2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco Rated 35 MPG, Starts at $21,485

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco Rated 35 MPG, Starts at $21,485

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco

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The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco packs a punch with desirable features and an impressive EPA rating of 32/40/35 mpg city/highway/combined at an attractive starting price of $21,485 including  destination fee. Stepping into an Elantra Eco isn't much more of a proposition than a feature-comparable Elantra SE with the optional Popular Equipment and Tech packages ($21,085), but with a bonus 3 mpg in combined ratings over the Elantra SE's 28/37/32 mpg with automatic transmission. There are minor differences in packaging, but the bulk of the Popular Equipment and Tech packages are standard on the Eco.

A 35 mpg combined rating puts the Elantra Eco in similar efficient company of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (30/42/35 mpg), 2016 Toyota Corolla LE Eco (30/42/35 mpg) and 2016 Honda Civic with base 2.0-liter engine (31/41/35 mpg), all with automatic transmissions.

Elantra Eco models include the hot-ticket Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the standard 7-inch touch-screen, plus blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual automatic climate control, keyless access with push-button start and heated front seats. This combo of features and fuel economy is extremely competitive and hard to beat. There's no optional equipment, however, so forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking , memory seat, adaptive cruise control and a moonroof remain options only available on the top Limited trim level.

Under the Elantra Eco's hood is the secret to the Eco's improved fuel economy with a unique engine and transmission: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder pairing with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.4-liter's 128 horsepower and 156 pounds-feet of torque is available at low engine speeds of 1,400 rpm to 3,700 rpm range, which should give the Elantra Eco pep around town compared with the non-turbocharged 2.0-liter making 147 hp and 132 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500-6,200 rpm in the regular Elantra. We'll report on our first drive, however, closer to when the Elantra Eco goes on sale at the end of the month.