Hyundai Elantra

Name: 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Brand: Hyundai

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 32 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Elantra was a well-rounded competitor with rankings near the top of our small-sedan Ratings. An easy car with which to live, the Hyundai combines nimble handling with comfort and a well-controlled ride. The car also offers a neatly laid out and well-equipped interior. However, the coupe-like stylling dictates a beltline that swoops upward toward the rear. This 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, though road noise is rather pronounced. While the Elantra coupe is simply a two-door version of the high-scoring sedan, Elantra GT hatchback is noticeably different and scores significantly lower in our ratings.

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Hyundai Elantra

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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

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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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

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

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

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2012 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2012 Hyundai Elantra

$4,825 - $5,325

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Cruze

$4,050 - $4,650

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Sonic

$3,100 - $4,050

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Chevrolet Volt

$3,625

EPA MPG 37 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Dodge Caliber

$3,700 - $4,125

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Ford Fiesta

$2,850 - $3,550

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda CR-Z

$5,250 - $6,050

EPA MPG 33 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic

$3,325 - $8,525

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 44 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2012 Honda Fit

$6,175 - $7,700

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Honda Insight

$4,875 - $5,575

EPA MPG 41 mpg

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2012 Hyundai Accent

$3,775 - $4,300

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Kia Forte

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EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Kia Rio

$3,425 - $4,175

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2012 Kia Soul

$4,125 - $4,975

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Mazda 2

$4,325 - $4,750

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Mazda 3

$3,950 - $6,075

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,850 - $15,950

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Nissan Cube

$3,350 - $4,500

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Sentra

$3,500 - $4,025

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Nissan Versa

$3,400 - $4,325

EPA MPG 33 mpg

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2012 Scion iQ

$5,825

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Scion tC

$6,025 - $6,250

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Scion xB

$6,375 - $6,925

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Scion xD

$5,825 - $6,175

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2012 Smart ForTwo

$3,550 - $3,775

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2012 Subaru Impreza

$4,800 - $11,650

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2012 Suzuki SX4

$2,725 - $3,400

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Toyota Corolla

$6,675 - $7,300

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2012 Toyota Matrix

$6,450 - $7,050

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius

$7,450 - $7,975

EPA MPG 48 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius C

$6,550

EPA MPG 50 mpg

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2012 Toyota Prius V

$7,525

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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2012 Toyota Yaris

$4,925 - $6,450

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Beetle

$4,450 - $6,125

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Golf

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2012 Volkswagen Jetta

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 (148 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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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.

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Model History

2021-Present

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.

2001-2006

2001 Redesign Year

We suggest you stay away from this vintage of the Elantra. The car scored poorly in the IIHS front offset crash test. Anti-lock brakes were optional but hard to find. Also, the car is from an era when cars weren't designed to provide protection in side crashes. That alone should deter you. If it doesn't, the car achieved 25 mpg overall in our testing, the rear seat was relatively roomy and controls are user friendly.

1996-2000

1996 Redesign Year

Hyundai introduced the small Elantra in 1992, a step up from the uninspired Hyundai Excel. It needed several more steps to be a competitive sedan. The car handled well enough on smooth roads, but the suspension crashed and banged on bumps that other cars took in stride. The front seats were pretty good. The Elantra was redesigned for 1996; a wagon was added to the lineup. The underpinnings were up to date and the interior was well equipped, but ride comfort and engine smoothness both needed improvement. It received a 2.0-liter Four for 1999.