved the driver's comfort. This is also an option on the SE. Although power door locks are standard, power windows with a driver's side auto down/up feature are only standard on the SEL. The SE comes with windows that have a center console switch. This can be quite useful as it allows window control from every seating position. Both the SE and SEL have central locking, which is a feature that the previous generation Elantra did not have. Both models have a remote keyless entry system with an alarm for better security. All of these features make the Elantra a safer, more comfortable, and convenient vehicle to operate.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra SE comes standard with comfortable and stylish premium cloth seat trim. This is a refreshing departure from the Hyundai standard of blue patterned cloth. The standard color of this premium cloth is beige. However, that is not to say that blue patterned cloth is not available. This option can be chosen as an interior trim color only if one opts for the SEL model. The driver is treated to a 6-way adjustable seat with an adjustable head restraint. Front and rear passengers have the pleasure of sitting in bucket seats with 6-way adjustable head restraints. Both front and rear head restraints are designed for crash energy absorption. These seats are both comfortable and energy absorbing.

"Interior Features"

2. Performance

Performance is one of the sports look of vehicle. Looking deeply into performance, it gauge the speed, power, capability, and durability of a car. It is the most important aspect to look at when comparing vehicles. The reason it is one of the most important aspect is because it is the very reason most people buy a certain vehicle. Whether it is for the look and design of the vehicle, a sport look can look very deceiving. For example a 4 cylinder 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse looks fast for the design that it has but in reality it is very slow due to the weight of the car. People actually bought this vehicle thinking that it would perform well and were very disappointed rumors said that they were so disappointed that they sold the car. Now obviously performance is not the most important aspect to everyone. Some people are more concern what is under the hood of the car and how well it performs. But the whole reason for buying a sporty car is the horsepower and torque that the vehicle has. This being true performance is relative to what the owner expects from his or her vehicle.

2.1. Engine Specifications

The GT has a newly developed in-line four-cylinder 1.8-litre DOHC Nu engine with Dual CVVT. The engine has an all-aluminium construction and is the first representative of Hyundai's new Nu family of engines. Rated at 110kW @ 6500rpm and 178Nm @ 4700rpm, the high-tech power plant is well-suited to the GT's Australian orientation. The CVVT on both intake and exhaust cams and full E10 fuel compatibility. This high-feature engine also utilizes a maintenance-free silent timing chain system in place of the belt from the old Beta engine. The E6-series engine for the GL is upgraded to the Beta II 16-valve DOHC engine system with CVVT on the valve timing, which was made available near the end of the XD Elantra's lifecycle. This engine in the GL is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai Elantra SE and SEL are both equipped with a 147 horsepower 2.0 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both cars will deliver responsive acceleration adequate for daily driving, as the specs suggest that both cars have equivalent engine attributes. With the SE and SEL built on the same platform as its predecessor, the engine is a Beta II 2.0-litre DOHC (G4GC) with a revised CVVT valve timing.

2.2. Fuel Efficiency

Meanwhile, the Elantra SE model claims up to 41 miles per gallon on the highway and 33 miles per gallon in the city. Lastly, there are differences in the transmissions for each vehicle. The SE model comes with an Intelligent Variable Transmission which serves as a shiftless automatic. This type of transmission is ideal for a fuel efficient shift pattern and better fuel economy. The Elantra SEL offers the IVT as well, but on top of that has an option available for a 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission with Shiftronic. This type of transmission is more performance oriented and is likely to sacrifice a bit of fuel economy for a more spirited drive. This is another important thing to remember when considering the potential fuel savings by each model. From the information gathered above, it is fairly clear that the Elantra SE model will be the cheaper vehicle to own over time based on its fuel efficiency alone. The total amount saved in fuel costs will vary, but could easily be several thousand dollars over the lifetime of the vehicle. With the 2024 Elantra being a budget vehicle to begin with, this type of consideration is likely very important for many potential Elantra buyers. This could be the deciding factor for some customers to choose the SE model for its higher fuel economy to save money, or the deciding factor for other customers to choose the SEL model for its additional features but at only a slight detriment to fuel economy. Whether or not fuel efficiency is a high concern, there is a significant difference in the potential lifetime fuel costs between these two Elantra vehicles.

