The Elantra's interior has a masculine feel to it, thanks to the black dash with metallic accents and gray-colored seat upholstery. The dash and center stack have a simple layout with only a few buttons and knobs on it. A quick once-over of everything and I was good to go in the Elantra.

The Elantra's low starting price means that a lot of features aren't standard. Optional features include air conditioning and cruise control. These features and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel are part of an options package, which my test car had. My test car also had the optional Navigation Package, which adds a navigation system, backup camera and automatic headlights.

In the backseat, my two boys had plenty of legroom in this compact car. They found their cupholders in the fold-down armrest, and I made use of the front row's two cupholders near the center console.

The Elantra is a five-passenger car, but the second row's middle seat is best for short trips, especially if car seats are on either side of it.