The 2014 Elantra Gets 173-Horsepower 2,0L GDI Engine

The talk in the industry surrounding Hyundai has mostly been about the impending release of the next-generation Genesis and Tucson fuel cell crossover.

Those are still a while away, though, but until then, there will be some changes made to Hyundai’s compact car lineup.

Those changes began last week with the unveiling of the newly refreshed 2014 Accent, with the 2014 Elantra getting the covers pulled off at the L.A. Auto Show.

The three versions of the Elantra – sedan, coupe, and GT – will get the same changes, although Hyundai has only released images of the Limited and Sport so far.

2014 Model Year Changes: 2,0L GDI Engine, Styling Tweaks

One of the most exciting changes being made is the addition of a powerful 2.0-liter, direct-injected inline 4-cylinder under the hoods of the GT and Coupe, as well as in the all-new Sport trim level.

The numbers are impressive, with 173 hp and 154-lb-ft of torque delivered by the engine.

Going with the 2014 Elantra GT means having the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, whereas the couple comes with automatic only.

The addition of a larger engine means the fuel efficiency takes a minor hit with EPA estimated 24 mpg in the city.

Highway numbers depend on the model at 33 mpg for the automatic GT, 34 mpg for the manual GT and Coupe, and 35 mpg for the sports sedan.

There is the possibility of getting better numbers with the sedan model by going with the 1.8-liter engine with 145 hp, 130 lb-ft and EPA ratings of 28 mpg city/38 mpg highway.

2014 Elantra Design Changes

Each of the models were given styling changes, but only slight tweaks were made to the GT and Coupe, both of which have only been on the market for a year.

The sedan gets a somewhat predictable midcycle makeover, which means an update to the front and rear fascias, and new wheel designs.

The Sport and Limited trim levels get headlight makeovers with LED’s added to the front and back. The lights ate standard on the GT and optional on the Coupe.

The 17-inch wheels on the Elantra Sports sedan make it easy to recognize, as do the rear decklid spoiler and chrome exhaust tip. There is a name change, too, with the base GLS model now referred to as the SE.

The design changes have been extended to the interior, where style, comfort, and noise levels have all been given improvements.

There are slight tweaks to the instrument panel on each model, with the GT and Coupe models also come with heated front seats.

Technology has also been improved thanks to a new touchscreen display that comes with a navigation system and Pandora Internet Radio.

The three refreshed 2014 Elantra models will all go on sale in the USA next month, but pricing has yet to be released by Hyundai.