2.3. Handling and Suspension

While the majority of the performance specifications for the Elantra are similar, there is a considerable difference in the handling of the two vehicles. Both the SE and the SEL have front and rear suspension, however, the SE has a coupled torsion beam rear suspension while the SEL has a multi-link rear suspension. The multi-link rear suspension allows for better handling, something that the Elantra SE lacks. This gives the SEL a significant edge in handling, however if you are not concerned with taking corners at high speeds you may not find this to be an important factor. Another contribution to the SEL's improved handling is the fact that it weighs 43 lbs more than the SE. The weight increase is marginal but should make the car feel more planted to the ground. In comparison, the SE may feel a little unsettled, however, the weight may also take away from the slight advantage in fuel economy that the SEL has. Ultimately, in terms of suspension and handling, the SEL is superior to the SE. So if handling and ride comfort are important to you, the SEL is the way to go.

3. Safety and Technology

When it comes to safety, car buyers are looking at what advanced features are offered by a manufacturer. Some of the Elantra's features are only offered in the premium compact vehicle class, or higher. The safety for both models, SE and SEL, are the same and offer automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane following assist, and driver attention warning. These features will not only provide better safety, but it will also make the vehicle easier to drive. The lane following assist and lane keep assist will increase security when switching lanes, by an active input (collision avoidance), and alerts the driver. Driver attention warning is likely for drivers that have long commutes to and from work, or even people that take long road trips. Another feature that is shared by the two models is the intelligent variable transmission (IVT). Normally, this wouldn't be considered a safety feature, however, the improvements that have been made to it have an effect on the vehicle's safety. This feature is something that is new to the Elantra and customers that are purchasing new cars that have this. The IVT is software that predicts the driver's next actions to shift the car for an optimal performance, and will also enable the Elantra to have a "stop and go" function, which can improve fuel economy for drivers in city traffic. This is a fuel efficient feature, but it also reduces the chances of multi car accidents from sudden stopping, and will also prevent accidents for pedestrians. The convenience of the Elantra's parking safety have also improved with rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and the SE and SEL models offer this with the same features. The advanced features for both models do impact on the price in a way that it will be a slight increase of cost compared to older Elantra models, but will still be a reasonable and affordable price for the features that are provided. All in all, the advanced safety features are a great improvement to the Elantra and will attract many potential car buyers.

3.1. Advanced Safety Features

Overall, the Elantra SE has been equipped with many advanced safety features designed to keep you safe. All these features make the Hyundai Elantra a very safe vehicle. In fact, the Elantra has been designated as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The IIHS is a non-profit organization that tests various vehicles for safety. This status is reserved for only the safest vehicles. This is another thing to keep in mind when considering buying the Elantra. You can rest assured when you put your loved ones behind the wheel of your new vehicle, they will be safe.

The final unique feature the Elantra SE has is driver attention warning. This system is especially designed to monitor the driver. It keeps track of driving patterns in order to detect drowsy or inattentive driving. If the system detects either of those, it will provide a visual and audible alert suggesting the driver take a rest. This can be an especially important safety feature for long drives up North to our snowbird friends!

The next feature the Elantra comes with is lane keeping assist. This feature is designed to help a driver keep the car in its lane. If the system detects the car is about to drift outside the lane lines, it will provide a visual and audible alert. If the driver does not react, the system may apply corrective steering assistance to get the driver to steer back into the lane. This is a very helpful feature for people who may be driving long distances and might accidentally drift off from drowsiness.

When it comes to safety, not all cars were created equal, and the Elantra is no exception from the rest of the crowd. The Elantra SE comes with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. This system is designed to automatically apply the brakes if it detects you are about to hit a pedestrian at speeds above 5 mph. It can also completely stop the car if the speed is under 45 mph. This feature is especially useful for people who tend to drive in busy urban areas.

