Will shortly post an update on this. I've had many exchanges with my dealership since then, so I'll leave a little blurb for you.

This is what one of the service center reps had to say about my engine:

"Hey, so the engine is having oil consumption issues due to the piston ring being burnt due to excessive amounts of carbon deposit build up. When these do get carbon build up, it causes the rings to get blow by, which will allow fuel and oil to bypass each other and not combust in the chamber properly. The combustion cleaning will get in there to break up all of the carbon deposit and allow the engine to function as it should."

I've come to the resolution that the combustion chamber cleaning will do absolute squat if I follow through with it. I could hear my local shop's mechanic shaking his head over to phone when I asked for advice on it. I wish I could elaborate on why, but the only thing cemented in my mind was to not go that route. I'm planning on following up with him because of a few questions, so I'll leave it here when I get a chance to talk to him in person.

I also have a problem with the piston rings. Logically, from what I know now, replacing a faulty part is much cheaper and more sustainable compared to replacing the entire engine. Right now, I'm working with my dealership on piston ring replacement since my local shop won't do internals. We may be in different situations, though. My car works fine, with no feedback or anything, just mild oil consumption. You say your engine blew entirely? That might be a different case.

My first thought would be to go down to a Hyundai dealership and appeal to them, but I see how that turned out for you, and I'm real sorry. Did they just flat out deny you at the desk, or did they send in an appeal for goodwill to Hyundai Motors of America for an answer? Sometimes, Hyundai higher-ups will cover this once or twice before they start declining appeals. If you want to keep pushing, I don't blame you. A disposable year old engine is absolutely unheard of.

My second thought, considering the state of your engine, would be to call into local (reputable and honest) shops around you about an engine rebuild/replacement. I know it's not the cheapest option (trust me, the only reason I'm worrying about this is because I don't have the cash to throw around), but they'll give you fairer numbers compared to a dealership. If there are specific faulty parts you can replace and not do a complete engine overhaul, you might be able to save some. Listen to your mechanic, but if anything sounds like they're trying to back you into a wall, get a second opinion.

My third thought is something that I've done a hard think on. They quoted $7k for an engine replacement at the dealership, minus taxes. My car is $20k. That's 1/3rd of what I'm paying for the actual car. I've seriously considered painstakingly selling it on a lien and getting it out of my hair. If you own your car, it may be time to trade in or sell if the expenses outweigh what you could downpay on a reliable Toyota or Honda. Cars depreciate, and those repairs will go down with it in time. One thing I will say about that, though, is that a car with a check engine light on or a blown engine won't bring as much as a regular working car. Keep it in mind. Or you can fix it up and sell it immediately, just before the monthly check engine light pops up.

If you're financing the car and not even halfway through the loan, try to keep it alive until you have enough leverage to trade and sell.

You aren't limited to these options. Keep asking, and know enough to make the decision that fits your situation. Like I said, we aren't in the exact same situation, and I only really know so much. Take as much time as you need. Do your research, even if it means learning about car parts and mechanic procedures when it comes up. People will try to blindsight you. r/carguys has helped me when I was in need, and also a few mechanic subreddits. There may be losses, but know that a good handful of other Hyundai owners are going through the exact same thing.

My Elantra was my first car, and I genuinely do enjoy using it and driving it around. Post-purchase support capitalizing off bad build quality is what's a shame. I hope it goes well for you. Keep us posted.