2020 Hyundai Elantra Drops The Manual, But Gains New Variable Transmission

The Hyundai Elantra received a bold facelift for 2019 and now the company is following up by revealing a handful of updates for 2020.

The biggest change is the addition of a new Intelligent Variable Transmission which replaces both the previous six-speed manual and six-speed automatic on models equipped with the 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine.

While it’s sad to see another manual fall by the wayside, the new gearbox enabled the car to return an extra 2 mpg combined. As a result, the Elantra SE is now rated at 35 mpg combined. Likewise, the Elantra SEL, Value Edition and Limited all return 34 mpg combined.

Besides the new gearbox, the 2020 Elantra gains additional standard equipment including a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a 3.5-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and several SmartSense safety systems. The latter include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning.

Under the hood, three engines are available. The aforementioned 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 147 hp (109 kW / 149 PS), while the Elantra Eco has a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 128 hp (95 kW / 130 PS). Speaking of the Eco, it gains a new engine start/stop system.

Also Read: 2019 Hyundai Elantra Gets A Bold New Facelift And Updated Technology

The Elantra Sport returns to the lineup, but it ditches the manual transmission. As a result, the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine – which produces 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) – is connected exclusively to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra will go on sale shortly and pricing starts at $18,950 which is a $1,750 jump from last year. That sounds like a huge increase, but it’s only a $750 climb when you factor in the newly standard gearbox.