2016 Hyundai Elantra

New for 2016

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra is back and better than ever. This year sees the introduction of a Value Edition trim level, along with more features to the existing Limited trim, which gains keyless entry and ingition and automatic climate control. 

Style to Spare

The compact sedan segment continues to be hotly contested and much to the benefit of consumers everywhere, there’s no real shortage of models to choose from. Strong offerings from both domestic and foreign automakers means selecting a model that fits your exact needs is no easy task.

Enter the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Shoppers looking to get a little bit of everything would be wise to explore the latest Elantra. It offers an appealing combination of style, fuel-economy, and value for your dollar—all while incorporating some truly cutting-edge technology and backed, of course, by Hyundai’s outstanding 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra is available with two different powertrains. Elantra SE, Value Edition, and Limited models are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that serves up 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. SE model powertrains are married to a standard six-speed manual transmission, although buyers can opt for a six-speed automatic, Limited and Value Edition models, however, are only available with the automatic.

For those seeking extra power to the wheels, the Elantra Sport features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque. A manual transmission is once again standard and the automatic is optional.

One of the Elantra’s major selling points is the model’s excellent fuel economy. Models with the 1.8-liter earn an EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined (27 city/37 highway)* when mated to the six-speed manual (automatic equipped models see those numbers go up by 1 mpg across the board), while manual transmission models powered by the 2.0-liter return an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined (24 city/ 34 highway).*

Features and Trims

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra starts at $17,250 ** and is available in SE, Value Edition, Limited, and Sport trims.

Standard features for the SE model are plentiful and include 15-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. For your convenience, the Hyundai also comes with standard air-conditioning, heated mirrors, and full power accessories. The rear seats also fold down into a 60/40-split allow additional cargo room in the trunk, and there is a six-speaker sounds system, complete with CD player, satellite radio, and USB/iPod® support.

Moving up the new Value Edition gets you a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Stepping up to the Limited bags drivers a wealth of equipment that is optional on the SE. This includes upgrades like Bluetooth®, automatic headlights, and 4.3-inch touchscreen with rearview camera. The Limited goes further, however, and adds 17-inch wheels, foglights, LED taillights, and leather upholstery.

The Limited generously includes some top-shelf items, such as heated front and rear seats (unheard of in this segment), standard keyless entry and igntion, autmoatic climate control, and Hyundai’s excellent Blue Link® telematics system.

Finally, the Sport trim gets all of the Limited’s goodies with the exception of the heated seats and Blue Link®. Along with the upgraded 2.0-liter engine, Sport models receive a sport-tuned suspension, a sunroof, and keyless ignition/entry.

Of course, the Elantra can be further augmented with a number of packages and stand-alone options. One such package that is sure to delight owners is the Limited Ultimate package. As its name suggests, it’s only available to Limited trim models. Highlights include a seven-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and much, much more.

Exterior/Interior

Hyundai cars are renowned for their stylish designs and the Elantra happily continues this eye-catching characteristic into the 2016 model year. Sporting what Hyundai calls a “Fluidic Sculpture” design, the Elantra evokes a real sense of awe and wonder thanks to it flowing lines and copious curves. Even when still, the Elantra gives the appearance of being in motion. It’s a decidedly upscale look without restoring to superfluous flourishes and cheap tricks.

Despite its swooping exterior, the Elantra remains incredibly roomy. Here you’ll find plenty of soft-touch materials that give the Elantra an exceptional quality, especially for a compact sedan. Adding to its appeal are front seats that remain supportive even during longer trips, while a real wealth of rear leg space is on tap to ensure enthusiasm and comfort levels remain high for occupants in the second row.

Safety

Safety is a key pillar to the Elantra’s design, and that ethos is evident in the vehicle’s sweeping standard safety features, which include antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, and hill-start assist. All 2016 Elantra models also come with front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Optional on SE models and standard for Value Edition, Limited, and Sport trims is a rearview camera.

Finally, for drivers seeking even more peace of mind, the Elantra is available with Hyundai’s excellent Blue Link® emergency telematics system. It provides services such as remote access, emergency assistance, theft recovery and geo-fencing (allowing parents to set limits for teenage drivers).

Bottom Line

In a sea of staid compact sedan models, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra is a beacon of excitement for drivers searching for an escape from the norm. With its sensual design, sophisticated features, and spectacular starting price, the 2016 Elantra proves you don’t have to fork out a fortune to get a car of exceptional value, style, and quality.

For more information, or to test drive an Elantra for yourself, be sure to contact or visit us at Heritage Hyundai Towson today.

*2016 Elantra SE: 28 City/38 Hwy/32 Combined A/T, 27 City/37 Hwy/31 Combined M/T. 2016 Elantra Value Edition: 28 City/38 Hwy/32 Combined A/T. 2016 Elantra Sport: 24 City/35 Hwy/28 Combined A/T, 24 City/34 Hwy/28 Combined M/T. 2016 Elantra Limited: 27 City/37 Hwy/31 Combined. EPA estimates. For comparison only. Your actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.

**MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.

Image: Hyundai