DecodedCars2016 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan, GT 5dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 145 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 28 city / 37 hwy
- Length
- 168.9–179.1 in
- Curb weight
- 2,855–2,877 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2016 midsize car (26.2 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints300 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 59 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 179 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,877 lb (4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (28 city / 37 highway), 18% better than the 2016 midsize car average of 26.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 300 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Elantra →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 179.1 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 106.3 in | 61.4 / 62.2 in | 2,877 lb | 62/38 |
| GT 5dr Hatchback | 168.9 in | 70.1 in | 57.1 in | 103.9 in | 61 / 61.4 in | 2,855 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 37 / 31 | +18% | $2,150 | 282 |
| Elantra Limited | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 295 |
| Elantra | 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +15% | $2,250 | 290 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 35 / 28 | +7% | $2,400 | 315 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +7% | $2,400 | 319 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Elantra GT | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | +3% | $2,500 | 331 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 10.9% |
Similar 2016 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2016 Toyota Corolla | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2016 Honda Civic | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2016 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 11 |
| 2016 Subaru WRX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (2)
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 14, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V307000 · 3,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra and 2016 Elantra GT vehicles. The driver's air bag inflator may rupture during deployment.
- Risk
- An air bag inflator that ruptures may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or passengers, increasing the risk of injury or death.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the air bag inflator, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 3, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August, 2026. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 300. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 16, 2026.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch · Feb 23, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V146000 · 186,588 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Elantra vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the trunk latch base sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 256.
Not every 2016 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 116 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 30 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Air Bags — 26 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 261 |
| 2014 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 378 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →