Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're going to talk about a ride that really shook things up back in 2017 – the Hyundai Elantra Sport Turbo. If you're on the hunt for a sedan that doesn't just get you from A to B but actually makes the journey fun, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this sporty Elantra, focusing heavily on its price and what kind of bang you were getting for your buck. This wasn't just any Elantra; it was the one that stepped up its game, offering a more engaging driving experience without breaking the bank. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let's explore why the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo was, and still is, such a compelling option for those who crave a bit more excitement in their daily drive. We'll look at its performance chops, interior features, safety tech, and, of course, how its price positioned it in the competitive compact sedan market.

Performance That Packs a Punch: More Than Just a Pretty Face

Let's get right down to it, guys – what makes the Elantra Sport Turbo special? It's all about the performance, and Hyundai didn't hold back here. Under the hood, you'll find a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little powerhouse pumps out a respectable 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Now, for a compact sedan, that's pretty impressive! This engine was the heart of the Sport Turbo's appeal, giving it a significant edge over its non-turbo siblings. Whether you were merging onto the highway or just trying to liven up your commute, this engine delivered a responsive and energetic feel. But power isn't everything, right? The transmission options were also key to the driving dynamics. You could opt for a standard 6-speed manual transmission, which is a dream for driving purists who love to be in full control of their gear shifts. For those who prefer convenience, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) was also available, offering quick and smooth shifts that further enhance the sporty feel. The DCT, in particular, adds to the perception of a more premium, performance-oriented vehicle. Beyond the engine and gearbox, the Elantra Sport Turbo also boasted sport-tuned suspension. This meant tighter handling, less body roll when cornering, and a generally more connected feel to the road. You could feel the difference when taking corners or navigating winding roads – it felt more planted and confident. The steering was also often praised for being precise and communicative, giving you a good sense of what the front wheels were doing. Plus, let's not forget the upgraded brakes. Bigger rotors and better calipers meant improved stopping power, crucial for a car that encourages you to have a bit more fun. All these performance enhancements combined to create a car that felt significantly more engaging and dynamic than the standard Elantra, justifying its premium over other trims and making its price feel well worth it for the added driving pleasure.

Interior Comfort and Tech: A Cozy, Connected Cabin

Now, let's talk about the inside, because even a sporty car needs to be a comfortable and practical place to spend your time. The 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo really hit a sweet spot, offering a cabin that felt more premium and feature-rich than you might expect for its price point. When you step inside, you're greeted with sportier seats. These aren't just about looks; they often featured red contrast stitching and bolstering to help keep you secure during spirited driving. They were designed to be both comfortable for daily commutes and supportive when you decided to push the car a little. The overall interior design was clean, modern, and driver-focused. Hyundai did a great job of balancing aesthetics with functionality. You'll find premium materials used throughout the cabin, with soft-touch plastics and well-assembled components that contribute to a sense of quality. This attention to detail helped the Sport Turbo feel more upscale than its competitors. Tech-wise, the Elantra Sport Turbo was well-equipped for 2017. Standard features often included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This was a huge deal back then, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity for navigation, music, and calls. It made the infotainment system feel modern and incredibly user-friendly. Other tech goodies often found included Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and a decent sound system. Higher trims might even offer features like push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats, adding even more comfort and convenience. The ergonomics were spot-on, with most controls falling easily to hand. The instrument cluster was clear and easy to read, providing all the necessary information without being overwhelming. Rear-seat space was also respectable for the class, making it a viable option for families or those who frequently carry passengers. Boot space was also competitive, offering ample room for groceries, luggage, or gear. In essence, the interior of the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo was a well-thought-out space that offered a blend of sporty flair, modern technology, and everyday comfort, making it a compelling package that delivered great value for its price.

