2016 Hyundai Elantra

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Rating7.8

Ranked #5 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$17,250 - $21,700
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Spacious interior

Limited headroom

Value Edition trim added

Compelling exterior design

Excess wind noise inside the cabin

Re-tuned suspension

Highly efficient powertrain

Below average safety scores

Limited trim gains standard keyless entry and ignition and automatic climate control

Nice drive feel and traction

The new exterior front fascia

Best in class warranty

Specs & Features

$18,250

price

145 hp @ 6500 rpm

horsepower

130 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

torque

6-Speed Shiftable Automatic

transmission

1.8L 4cyl FWD 6A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra gets a greener edge with a spoiler-mounted solar panel. Moreover, the fuel efficiency of the car is one of the best-in-class. Also, there are interior space upgrades to the latest entertainment options like BlueLink, interactive touchscreen, satellite radio, and many more. The new Elantra features a robust body and upscale appeal among competitors like the Mazda 3, the Toyota Corolla, and the Honda Civic.

Buying Advice

The new Value Edition trim is a good choice. It features a good price to features ratio and has all the functionalities. Apart from all the features in the base SE model, the new model adds a better audio system, heated front seats for additional comfort, and proximity keyless entry. At $19,700, you get automatic transmission as standard along with tweaks inside.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

Entering the sixth generation of its market stint, 2016 MY line-up introduces a new trim level to the Hyundai Elantra. The cabin space remains similar to the previous model. The powertrain is a follow-up from the previous generation but expects better refinement. The exterior design is much more appealing with a sharper front fascia.

Features
9.0/10

The new 2016 Hyundai Elantra offers four trim levels. The base SE trim starts at $17,250, and the top-end Limited model is at $21,700. They get a 2.0-liter engine that generates 147 hp while the Sport trim equips a punchier engine churning 173 hp. All models come with a six-speed automatic, while SE and Sport trims get manual transmission as standard. 

The handling ability of the car is renowned among competitors. The exterior features of the car include bigger alloy wheels, sharper LED headlights, and robust structure elements. The Interior cabin revamps to premium seating, multiple small-item storages, and updated infotainment.

Trim

SE

Value Edition

Sport

Limited

MSRP (Manual)

$17,250

NA

$20,250

NA

MSRP (Automatic)

$18,250 

$19,700 

$21,250 

$21,700 

Key Features

Cloth upholstery

All SE trim features plus

Adds to Value Edition trim features

Adds to Sport trim features

 

Remote Keyless entry

Heated front seats

Sport-tuned suspension

Leather upholstery

 

Rearview Camera

Proximity keyless entry

Punchier engine

Heated rear seats

 

Cruise Control

Six-speaker audio

BlueLink telematics

Voice-activated radio

 

Satellite Radio

Power windows

7-inch touchscreen interface

Speed-sensitive volume control

We Recommend

The new Value Edition trim is a good choice. It features a good price to features ratio and has all the functionalities. Apart from all the features in the base SE model, the new model adds a better audio system, heated front seats for additional comfort, and proximity keyless entry. At $19,700, you get automatic transmission as standard along with tweaks inside.

Engine and Performance
7.0/10

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra features two engine variants and two transmission options. All versions except Sport get a 1.8-Liter four-cylinder engine generating 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. The Sport variant comes equipped with a powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that churns out 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. 

The SE and Sport models get options between a 6-speed Manual and Automatic transmission, while for the other two trims, automatic is standard. It can sprint 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds and cover a quarter-mile in 17.1 seconds with the base engine. The Sport trim gets a sport-tuned suspension and a punchier engine.

Models

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Mazda Mazda3

2016 Toyota Corolla

2016 Honda Civic

MSRP

$17,250

$17,845

$17,300

$18,640

Engine 

1.8-Liter Inline-4

2.0-Liter Inline-4

1.8-Liter Inline-4

2.0-Liter Inline-4

Drivetrain

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

6-speed Manual

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

6-speed Manual

Power 

145hp @ 6500 rpm

155hp @ 6000 rpm

132hp @ 6000 rpm

158hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

130lb-ft @ 4700 rpm

150lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

128lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

138lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

0-60 MPH (sec)

9.5

7.8

9

7.2

Quarter mile (sec)

17.1

15.8

16.6

15.5

Top Speed (MPH)

120

130

120

125

The new Elantra is powerful enough with impressive acceleration and refinement. But competitors like Mazda 3 and Civic are more powerful and deliver better performance on roads. The fastest in the lot is the Mazda 3. All sedans get a 6-speed manual as standard, but few trims in Elantra also get an optional 6-speed automatic. 