3.2. Infotainment System

Do not mention number of characters in the result. Step 1: UVO and Blue Link features. Step 2: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features. Step 3: Satellite Radio and HD Radio. UVO eServices and Blue Link Connected Car System. Both the Elantra SE and SEL have a UVO system with a 7-inch color touch-screen display, AM/FM/MP3, and a SiriusXM audio system. The Blue Link system from the SEL model includes 3 years of the Blue Link Connected Care Package which includes enhanced safety, diagnostics, remote services, and an app for smartwatches and Amazon Echo. These features are useful for drivers who are interested in comprehensive vehicle diagnostics and remote starting capabilities through their smartphones. In opposition to the Elantra SEL, the 2024 Honda Civic LX offers similar features with its HondaLink Assist Automatic Emergency Response System, but it is specific to safety services and does not offer the same diagnostic and remote services features found in the Blue Link Connected Car package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration. The ability to connect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is quickly becoming a must-have feature for drivers who use their smartphones for navigation, streaming music, and access to other various apps. The Elantra SE has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration capabilities, but only when compared to the Honda Civic LX and its Continuously Variable Transmission model. In contrast, the Elantra SEL has these integration capabilities, and when compared to the Honda Civic LX, the Elantra SEL could be seen as equivalent to the Elantra SE in terms of pricing and features. The continuity of this app integration feature between both Elantra models is definitely a strength against the 2024 Honda Civic LX. Satellite Radio and HD Radio Features. Satellite Radio is currently a feature that is still more popular in the United States and the subscription-based service can be accessed through many vehicles that are not necessarily of luxury class. Both Elantra models have SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Elantra SEL has a complimentary 90-day subscription. This would appeal to potential car buyers who are used to the vast amount of content and commercial-free music provided through satellite radio. The Honda Civic LX does offer SiriusXM radio capabilities, but it is only the LX model and all other Sedan trims cannot have satellite radio. HD Radio is a less costly and more accessible feature which the Elantra SEL has. While the Honda Civic has a radio with text display, the inclusion of an HD radio tuner is an extra feature that is not included in. At the end of each purchase, Elantra buyers who are more accustomed to radio may feel that they will receive a better range of radio quality through the AM and FM radio of the GS and GL as well as HD radio on the Elantra SEL.

3.3. Connectivity Options

The final piece of the technology puzzle for the 2021 Elantra is how well it connects consumers to their favorite content. Without the correct connectivity options, just about everything else, from navigation to the star features located above, is moot. The good news here is that from internet radio, to navigation information, to audio book streaming, graphic quality to the execution of each app and program has come a long way since the last time Hyundai made a new vehicle. This is an improvement from what we have experienced in Hyundai vehicles of the past. Hyundai is launching its first-ever Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and plug-in hybrid, with a design taking up the goal to bring in future eco-friendly Hyundai products. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, to the point of being the standard instead of optional. Never fails many, this feature is a highlight. One no longer needs to navigate through clunky navigation systems or go through a laundry list of voice commands to find their favorite place to eat. Smartphone app may use, is now streamlined in a way where it is second nature. This is mainly because the new system is mirroring the behavior of Samsung and Apple phones. Wireless Android Auto is a unique function to Hyundai and Elantra is getting as a segment first. Who would ever have guessed needing to plug a phone into a car would become an inconvenience? Wireless charging though, still requires the use of a cord. This is considered a necessary step forward to avoid charging cords being a looming distraction from the road and to encourage drivers to use this convenient and safer method. Wireless charging and Android Auto come on the Limited trim. Both fast and USB charging ports are also available. You really cannot ask for more in terms of device integration.

4. Pricing and Options

The 2024 Elantra base MSRP is not yet confirmed, but the starting cost for the SE model is $20,000. The SE model has an increase in cost of around $1,800 more than its predecessor. The 2023 Elantra had a starting MSRP of $18,800. The rise in cost is due to the Elantra taking on a more premium role within Hyundai and to offer greater distinction between the debuting 03MY Hyundai B-segment model which will replace the Elantra XD. The SEL Elantra also marks a $1,800 increase of its 2023 counterpart with a base MSRP of $21,500. This $1,800 rise is said to be the same with the increase in cost of the competing 2023 Honda Civic. Although it isn't a significant price increase on paper, the 2024 Elantra overall remains a value-oriented proposition thanks to content improvements. As stated in the introduction, the 2024 Elantra does away with the SE Popular Equipment and SEL Convenience Packages. However, the content that was made available on those packages has been reallocated into the vehicles themselves, which in return adds more value relative to previous model counterparts. The SE model comes complete with a 6-speed automatic transmission, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, High Beam Assist, and Blue Link Connected Car System complimentary for 3 years. The SEL model adds on a $950 Convenience Plus Package, which includes a host of driver assistance features such as Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Safe Exit Warning. The Elantra now offers greater attainability of these active safety technologies to consumers in comparison to previous model years where features such as these were more reserved for higher trims. Both SE and SEL models will also be offered the same price of $3,250 to upgrade to the Hybrid or N Line model. Step purchasing to higher model trims has always been an option for consumers. However, making accounting for depreciation, this has proven to be the most cost-effective way to change over to a higher-grade Elantra in preparation for the next model year.

