Hyundai Elantra: The Ultimate Guide to Buying Used

April 23, 2025 · 6 min read

A red 2024 Hyundai Elantra Limited is driving to look at used cars for sale.

The Hyundai Elantra stands out as an appealing option for a wide range of drivers in the market for a used car thanks to its well-rounded combination of cost, dependability, modern features, and high fuel efficiency at an affordable price. This combination makes it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers or those purchasing their first car. Additionally, the brand’s reputation for prioritizing safety instills confidence as you travel down the road, whether you’re only headed a few blocks away or venturing further afield.

Our team at Gurnee Hyundai has a large selection of used cars for sale, including the Elantra. Even better? We’re versed in the various trims, package options, and model years, ensuring you get the answers to any questions you might have as you search for the best fit. Keep reading to learn more about the Hyundai Elantra, then reach out to a member of our team for a test drive or to gain more information.

Why Buying a Used Hyundai Elantra Is a Smart Choice

When looking for a dependable, affordable, and fuel-efficient used sedan, the Hyundai Elantra should be on your "must-see" list, as it offers some exciting advantages that make your driving experience more enjoyable. If you’re unfamiliar with the Elantra, we will get some of the basics out of the way first.

The Elantra has been a part of the Hyundai lineup for more than 30 years, initially debuting for the 1992 model year. At that time, the Elantra was designed to battle against the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, both of which had seen consistent success in the compact car class. Since then, the Elantra has continued to offer a wide range of drivers an alternative when searching for a sedan, one that comes with an industry-leading warranty. This fact gives pre-owned purchasers peace of mind, knowing that the brand trusts that its vehicles are built to last.

Today, the Elantra is in its seventh generation, with its most recent redesign coming in 2021. What that means for you is that you can find a used option with the latest exterior and interior design, as well as some of the latest safety and connectivity features the vehicle offers, when shopping from our used inventory. Those features and more are explored further below.

Exceptional Value

It’s no secret that value is one of the many things drivers look for when purchasing a used vehicle. What you may not know, however, is that value is one of the most compelling reasons to consider a used Hyundai Elantra. In general, Hyundai vehicles have lower prices than many competing models, and you can get a relatively new Elantra for a fraction of the original price. This becomes even more significant when you look at your inventory and realize you may be able to get a top-tier Elantra—one with all the bells and whistles—for a price that fits well within your budget. Another thing to consider is that insurance companies often offer reduced premiums for used vehicles, which puts even more money back in your pocket.

Passenger side taillight on a white 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid.

Impressive Reliability

Hyundai is well-known for delivering reliable vehicles, and the Elantra is no exception, especially when properly maintained. Our factory-trained technicians can assist with this, but we also offer a free vehicle history report for every used vehicle on our lot, allowing you to see what services have been performed over the years. When researching, you will find that reputable sources, such as Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, give the Elantra a thumbs-up when it comes to reliability. In fact, the 2019 and 2020 models were ranked the #3 compact car in J.D. Power's surveys of the most dependable used vehicles. In addition, our team assesses each used vehicle in our inventory to make sure it is ready for the next driver.

Fuel Efficiency

Whether you plan to use your used Elantra for your commute or to run errands around town, efficiency is important, as gas costs can be unpredictable. The good news is that the Hyundai Elantra offers great fuel efficiency. For instance, the 2021 model, with its base 2.0L four-cylinder engine, gets an EPA-estimated 33 MPG in the city and 43 MPG on the highway. If you choose a used Elantra from the same year with the optional turbocharged 1.6L engine, you will enjoy an estimated 28 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. It’s worth mentioning that you may also find the Elantra Hybrid when shopping from our used inventory. This was also introduced in 2021 and offers even better fuel economy, getting an estimated 53 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway.