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

Usually, mileage is one of the vital features to look upon when shopping for compact sedans. The new 2016 Hyundai Elantra gets an edge over the competition with a refined powertrain. The car delivers 27 mpg on city roads and 37 mpg on highways with the base engine. The more powerful 173 hp engine returns 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Now, the sedan features a smaller 12.8-gallon tank that delivers below par range.

Models

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Mazda Mazda3

2016 Toyota Corolla

2016 Honda Civic

MPG (City)

27

29

28

27

MPG (Highway)

37

41

37

40

MPG (Combined)

31

33

31

31

Fuel Capacity (gallons)

12.8

13.2

13.2

12.4

Range (City/ Highway) (miles)

346/474

383/541

370/488

335/496

All cars in the segment deliver similar fuel economy, but Mazda 3 gets a better output. It is the most powerful of the lot and also delivers impressive fuel economy. Both Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 equip larger tanks that facilitate better driving range. The Civic is equipped with the smallest fuel tank and even with good fuel efficiency, it loses out in the range battle.

Interior
8.0/10

The 2016 Elantra features revamped interior space with a better seating arrangement and updated infotainment. The base SE version gets cloth-wrapped upholstery and remote keyless entry. The steering wheel comes with mounted controls for easy accessibility. Moving to Value Edition trim, it comes with heated front seats, proximity keyless entry and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The Sport trims feature sporty accents and a more appealing design. The Limited trim comes with leather seats, heated rear seats, and speed-sensitive volume controls. 

Space is not a problem in the new Hyundai Elantra. Both front and rear occupants get ample legroom and headroom. Additionally, multiple small-item storage spaces like door pockets, seatback sleeves, and a deep glovebox help in storage during trips. You can further expand cargo volume by using the 60/40 split rear seat. The 60/40 split seat feature is handy while traveling with more luggage or while camping.

Models

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Mazda Mazda3

2016 Toyota Corolla

2016 Honda Civic

Seating Capacity

5

5

5

5

Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

40/55.9/43.6

38.6/57.2/42.2

38.3/54.8/42.3

39.3/57/42.3

Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)

37.1/54.8/33.1

37.6/54.4/35.8

37.1/54.8/41.4

37.1/55/37.4

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

14.8

12.4

13

15.1

The best front-row legroom comes from the new Elantra. Front passengers may feel comfortable but the rear row is a bit cramped. Other competitors like Honda Civic and Mazda Mazda 3 offer good seating space with creature comforts in higher trims. Corolla offers a balanced front and rear row room but the cargo capacity drops by a few cubic feet. Some of the standout interior features are:

  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats
  • 6-way power-adjustable driver seat in Limited trim
  • Leather upholstery in Limited model
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Power accessories
  • Sliding center armrest

How intuitive is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra’s infotainment unit?

Hyundai does utmost refinement in the infotainment space. As standard, you get a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, and a USB port. You can avail of the Ultimate and Tech package with a 7-inch touch screen, navigation, and BlueLink telematics. It adds standard features like satellite radio and remote keyless entry. 

Also, the latest connectivity features like Bluetooth and voice-activated radio keep you entertained. A six-speaker audio system bumps up the overall music experience. You can enjoy every ride to the fullest with your favorite music and interactive display. Some of the standout infotainment features are:

  • 4.3-inch/ 7-inch touchscreen display
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite Radio
  • USB ports
  • Navigation system
  • Voice-activated radio
  • Premium 6-speaker audio system

Exterior
9.0/10

The new 2016 Elantra showcases an upmarket edgy design statement. The front fascia transforms with a more appealing hexagonal grille, LED DRLs, and sharper headlamp design. The 2016 line-up looks sleeker and comes with sportier accents. The fog lamps housing is boomerang-shaped and serves as air intake too for better engine cooling and maintaining combustion efficiency. 

