What Size Is a 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan, measuring about 179.9 inches (4,570 mm) in length, 70.9 inches (1,800 mm) in width, and 56.5 inches (1,435 mm) in height, with a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (2,700 mm). These dimensions place it firmly in the compact car segment, offering a balance between easy maneuverability and usable interior space.

Overview: Where the 2018 Elantra Fits in the Market

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra competes in the compact sedan class against models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3. Its size is designed to appeal to drivers who want a car that is easy to park and efficient to run, yet still comfortable for daily commuting, small families, and longer highway trips. Understanding its dimensions helps clarify how it will fit in a garage, parking spaces, and in terms of passenger and cargo room.

Exterior Dimensions of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra

The exterior measurements define how much physical space the Elantra occupies on the road and in parking areas. Below are the key exterior dimensions for the 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan (non-GT hatchback models).

• Overall length: 179.9 in (4,570 mm)
• Overall width (excluding mirrors): 70.9 in (1,800 mm)
• Overall height: 56.5 in (1,435 mm)
• Wheelbase: 106.3 in (2,700 mm)
• Front track: approx. 61.2–61.5 in (varies slightly by trim)
• Rear track: approx. 61.9–62.0 in (varies slightly by trim)
• Curb weight: roughly 2,743–3,131 lb (1,244–1,420 kg), depending on engine and trim

Taken together, these figures confirm that the 2018 Elantra is a typical compact sedan: modest in overall size, relatively low in height for better aerodynamics, and long enough in wheelbase to provide a stable ride and usable interior room.

Interior Space and Passenger Dimensions

Interior measurements are crucial for judging comfort, especially if the Elantra will be used for commuting with multiple passengers or for road trips. The 2018 Elantra is classified as a compact car, but its interior volume is competitive, edging into what some regulators consider “mid-size” territory by volume.

• Passenger volume: 95.8 cu ft (2,713 L) in most trims
• Cargo volume (trunk): 14.4 cu ft (408 L)
• Total interior volume (passenger + cargo): 110.2 cu ft (3,121 L)
• Front headroom: about 38.8 in (986 mm)
• Rear headroom: about 37.3 in (947 mm)
• Front legroom: 42.2 in (1,072 mm)
• Rear legroom: 35.7 in (907 mm)
• Front shoulder room: 56.2 in (1,427 mm)
• Rear shoulder room: 55.3 in (1,405 mm)

These interior figures show that the 2018 Elantra offers generous space for a compact sedan, with particularly good front legroom and a usable rear seat for adults, making it practical for everyday use without stepping up to a larger, more expensive segment.

How the 2018 Elantra’s Size Compares

Comparison Within the Compact Class

To understand the Elantra’s size in context, it is helpful to compare it with common rivals from the same model year. The following gives an approximate sense of how it stacks up against other compact sedans.

• Honda Civic sedan (2018): Slightly longer at about 182.3 in overall length; similar width and interior space.
• Toyota Corolla sedan (2018): Similar length at around 183.1 in; interior space also comparable, with slightly different headroom and legroom distribution.
• Mazda3 sedan (2018): A bit shorter than the Civic and Corolla, with a sportier stance but generally similar compact proportions.
• Elantra vs. rivals: The Elantra is marginally shorter than some key rivals but very similar in width and interior volume, positioning it squarely in the heart of the compact sedan segment.

In practical terms, the Elantra occupies nearly the same footprint as its main competitors, so drivers cross-shopping compact sedans will find it comparable in parking ease, cabin room, and overall usability.

Garage and Parking Considerations

Beyond comparisons to rivals, owners often need to know whether the car will fit comfortably in a home garage or tight parking spaces. The Elantra’s footprint is moderate for a modern sedan.

• Typical single-car garage length: Around 18–20 ft (216–240 in); the Elantra’s 179.9 in length easily fits within this.
• Typical single-car garage width: Around 8–9 ft (96–108 in); with a width of 70.9 in (excluding mirrors), there is adequate room for doors to open, depending on garage layout.
• Height considerations: At 56.5 in, the Elantra easily clears standard garage doors and ceilings, leaving ample overhead space.
• Parking maneuverability: Its compact length and relatively tight turning circle (about 34.8 ft curb-to-curb, depending on wheel size) make it suitable for city driving and parallel parking.

These measurements indicate that the 2018 Hyundai Elantra should fit comfortably in most standard garages and be easy to maneuver in urban environments, which is a key advantage for compact sedans.

Trim Variations and Their Effect on Size

Within the 2018 Elantra sedan lineup (SE, SEL, Value Edition, Eco, Sport, Limited), the overall exterior dimensions remain essentially the same, but minor variations in weight and stance do occur, especially on performance-oriented trims.

• SE / SEL / Value Edition / Limited: Share nearly identical exterior dimensions; differences are mainly in equipment and weight.
• Eco: Similar exterior size, optimized for fuel efficiency; curb weight is slightly different due to engine and equipment.
• Sport: Same basic footprint and wheelbase, but may sit marginally differently due to sport-tuned suspension and wheel/tire setups.
• Weight differences: The more heavily equipped or performance-oriented trims tend to be at the higher end of the 2,743–3,131 lb range.

While trim levels can slightly alter curb weight and stance, they do not substantially change the overall length, width, or height, meaning the real-world size and parking requirements are consistent across the 2018 Elantra sedan range.

