The manual transmission lives for just one year in the new Elantra.
It was only available for one model year, and it was only available on two trim levels. Nonetheless, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra ditches its manual transmission in favor of the company’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. The up side? It does mean better fuel economy than the Elantra managed before.
The 2020 Hyundai Elantra just saw a major redesign, and now it’s getting a few more updates. The IVT replaces both the six-speed automatic and the six-speed manual on models with the 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle engine. That option is available on SE, SEL, Value Edition and Limited models.
Thanks to the continuously variable transmission, the 2020 Hyundai Elantra SE manages 31 City / 41 Highway / 35 Combined mpg. That’s 3 mpg combined better than the old automatic, and a whopping 6 mpg combined better than the manual.The SEL, Value Edition and Limited are 1 mpg off that figure, and return 34 mpg combined.
It’s not just fuel economy, either. The 2020 Hyundai Elantra also gets a 3.5-inch TFT display and dual-zone climate control as standard equipment. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Attention Warning also come standard.
If you’re looking for a bit more grunt, the Elantra Sport is still available, but it loses the row-your-own option. Here, the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Sport manages 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
As you would expect, the updated Elantra also sees a price increase. It now starts at $18,950 — a $1,750 increase from this year. Compared to the automatic, which was a $1,000 option, it’s $750 more expensive. Even the fully loaded 2020 Hyundai Elantra, the Limited, tops out at around $23,800.
Check out more on the new Hyundai Elantra below:
