A more recent naturally aspirated engine found in the Elantra — built on a different architecture from the problematic Theta II, with a meaningfully stronger track record to show for it.
This engine is a genuinely different design from the Theta II that defined Hyundai's reliability struggles in the previous decade — it's worth explicitly confirming this with any seller or listing, since the two names can be confused by buyers doing quick research. The Nu-family engine has a meaningfully stronger documented track record, with only minor, typical wear-item complaints rather than anything approaching the earlier engine's chronic issues.
Not a guarantee, but a pattern seen consistently across owner forums and independent-garage reporting.
Minor oil consumption, where reported, typically becomes noticeable within this range on a small subset of examples.
Examples with documented maintenance commonly continue without major issue at this stage and beyond.
Verify the specific engine code rather than relying on model year alone, since this engine is easily confused by name with the earlier, problematic Theta II.
Check oil level and condition yourself if possible, given the minor consumption reports on a subset of examples.
Beyond general maintenance history, there's relatively little else specific to flag on this comparatively modern, well-regarded engine.
Model-specific pages, with notes on how it behaves in that particular car.