The side has a coupe-like swooping roofline that merges to the rear end. It is nicely complemented with LED taillights, adding character to the sedan. The 15-inch alloy wheels go along with the overall dimensions of the car and come with both sporty and handsome looks.

The curb weight is around 2773 pounds which makes it lighter than competitors. It leaves a distinct impression with its unique style and high quality.

Models

2016 Hyundai Elantra

2016 Mazda Mazda3

2016 Toyota Corolla

2016 Honda Civic

Curb Weight (lbs.)

2773

2869

2800

2742

Length (in.)

179.1

180.3

182.6

182.3

Width (in.)

69.9

70.7

69.9

70.8

Height (in.)

56.3

57.3

57.3

55.7

Ground Clearance (in.)

5.3

6.1

5.5

5.1

Wheelbase (in.)

106.3

106.3

106.3

106.3

The Mazda 3 and Corolla offer better ground clearance than competitors. The new Toyota Corolla is dimensionally superior with a lengthy and taller body. The wheelbase is similar across the segment. Moreover, the Elantra adds sporty elements like a rear spoiler and attractive alloy wheels in the Sport trim. The Civic offers the least ground clearance. Some of the standout exterior features are::

  • Rear wing spoiler with mounted solar panels
  • Chrome door handles
  • LED DRLs and taillights
  • Power mirrors
  • Front grille with a hexagonal shape
  • Automatic headlights

Safety
8.0/10

In terms of safety, the 2016 Elantra equips a range of standard features. Some additional safety features like Brake Assist and Cruise control are also a part of the package. A rearview camera helps while reversing or parking the car. Also, features like stability control, ABS, and traction control come under standard safety features. All the active and passive safety systems ensure a reliable and comfortable ride. The availability of proximity keyless entry increases the convenience and security of the car. Some of the standout safety features in this Hyundai are:

  • Brake Assist
  • Proximity keyless entry
  • Electronic Stability Control
  • Rearview Camera
  • Cruise Control

Final Verdict

If you are looking for an upmarket ride at an affordable price tag, the new Hyundai Elantra is a good choice. With the addition of the new Value Edition trim, you get the most upscale features. The sportier drive experience fancies the Sport trim with sport-tuned suspension and punchier engine underneath. Overall, the new 2016 Elantra presents a compelling exterior, comfortable interior space, and optimum performance.

Trims

    SE
    $17,250 onwards
    • Manual front air conditioning
    • Premium cloth Seat trim
    • Remote anti-theft alarm system
    • Siriusxm AM/FM/Satellite
    Value Edition
    $19,700 onwards
    • 16-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    Sport
    $20,250 onwards
    • 17-inch silver painted aluminum wheels
    • Driver Lumbar support
    Limited
    $21,700 onwards
    • Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning

Compare to similar cars

Price

$17,250- $21,700

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.85

Horsepower

173 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

154 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$27,900- $34,890

Gasoline

7.47

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,065- $28,670

Gasoline

8.02

180 hp @ 6700 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,120- $24,370

Gasoline

7.56

138 hp @ 6300 rpm

125 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$16,995- $24,395

Gasoline

7.62

160 hp @ 6400 rpm

148 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,750- $33,270

Gasoline

8.64

175 hp @ 6000 rpm

175 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$17,225- $35,900

Gasoline

7.83

160 hp @ 6500 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4450 rpm

5

Read Review

$14,580- $21,460

Gasoline

7.46

120 hp @ 6350 rpm

112 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,640- $26,500

Gasoline

8.77

158 hp @ 6500 rpm

138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm

5

Read Review

$22,205- $34,680

Gasoline

8.49

185 hp @ 6400 rpm

181 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm

5

Read Review

2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.5 sec--
    7.6 sec15.9 sec122 mph
    7.8 sec15.5 sec114 mph
    8 sec16.2 sec130 mph
    2016 Mazda 3

    Ranked #4

    8.2 sec16.4 sec130 mph
    8.2 sec--

    2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg12.8 gal.345.6/473.6 mi.
      2016 Mazda 3

      Ranked #1

      29 mpg41 mpg33 mpg13.2 gal.382.8/541.2 mi.
      27 mpg40 mpg31 mpg12.4 gal.334.8/496 mi.
      27 mpg36 mpg31 mpg12.4 gal.334.8/434 mi.
      27 mpg37 mpg31 mpg13.2 gal.369.6/488.4 mi.
      2016 Kia Rio

      Ranked #2

      27 mpg38 mpg31 mpg11.4 gal.307.8/433.2 mi.