What About the 2018 Elantra GT?

Hyundai also offered the 2018 Elantra GT, a hatchback version built on a different platform from the U.S. sedan. Its size differs somewhat, so buyers considering both should be aware of these distinctions.

• Body style: The Elantra GT is a hatchback, offering a different rear profile and more flexible cargo area.
• Overall length (GT): Shorter than the sedan, at about 170.9 in (4,341 mm).
• Overall width (GT): Roughly similar or slightly wider than the sedan, around 70.7–71.3 in depending on trim.
• Cargo flexibility: With rear seats folded, the GT offers substantially more cargo space than the sedan’s fixed trunk, despite its shorter overall length.

These differences mean that while the Elantra GT is technically smaller in length than the sedan, it can feel roomier for cargo thanks to the hatchback design, making it an appealing option for drivers who prioritize versatility in a compact footprint.

Summary

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra sedan is a compact car measuring about 179.9 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 56.5 inches high, with a 106.3‑inch wheelbase. Inside, it offers a generous 95.8 cubic feet of passenger volume and a 14.4‑cubic‑foot trunk, placing it near the top of the compact segment in usable space. Compared with similarly aged rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Elantra’s size is closely matched, making it easy to live with in urban settings while remaining comfortable enough for daily family use and longer trips. Overall, its dimensions strike a balance between manageability and interior comfort that defines the modern compact sedan.

What year to stay away from Hyundai Elantra?

You should stay away from the 2013 Hyundai Elantra due to a high number of owner complaints, especially concerning engine problems, transmission issues, and steering failures. Other years to be cautious about are 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2017, which also have reported engine issues or significant reliability concerns, notes CarComplaints.com, MSN, and MotorBiscuit.
 
Years to avoid

• 2013: This model year has the highest number of complaints, with widespread engine problems like ticking, knocking, and outright failure. 
• 2011-2012: These years also show a significant number of engine issues and potential transmission problems. 
• 2015: While not as heavily reported as some other years, it is listed as having average to below-average reliability. 
• 2017: This year received very low reliability scores and has a high number of complaints related to engine failure, loss of power, and several recalls for airbags, power steering, and brakes. 

Other considerations

• 2006-2011: Hyundai issued a recall for a “key-off” fire risk in certain models from this range due to an electrical short in the ABS module, notes CarParts.com. 
• 2001-2006: These models scored poorly in crash tests, particularly side-impact protection, according to Consumer Reports. 

What size car is a Hyundai Elantra considered?

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car by official classification, though it has grown in size over the years and may feel like a mid-size car inside. It’s smaller than Hyundai’s mid-size sedan, the Sonata, but it offers a surprisingly spacious interior for its class with 113.6 cubic feet of overall interior volume for recent models.
 

• Classification: Officially a compact car, but its interior volume (113.6 cubic feet for recent models) puts it in the mid-size category by EPA standards, so it competes with both compacts and smaller mid-size sedans. 
• Size comparison: It is smaller than the Hyundai Sonata, which is a mid-size sedan. 
• Interior space: Despite its compact designation, newer models offer a surprisingly roomy cabin for adults, with 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space and 38 inches of second-row legroom. 

How big is the 2018 Hyundai Elantra?

The 2018 Hyundai Elantra has exterior dimensions of 179.9 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width (without mirrors), and 56.5 inches in height. Its wheelbase is 106.3 inches, and its curb weight is approximately 2,811 pounds. Interior features include 42.2 inches of front legroom, 37.3 inches of rear headroom, and 14.4 cubic feet of trunk volume.
 
Exterior dimensions

• Length: 179.9 inches
• Width (without mirrors): 70.9 inches
• Height: 56.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
• Ground Clearance: 5.3 inches
• Curb Weight: 2,811 lbs 

Interior dimensions and volume

• Front Headroom: 38.8 inches
• Front Legroom: 42.2 inches
• Rear Headroom: 37.3 inches
• Rear Legroom: 35.7 inches
• Front Shoulder Room: 56.2 inches
• Rear Shoulder Room: 55.3 inches
• Passenger Volume: 95.8 cubic feet
• Cargo/Trunk Volume: 14.4 cubic feet 

Other dimensions

• Turning Circle: 34.8 feet 

How many miles will a 2018 Elantra last?

A 2018 Hyundai Elantra can have a life expectancy of 200,000 to 250,000 miles with regular maintenance, with some owners potentially reaching 300,000 miles or more. Factors like consistent oil changes, timely fluid checks, and good driving habits are crucial for achieving this longevity. 
This video explains how long a Hyundai Elantra can last with proper care: 29sCar Performance ProsYouTube · Jan 16, 2025
Factors affecting lifespan

• Maintenance is key: Adhering to the service schedule for oil changes, filter replacements, and other fluid flushes is the most important factor. 
• Driving habits: Aggressive driving and frequent short trips can lead to more wear and tear. Mixing in highway driving can help clear out the engine’s carbon buildup. 
• Engine type: The 1.6L and 2.0L naturally aspirated engines are known for being reliable, while the turbo versions require a bit more attention to the cooling system and fuel quality. 
• Road and climate conditions: Driving in stop-and-go city traffic can increase wear, and extreme climates may require more frequent checks of components like batteries and belts. 
• Overall reliability: The Elantra has a good reliability rating, which contributes to its potential for long life.