Little Hyundai hybrid plenty big as Colorado mountain winter teases

Driving in Colorado whether it s in high elevation cities or into the Rocky Mountains is best accomplished in sport utility vehicles with big engines all-wheel drive and overall ruggedness But how do other vehicles succeed on similar rugged journeys A Hyundai Elantra in its Hybrid Limited trim fared well in a newest week s journey through multiple high-altitude urban areas and into two of Colorado s better-known mountainous attractions Garden of the Gods and Rocky Mountain National Park The Elantra s success was based on reasonable expectations The four-door sedan is Hyundai s smallest carriage with a hybrid powertrain It advanced in sunny skies and temperatures in the mid- s and endured rain light snow and temperatures in the mid- s One of three hybrid trims the Limited like its stablemates has a -liter four-cylinder engine It s paired with an electric motor and a kWh lithium-ion battery to produce horsepower It s front-wheel drive and has a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission As one of the country s largest part efficient hybrids the Elantra Hybrid is EPA-rated with miles per gallon in combined city highway driving It averaged mpg during the modern week s trip It included more than miles of freeway driving at the mph speed limit sometimes faster via traffic flow and at slow speeds on twisting narrow-road ascents The Elantra Hybrid has Normal Sport and Smart driving modes The manufacturer describes the trio from balanced driving to heightened responsiveness to optimized performance Smart mode as also detailed adjusts settings based on driving conditions and habits optimizing performance and efficiency as needed It proved the the majority useful setting even when the engine struggled for the right gearing on long inclines in thin air Debuting in the United States in as a model the Elantra is in its seventh generation and features its preponderance sporting exterior styling The Hybrid option arrived in Several changes were made last year only minor adjustments this year The models have several refreshes Pickup trucks and SUVs comprised percent of car sales in the United States with hybrid models a niche among the shrinking consumer sedan preferences Regardless the hybrid choices are strong with the Toyota Corolla Toyota Prius Honda Civic and Kia Niro all worthy and with the Elantra Hybrid firmly in the top-choice mix The Kia Niro and Toyota Prius hatchbacks have more interior space But the Elantra s interior room is satisfactory with and inches respectively of front and rear seat legroom The trunk which can be opened in four approaches has cubic feet of storage The exterior design combines sharp lines with a sloping roofline a geometric-patterned large front grille and slim LED headlight and daytime running lights The side profile gives the sedan sporty leanings It s sleek with angular door creases and a modern confident look The hybrid includes -inch wheels the geometric-designed covers add to the futuristic theme A -inch digital display shows real-time information including hybrid system status speed and navigation prompts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard with various connected services available with enrollment The center console cupholders and door pockets have adequate room for personal items Leather upholstery highway driving assist and a Bose audio system are also standard Comfort and convenience features also include a split folding rear seatback with an armrest and cupholders an auto-dimming rearview mirror dual automatic temperature controls and a wireless charging pad While the Elantra isn t likely a buying choice for mountain dwellers it s a proud hybrid with plenty to offer in a reviewed model s modest price of It held its own in Colorado s season of fall colors and with the beginning of winter weather s driving difficulties teasing what s to come The family all-wheel drive SUV would then serve at its best James Raia a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento also contributes business lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications E-mail james jamesraia com