Modern Features

One of the concerns that many drivers often have when choosing a pre-owned vehicle over a new one is that they will miss out on the latest features. You will be happy to know not only is the Hyundai brand often at the forefront of technological and safety advancements, but the used options you will find on our lot offer a long list of amenities. For instance, when it comes to safety, you will find features such as automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, just to name a few. Plus, every Elantra since 2017 has earned a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, giving you even greater peace of mind.

On the technology side of things, the Elantra allows you to connect compatible phones with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to access your favorite podcast, playlist, contacts, and turn-by-turn directions. It also has standard Wi-Fi and a voice recognition system that lets you control certain functions with just the sound of your voice, such as turning the vehicle temperature up or down or even turning on the heated seats when equipped. Depending on the trim, you can also enjoy a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen display, offering crisp, clear imaging and a user-friendly interface.

Affordable Maintenance and Repairs

As mentioned, the key to ensuring longevity in used vehicles is making sure they’re maintained. Our factory-trained technicians have access to the latest tools and use genuine parts to help strengthen the resiliency that is already found at the heart—or should we say under the hood—of the Hyundai Elantra. With readily available parts and a reputation for longevity, the Elantra allows drivers to enjoy low-cost maintenance throughout their ownership, making choosing the Elantra a long-term, cost-effective option.

A grey 2017 Hyundai Elantra is driving at night.

Check Out a Used Hyundai Elantra Today

A used Hyundai Elantra is an excellent choice for drivers seeking a durable, fuel-efficient, and feature-rich sedan at an affordable price. With its great reputation for dependability, outstanding fuel efficiency, and the latest safety and connectivity technology on board, the Elantra proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get a vehicle that will not only deliver you to work and back home again but one that is simply enjoyable to drive.

Our team here at Gurnee Hyundai is excited to show you our used Hyundai Elantra selection and help you narrow down which option is best for you. Whether you connect with us online or in person, you will get tailored customer service and the answers you need to make an informed decision. Check out the Elantra today!

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A white 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe driving down a dirt road from a dealer with used cars for sale.

