2016 Hyundai Elantra GT

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT may be an economy car, but it knows how to make a good first impression. Our fully loaded example features heated and cooled front seat surfaces. Even the rear bench has heated outboard seats. The glove compartment has a small, openable vent that allows the cool, air-conditioned breeze to flow over drinks stored there. Look up and be greeted by the GT's massive (and optional) panoramic moonroof, which lets loads of light into the already spacious cabin. To an economy car driver, maybe looking to buy their first car, these small touches help to elevate the Elantra's perceived value.


Another gee-whiz standard feature is the Elantra GT's driver-selectable steering modes (DSS). The GT uses an electric-assist power-steering system that features three modes toggled with a button on the steering wheel. From the Comfort to Normal to Sport modes, the Elantra reduces its level of assistance, causing the steering wheel to feel heavier, more precise and sportier. The hatchback's level of handling and responsiveness don't actually change between these modes, but this simple catering to the driver's preferences helps make the Elantra GT feel more premium than it is.

At the center of the dashboard is Hyundai's optional Blue Link tech, the part of the Elantra's interior that makes the strongest first impression.

Part of an optional Tech package -- which also adds automatic headlamps, LED tail lights, and the aforementioned moonroof -- drops a 7-inch touchscreen into the center of the dashboard, which is powered by Hyundai's connected infotainment tech. The software is snappy -- extremely responsive to inputs -- and features crisply rendered graphics, text and maps.

Blue Link is a connected system that puts telematics features at the driver's fingertips via a Web portal or a Hyundai Blue Link app for iOS or Android. Users can remotely monitor their fuel economy and monthly vehicle health reports, search for destinations and beam them to the Elantra GT's dashboard, and remotely track the GT's location to monitor a teen driver or recover a stolen vehicle. Many of these features are also accessible via Apple Watch or Android Wear wearable devices.