Something worth knowing about today's compact sedans is that some of them have more room inside than some midsize sedans.

Another thing worth knowing is that some of these entry-level compact sedans offer more in the way of choices — particularly under the hood — than more expensive cars. And most of the same amenities, too, just for a lot less money. Which is why you ought to know something about the Hyundai Elantra in particular.

What It Is

The Elantra is Hyundai's second-smallest, second-least expensive sedan. It slots in between the subcompact Accent and the midsize Sonata sedans.

Base price for the SE trim with six-speed manual transmission is $16,950. A top-of-the-line Sport trim with dual-clutch transmission lists for $22,900.

What's New

Hyundai's Blue Link roadside assistance/concierge system is standard in all trims, and the SEL trim (priced at $18,850) comes standard with a 7-inch Display Audio LCD touch screen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and an HD stereo system; heated outside rearview mirrors; adaptive cruise control; a blind-spot detection system; rear cross-traffic alert; and lane-change assist.

What's Good

It has a midsize interior and a compact exterior.

It costs less than same-size rivals, offers amenities they don't and comes standard with a much better warranty.

It has three different engines.

What's Not So Good

The sedan layout limits cargo-carrying capacity.

Its Kia-badged sibling, the Forte sedan, is an even better deal: It's roomier, and it costs even less.

The Honda Civic sedan has more back-seat legroom — and a better rep.

Under the Hood

While the Elantra and its Kia-badged sibling are similar, they are not the same — visually or mechanically.

Both come standard with same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower — available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. But the Hyundai's next-up/optional engine is an economy-focused 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that has less power, 128 horsepower, but ups the mpgs from the base four-cylinder's 26 city and 36 highway to 32 city and 40 highway.

Which it is capable of exceeding.

The Forte's next-up engine is a stronger version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, at 164 horsepower, that isn't available in the Elantra. And it doesn't get 40 mpg.

If you need more speed, the Elantra Sport comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that has 201 horsepower — paired with either a standard six-speed manual or a performance-calibrated seven-speed automated manual.

This drivetrain knocks the Elantra's zero to 60 mph time down to 6.2 seconds.

On the Road

The Eco-engined Elantra I test-drove delivered better-than-advertised mileage.

During the week I had it, I averaged 39.8 mpg. This is nothing short of spectacular. The Environmental Protection Agency says the Eco Elantra ought to hit 40 ... on the highway .

I averaged almost 40 all the time — city and highway.

The Sport 1.6-liter turbo engine is almost exactly as strong as the Honda Civic Si 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which has 205 horsepower. But the Civic Si engine is only available with a manual transmission. And the Civic Si base price ($24,300) is $2,500 higher than the base price of the 2.0-equipped Elantra Sport.

Put that toward gas, insurance — or back in your pocket.

At the Curb

You used to have to go with a midsize car if you needed family car room, especially back-seat room and trunk room.

Lately, you're mostly paying extra for exterior size.

The Elantra, though only 179.9 inches long overall versus 191.1 inches long overall for the midsize Sonata, its bigger-on-the-outside brother, has 35.7 inches of back-seat legroom and a 14.4-cubic-foot trunk versus 35.6 inches of back-seat legroom in the Sonata.

The Sonata does boast significantly more front-seat legroom — 45.5 inches versus 42.2 inches in the Elantra — but that's more than all but the very tall will need, so it's a mostly theoretical advantage, while the Elantra's being almost 1 foot less in length is an everyday advantage as far as finding a place to park and not taking up as much space in your garage.

As mentioned earlier, the Elantra's most threatening rival is its brother-from-the-same-mother, the Kia Forte sedan. It is slightly more space-efficient at 179.5 inches long — about half an inch shorter than the Hyundai — but with slightly more back-seat legroom (35.9 inches), a slightly larger trunk (14.9 cubic feet) and a lower sticker price.

The one thing the Forte hasn't got is the Elantra's available 40 mpg 1.4-liter Eco engine. And that amounts to a lot.

The Rest

The SE trim and the Eco trim come with 15-inch wheels, which you don't see much anymore. Which is too bad. Fifteen-inch wheels have less rolling resistance (which helps save gas) than the larger-diameter wheels that most new cars now come with — chiefly for visual reasons. Fifteen-inch tires should be less expensive, too — when it comes time to buy new ones.

The Bottom Line

You may have read that sedan sales are sputtering, and it's true, with a few exceptions. Hyundai isn't having any trouble selling this sedan. And now you know why.

View the Hyundai Elantra this week.

To find out more about Eric and read his past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. His new book, Don't Get Taken for a Ride! Is available now.