From the front doors forward the sedan and hatchback are identical, featuring a distinctive chrome-lipped grille and prominent twin trapezoid headlamps angled back in a black background. The lamps were designed to cast a broad pattern of light.

From the door pillar on back, the hatchback is distinct from the sedan. The hatchback boasts a more expansive glass area, and its roof trails back into the rear hatch, fastback style, rather than dropping suddenly toward the trunk. The hatch ends with the small spoiler lip above the taillights and rear bumper. It reminds us of the previous-generation Saab 9-3 hatchback.

Compared to the previous-generation (pre-2001) Elantra, the current model stretches 2.3 inches longer in wheelbase, providing more leg room inside. Headroom is also better both front and rear. Just as significantly, the engine is mounted with hydraulic attachments in a new front subframe, greatly reducing the amount of drivetrain vibration that reaches the cabin.