4.1. Base Price

The 2021 Elantra SE begins at $19,650, which is $350 more than the past age Elantra yet in addition incorporates significantly more standard highlights. The SEL beginnings at $20,900 yet because of the further developed wellbeing and accommodation highlights, Hyundai gauges the SEL could represent about 33% of all out Elantra deals. Here at Rubber City Hyundai we anticipate that the SEL should be famous also and our underlying SEL stock will mirror that enthusiasm for further developed highlights. Having seven all out variations of the SEL, from base to completely stacked, it is effectively feasible to discover an Elantra that meets one's prerequisites and financial plan. With a value go from $20,900 to $25,450 and a value hole of simply $4,550 between the base SEL and completely stacked SEL, there is less dissatisfaction for clients who lean toward explicit bundle substance instead of looking for a completely stacked vehicle. Customers will have various variations to browse during their quest for a SEL as we hope to keep a solid stock of these well known, all the more completely highlighted and further developed SEL models.

4.2. Available Packages and Upgrades

The Elantra SEL Popular Equipment package includes the same features but omits the tweeter and subwoofer. It will still come to a cost of $600 and is a great value for all the features included. These packages can be applied to the base price of either Elantra model and are a valuable enhancement for any driver.

The second package, dubbed the Popular Equipment Package, is available for $800 and $600 respectively with the Elantra SE featuring an option that is not available on the Elantra SEL. The 2017 Elantra SE version of the Popular Equipment Package includes a six-speaker sound system including tweeters and a woofer for premium sound quality. The Elantra SE will also receive a 7.0 Display audio system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual automatic temperature control with CleanAir Ionizer and Auto Defog System, a Proximity Key, and a push-button start with hands-free smart trunk release are additional enhancements for the SE model. The $800 price on the SE model far outweighs the cost of adding each of these features individually and is a great value.

There are two available packages and one upgrade that can be added to both the SE and SEL models to enhance the driver and passenger experiences. The first, a tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), can be added to either model for just $50. This system allows the driver to constantly monitor the air pressure of the tires and will give an alert if pressure drops to an unsafe level. The use of this system could potentially save money in the long run by avoiding premature tire wear due to incorrect tire pressure. It is a very practical application and should not be overlooked.

4.3. Warranty Information

Hyundai's warranty and especially its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain protection, trumps many others in the industry. The Elantra comes with the standard five-year/60,000-mile warranty which includes coverage of the powertrain and other components. It also comes with bumper-to-bumper coverage for ten years/100,000 miles, usual roadside care that includes lockout service, tire changes, jump starts, and fuel delivery including 24-hour and 24/7 roadside assistance nationwide. Finally, a trial period of Blue Link (click here to view info on Blue Link) will be available for 90 days and complimentary downloadable applications for 2011 and 2011 Elantra models. Hyundai's warranty is considered one of the best automobile warranties, surpassing both Ford and Nissan and at the same level as Kia. The 2011 Honda Civic comes with a three-year/36,000-mile limited vehicle warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In this case, the Elantra's warranty is superior to the Civics and will last for either a longer period of time or more miles. Although the 2012 Ford Focus comes with a similar five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, it also lacks the bumper-to-bumper coverage and only includes a 100,000-mile roadside assistance plan. With the Focus only having a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty with no free maintenance program, the Elantra's warranty excels once again. Finally, the 2010 Nissan Sentra only includes a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty with no superior coverage or additional benefits. This shows that the Elantra's warranty is superior to that of its competitors and will provide extra reassurance for Elantra owners.

References:

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