Apr 14, 2025 in Used Cars for Sale

You Can Save Big When Shopping for a Used Hyundai Santa Fe

If your current vehicle is in need of replacement and you’re a budget-conscious shopper, we’ve got great deals for you when you shop our used Hyundai Santa Fe models. With an extensive inventory of used cars for sale, we have the right model to match your driving needs. This midsize SUV offers a roomy cabin with either two or three rows of seats depending on the model year and features that offer more versatility than you’ll find in a compact SUV or sedan. With higher ground clearance, you’re able to diversify where you drive and change up your workday highway commute on the weekends to visit your favorite fishing spot down a dirt road. more Hyundai offers many feature options to customize the Santa Fe, so you’ll be sure to find the perfect used model that matches your lifestyle. With a redesign in 2019, plus a major facelift and the introduction of a hybrid powertrain in 2021, shopping for a used model now provides incredible options at great prices. The newest version of the Santa Fe debuted in 2024 and brought a larger three-row design with a more rugged persona, making the 2019 to 2023 two-row models a unique find. From panoramic sunroofs to hybrid drivetrains, let’s get deeper into what you can look forward to when you shop our affordable used inventory of this amazing midsize SUV. Tech-Savvy Innovation for Smartphone Connectivity Hyundai is an innovative automaker that embraces what drivers love most in its features and improves on them year to year. When you shop for used Santa Fe models from recent years, you can expect quality craftsmanship as well as the features you want most. Tech-savvy connectivity to seamlessly integrate your smartphone will streamline access to navigation, music, and messaging while you’re on the road. Some used models include wireless charging pads for your phone and crisp digital displays behind the steering wheel for driver information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have been available since 2017, so you won’t have to compromise on your driving entertainment when buying used. The infotainment center has seen several upgrades in features and screen size, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen being added in 2021, making more recent pre-owned Santa Fe models as tech-savvy as many brand-new models. Versatile Performance for You and Your Family The Santa Fe has always offered great powertrain options. The 2019 model replaced the old V6 and six-speed transmission with a selection of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engine options of different sizes, each with unique capabilities but all offering decent fuel efficiency for this SUV’s size. When shopping for a used model, you can choose the powertrain option that works best for your driving lifestyle and needs. Sante Fe models come standard with front-wheel drive, but many trim levels have all-wheel drive available as an option for more stability and traction in inclement weather, such as heavy rain and snowstorms. As part of the mid-cycle refresh in 2021, a hybrid powertrain became available for the Santa Fe. For bonus fuel efficiency, we recommend the hybrid option to drivers who spend long miles behind the steering wheel. Spend less time stopping and save more money by skipping the gas pump when you opt to drive a Santa Fe Hybrid. With the same capabilities and features at a lower price, you’ll not only save big by buying a used model, but you’ll also look forward to saving more over time by avoiding having to fill up your fuel tank as often as a standard gas model. For versatility, if towing a small teardrop RV or fishing boat is on your list of must-have capabilities, you’re in luck with the Santa Fe. The 2019 to 2023 models are able to tow up to 3,500 lbs, so your Santa Fe can handle the task of hauling your kayaks to the lake or setting up the glampsite nicely with your small camper. Active families love the Santa Fe for its capabilities and capacity to comfortably move the family with enough cargo space left for luggage and gear. The Santa Fe Is Stylish and Comfortable Here’s where the options get really exciting. The Santa Fe saw a complete redesign in 2019 and then another refreshing facelift in 2021, which gives used buyers awesome options in terms of looks, style, and interior and exterior features. From heated and ventilated leather seats to panoramic sunroofs to LED accent lighting and headlights design, these years of the Santa Fe appeal to every kind of driver. What’s brilliant about shopping used is not only the obvious saving of thousands of dollars compared to buying brand-new but the ability to buy the higher trim at a much more reasonable price tag and add a touch of affordable luxury to your daily drive. You can enjoy premium audio systems, wireless charging pads for your phone, the most advanced safety and driver assist options, and the finest interior trim Hyundai offers for much, much less than a new SUV! The Santa Fe’s midsize design includes a roomy cabin with a fold-down rear seat for even more cargo space for moving large items. The driver’s cockpit is designed to be sleek, ergonomically plush, and have everything within easy reach for dialing in your settings and using your favorite apps on the go. Cup holders and charging ports are found throughout the cabin so every passenger is entertained and comfortable. Automatic dual-zone climate controls are offered on many Santa Fe trim levels for ultimate temperature control and comfort. Dependability, Safety, and Value You Can Count On Hyundai has established a name for itself by creating reliable vehicles that will take you far. With great resale value, you are investing in a car that holds its value for longer and offers dependability for worry-free commutes, errands, taking the kids to school, and even ride-share work. Regular routine maintenance will keep your repair costs low and keep your car running like new for longer. Quality craftsmanship means that you can drive a used Santa Fe headache-free and enjoy a new-to-you SUV with big savings to keep you happily within your budget. Your Santa Fe will deliver the driving comfort and performance you want most when shopping for an SUV. Over the past few years, the Hyundai safety and driver assistance suite has grown to include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, High Beam Assist, and more. Innovation is a priority for the Hyundai brand. The SmartSense safety suite of features offered for the 2021 Santa Fe upgraded many of the driver assist features, including adding Cyclist detection and Highway Drive Assist. All model years of the Santa Fe we offer have the safety and driver assistance features you expect and want most for the safest driving for you and your family. Your Dream Santa Fe Awaits at Gurnee Hyundai When you choose a pre-owned model, you will enjoy saving thousands of dollars and can even afford a higher trim level for premium features. Our friendly team can’t wait to show you the different models we have in stock so you can choose the right Santa Fe for you and your family. Buying used has so many great benefits in store for you beyond being budget-friendly. Enjoy lasting reliability and an SUV that offers versatility and convenience for your everyday commute with the bonus of having the ability to handle a quiet dirt road for a long weekend away from it all. Stop by and test drive one of our used Santa Fe models today!