Safety First: Keeping You and Yours Protected

When you're looking at any car, especially one that's designed for a bit of fun, safety is always a top priority. The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Turbo didn't just focus on performance and comfort; it also came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features that gave drivers peace of mind. Hyundai has a strong reputation for safety, and this model was no exception. For starters, the Elantra lineup, including the Sport Turbo, was built with a strong body structure. This involved using a significant amount of Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) in its construction, which helps to absorb and dissipate crash energy, protecting occupants in the event of a collision. Standard safety equipment typically included six airbags – front, side-impact, and curtain airbags – providing a cushion around passengers. You also usually got anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control (TCS). These electronic systems are crucial for maintaining control of the vehicle in slippery conditions or during emergency maneuvers. The ESC, in particular, helps prevent skids and rollovers by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and reducing engine power when it detects a loss of steering control. Beyond the standard passive and active safety systems, the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo also offered several advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), though availability often depended on the specific trim level and optional packages. These could include features like forward collision warning (FCW), which alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision, and automatic emergency braking (AEB), which can automatically apply the brakes if a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react. Other available ADAS features might have included blind-spot detection (BSD), which warns you of vehicles in your blind spots, and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), which is helpful when backing out of parking spaces. These advanced features, while potentially adding to the price, provided an extra layer of security and were becoming increasingly important for safety-conscious buyers. The Elantra Sport Turbo's commitment to safety, both through its robust construction and available modern technologies, made it a sensible choice for drivers who wanted a car that was not only fun but also reliably protected them and their passengers. You could feel confident hitting the road, knowing you were in a vehicle designed with your well-being in mind, and that's a significant value proposition when considering its price.

Pricing and Value: Getting the Most for Your Money

Ah, the big question: what was the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Turbo price? This is where things get interesting, because the Sport Turbo offered a compelling blend of performance, features, and refinement at a very competitive price compared to some of its rivals. When it launched, the MSRP for the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo typically started in the mid-$20,000s. For instance, a base Sport Turbo model with the manual transmission might have been around $21,750, while the automatic version could have been a few hundred dollars more, perhaps around $22,850. These figures are approximate and could vary based on dealer markups, options, and specific region. Now, let's put that into perspective. For that price, you were getting a turbocharged engine with over 200 horsepower, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a host of modern interior tech like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When you compare this to other sporty compact sedans of the same era, the Elantra Sport Turbo often came in as one of the more affordable options, especially when you factored in its standard features. Competitors might have charged significantly more for similar levels of performance or technology, or they might have required you to opt for higher, more expensive trim levels to get those features. The Elantra Sport Turbo, on the other hand, made performance and connectivity more accessible. It represented excellent value for money. You weren't just buying a car; you were buying an experience – a more engaging drive, a more feature-packed interior, and a stylish design, all without the premium price tag associated with some European or even Japanese performance sedans. Even if you added a few optional packages, the total price often remained very competitive. This focus on delivering a lot of car for the money was a hallmark of Hyundai's strategy and something that made the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo a standout choice. When considering the used car market today, the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo continues to offer great value. Its initial price was set to be attractive, and its strong feature set and enjoyable driving dynamics mean it remains a smart purchase for anyone looking for an affordable yet fun sedan.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo Still a Winner?

So, what's the final verdict on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Turbo? Guys, if you're looking for a compact sedan that offers a genuinely fun driving experience without emptying your wallet, this car is definitely worth considering, both new back in the day and especially on the used market now. Its combination of a peppy turbocharged engine, sharp handling thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, and a surprisingly well-equipped and comfortable interior made it a standout. The price was always a major selling point, positioning it as an incredible value proposition against rivals that often charged more for less. We've covered its impressive performance, the comfortable and tech-savvy cabin, and the solid safety features that Hyundai packed into this sporty sedan. Whether you were opting for the engaging manual transmission or the quick-shifting DCT, the Sport Turbo delivered a driving dynamic that was a significant step up from the standard Elantra. The price was just the icing on the cake, making performance and modern features accessible to a wider audience. For anyone seeking a reliable, stylish, and importantly, enjoyable daily driver, the 2017 Elantra Sport Turbo remains a compelling option. It proved that you didn't need to spend a fortune to have a car that was both practical and exciting. Its legacy is one of delivering big on performance and features while keeping the price refreshingly down-to-earth. It's a testament to Hyundai's commitment to offering great value, making it a smart buy for budget-conscious enthusiasts. Don't underestimate this sporty Elantra; it offers a thrilling ride at a price that's hard to beat!