The 2017 Hyundai Elantra was named to the inaugural Wards 10 Best User Experiences (UX) list. The Elantra is recognized as a value leader in this year’s competition for its user-friendliness and sophistication.
“We are honored the Elantra is included in the Wards 10 Best User Experiences list among the likes of luxury models,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Elantra was designed with advanced technology and premium convenience to bring our customers an exceptional user-friendly driving experience at a great price.”
The 2016 Wards 10 Best UX competition was created as a spin-off of 10 Best Interiors. Wards 10 Best UX drills deeply into the user-friendliness of vehicle systems designed to minimize distraction and frustration, prevent accidents and improve safety. Points are awarded based on a vehicle’s performance in the areas of connectivity, intuitive controls, displays, navigation/maps, materials, infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Are there any “surprise and delight” elements to the user experience? Finally, there is no price cap, but a vehicle’s overall value is considered as well. Wards Auto editors evaluated 29 all-new or significantly redesigned light vehicles available in the U.S. Only 10 vehicles were honored for delivering outstanding user experiences.
The all-new 2017 Elantra truly advances ahead of the compact car class with innovative technology that enhances driver confidence and convenience, without the premium price. The Elantra enhances the driver experience with available all-new Dynamic Bending Light and Smart Cruise Control technology. All Elantras come standard with iPhone®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM® satellite radio. New for 2017, the Elantra features two advanced infotainment systems beyond the base audio system that perfectly cater to the digitally connected—an available 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and Hyundai’s next-generation 8.0-inch navigation system. Both multimedia systems are equipped with Apple® CarPlay and Android® Auto support for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, plus any approved smartphone apps. Since smartphone integration requires a wired connection to the vehicle, Elantra provides an available second USB port for charging—the first application on a Hyundai vehicle. The 2017 Elantra also offers the next-generation Hyundai Blue Link system with enhanced safety, service and infotainment telematics.