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GREEN CHOICE

Hyundai Elantra

EPA MPG: 31 mpg
Average Retail Price
$6,175 - $7,700

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The Elantra is a well-rounded competitor that ranks near the top of our small-sedan Ratings and out-points strong competitors such as the Ford Focus and Honda Civic. Easy to live with, the Elantra combines nimble handling with a comfortable, well-controlled ride and a neatly laid out, well-equipped interior. Coupe-like styling, with a beltline that swoops up toward the rear, can impede the view to the rear quarters. The 148-hp, four-cylinder engine delivers solid performance and very good fuel economy. The cabin is well finished and the rear seat is relatively roomy. Road noise is rather pronounced. While the Elantra coupe is simply a two-door version of the high-scoring sedan, the Elantra GT hatchback is a noticably different car that scores significantly lower in our ratings.

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2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
Acceptable
IIHS Side Crash
Good
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2016 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

$6,175 - $7,700
economy-icon
EPA MPG 31 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$5,750 - $7,425
economy-icon
EPA MPG 34 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,125 - $6,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG 29 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$4,900 - $5,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 35 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$7,050 - $8,800
economy-icon
53 miles
economy-icon
42 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door hatchback
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Engines Available
  • 1.8-liter 4 (145 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (166 hp)
  • 2-liter 4 (173 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2021-
Current Generation

The redesigned for 2021 Elantra got a slightly roomier interior and a more sophisticated infotainment system. The standard engine is a 147-hp four-cylinder teamed with a continuously variable transmission, which together give quick acceleration and commendable fuel economy for the compact class. A hybrid powertrain is available and got an impressive 48 mpg overall in our tests. Handling is nimble but the ride is a bit stiff and the engine can get noisy. Seat comfort is so-so unless buyers get the uplevel Limited trim, and the low stance makes access a bit awkward. The infotainment system is easy to use and features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity with the 8-inch touch screen. FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW are standard. A high-performance 276-hp turbo N is new for 2022.

2017-2020
2017 Redesign Year

The redesigned Elantra is relatively roomy, sparing with fuel, and features intuitive controls. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder returned an excellent 33 mpg overall in our tests but delivers leisurely acceleration and buzzes unpleasantly as revs increase. The Eco version feels more responsive but comes at a $3,000 price premium. Although handling is secure, there isn't much driving excitement. The ride is mostly unobjectionable, but sharp bumps tend to come through noticeably. Road noise is elevated as well. Inside, the front seats in our tested SE are short on lumbar support, though the power seat in the Limited is better. Active safety features and a Sport version with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder are available. 
For 2020, the Elantra got a freshening that included suspension tweaks that improved ride comfort, and more sound insulation which reduced engine noise. The six-speed automatic has been replaced by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In addition, all trims come standard with forward collision warning, city speed automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist.



2011-2016
2011 Redesign Year
Between the 2011 and 2015 the Elantra was one of the more stylish compact sedans. The car was well-equipped for the price. It was also fuel efficient with 29 mpg overall. Handling is nimble and secure and the ride is reasonably comfortable. Road noise, however, is pronounced. The interior is relatively roomy with a decent rear seat, but the low stance and curvy roofline make access a bit challenging. Controls are very well laid out and easy to use and Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music is built-in for most versions. Hatchback models have added cargo utility but have a tighter back seat, a stiffer ride and are noisier.
2007-2010
2007 Redesign Year
Although relatively competitive against its peers at the time, the 2007 to 2010 Elantra was a basic transportation, nothing more nothing less. If you're considering buying one, make sure it's from 2008 or later with optional stability control, which came only on SE versions. Side crash test results, as performed by the IIHS, were marginal. Lacking agility, the car is boring to drive. High points included a relatively roomy interior and easy to use controls. Acceleration is rather leisurely and the engine gets noisy when revved. On the other hand, the ride was compliant enough and not too noisy. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall was decent for that vintage.