For Under $40,000, This Car Has More Horsepower Than a Miata, a Dual-Clutch or Manual, and Room for Your Groceries

I never thought I’d say this, but there is possibly competition for the Miata.

Up until recently, the Mazda Miata was sort of in its own category, the last remaining sub-$30,000 sports car in the United States. However, it’s now about $32,000, breaking that barrier even if just by a few thousand. Now, the Miata is in a different category, competing with other performance cars in the $30,000- $40,000 range.

Given how the United States is heading, there aren’t many new performance cars left, even in this price range. Most new cars are well over $50,000, and Americans can’t afford them. However, I feel we’re often forgetting about the Hyundai Elantra N.

Surprisingly sharp and competitive

The Hyundai Elantra N is an entry-level performance car that people should be talking about a lot more. For under $40,000, you’re getting a stylish and track-ready car that still has room for your stuff inside. You get an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed manual, the latter adding about $1,500 to the price. Probably worth it if you are looking for a performance car. When paired with the 2.0L turbocharged engine, you’re getting a very fun car for a lot less than competitors. The Elantra N produces 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque at 2,100 RPM, allowing you to reach 0-60 miles per hour in as little as 4.7 seconds.

The Miata’s 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This gets you to 60 mph in about 6 seconds. The Elantra N is faster, but we all know it’s no longer about 0-60 records anymore. However, the Elantra N is a lot of fun to drive as well. The Drive noted how its exhaust “pops and grumbles” and takes corners like nobody’s business. It has “stunning front-end grip,” and the steering feels rather precise. It’s just an overall exciting ride without spending over $40,000.

If you truly wanted to put the two cars to the test, I think the Elantra N has the Miata beat in a large range of scenarios. If we’re talking super winding roads or a track with tons of tight turns, however, the Miata would win. The Elantra N is probably more capable overall, however, if we aren’t taking driving skills into consideration. I feel like it would come down to driver preference, of course, but it’s worth applauding the Elantra N for taking down a fan-favorite despite barely anyone giving it the recognition it deserves.

The Hyundai Elantra N is also very stylish, featuring an edgy look thanks to its hard lines and baby blue paint with red trim. It’s a car that will definitely turn heads. It looks more expensive than it is. And did I mention it can actually fit your groceries? It also has pretty good fuel economy, with 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. It’s not the best in its class, but it’s comparable. The Honda Civic Si is cheaper, but it’s more of a daily driver than a performance competitor. The Subaru WRX and GR Corolla require more add-ons to compete with the base Elantra N.

But again, splitting hairs. This is about preference. And I think more people would prefer the Hyundai Elantra N if they drove it.

Hyundai N TCR Edition is under $40,000

Why am I randomly raving about the Elantra N? Hyundai just revealed the price of the Elantra N TCR Edition, which brings racing features and styling for just a few thousand more. It starts at $39,250, still under the $40,000 threshold (before a bunch of fees, I’m sure), and you get the N Performance brake system, an adjustable carbon-fiber rear wing, and lightweight 19-inch N TCR forged alloy wheels. The new rims are designed to accommodate the four-piston monobloc front brake calipers with two-piece rotors made for the TCR Edition.

This is the model you’d want to get if you can.

The interior has a few upgrades, but this is sorta irrelevant. The Elantra N isn’t the most comfortable. However, this points to the Elantra N’s raw, driving focus. It’s not meant to be a comfortable commuter like other cars in its price range. It’s focused on precision, as sharp as its exterior. If you want comfort, go for the Civic. If you want exhilaration, continue on.

“Our new motorsports-derived Elantra N TCR Edition builds on the Elantra N’s winning formula with additional performance parts and unmistakable motorsports visuals,” said Senior VP of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Olabisi Boyle. “This limited-production model is sure to excite driving enthusiasts, motorsports fans, and collectors alike.”