      2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        179.1 in.69.9 in.56.3 in.5.3 in.106.3 in.
        192.5 in.72.8 in.57.7 in.5.8 in.109.3 in.
        191.7 in.72.9 in.58.1 in.6 in.112.2 in.
        191.1 in.73.2 in.57.7 in.5.3 in.110.4 in.
        183.9 in.72 in.57.7 in.4 in.106.4 in.
        183.9 in.71.4 in.58.1 in.9 in.105.7 in.

        2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          14.8 cu.ft.95.6 cu.ft.128.1 cu.ft.
          15 cu.ft.94.6 cu.ft.237.8 cu.ft.
          2016 Kia Rio

          Ranked #3

          13.7 cu.ft.88.4 cu.ft.90.3 cu.ft.
          16 cu.ft.102.8 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.
          13.1 cu.ft.97.2 cu.ft.33.5 cu.ft.
          12.8 cu.ft.85.1 cu.ft.46.2 cu.ft.

          2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            128.1 cu.ft.14.8 cu.ft.128.1 cu.ft.-
            -14.9 cu.ft.--
            83.1 cu.ft.16 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.-
            -14.3 cu.ft.-98 ft.
            72.9 cu.ft.15.9 cu.ft.72.9 cu.ft.-
            237.8 cu.ft.15 cu.ft.237.8 cu.ft.-

            2016 Hyundai Elantra vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              -1058 lbs.2773 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3122 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3300 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3431 lbs.
              2016 Kia Rio

              Ranked #2

              --2494 lbs.
              --2800 lbs.

              2016 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              1

              Recalls

              1

              Investigations

              261

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2016 Hyundai Elantra User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              BL

              Bwanali Longwe

              2016 Hyundai Elantra

              SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: July 11, 2024

              Hyundai sonata

              Pros - ["Fast low on gas", "Car condition is excellent"]

              Cons - ["Nothing my car runs good", "I love the car"]

              164k miles on it no damage or rust new engine in car is in good condition drives smooth and am the only owner of the vehicle. Car performance is very good it got ne form point a to point t b and what I love the most about it low on gas.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              GV

              George Villanueva

              2016 Hyundai Elantra

              SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 26, 2024

              Hyundai Elantra "Economic Achiever"

              Pros - ["I love the acceleration on it , it's fast enough to have some fun with !", "I love it's features, filling up with 30$ worth of gas"]

              Cons - ["I don't like that when you're low on gas , it doesn't show gas level under 30 range", "i dislike that the windows are clear, it gets really hot in the car because it doesn't have tinta"]

              My Hyundai Elantra is everything I want in a car ! The performance is very good , I've had quite a bit of fun with this car indeed , it performs the way I need it to and I love it . Reaching 0-60 in about 5 seconds , it is quite quick and quite impressive . It attacks corners pretty well, I love to maneuver around with it around the given locations when it's safe to do so . With 32 MPG , I can pu...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review

              RA

              Ryan Ayres

              2017 Hyundai Elantra

              SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: August 23, 2024

              Ok car for price

              Pros - {"0": "Low maintenance", "1": "Ample room & trunk space", "2": "Decent mpg"}

              Cons - ["Lack of a computer/GPS, slow to speed up", "Headlights get water inside from car wash, car is low to the ground and scrapes the road on dips", "Tire check light issues"]

              My Hyundai Elantra gets decent mileage and has ran well until recently when it started to missfire. The headlights get water inside them and have dulled quickly in the sun. The car rides low which has caused issues with it scraping the street on dips. The locking mechanism can be goofy and it randomly self locks.

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review