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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Hyundai Elantra

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Overview

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2012 Hyundai Elantra Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra continues to offer the consumer a tremendous value, combining elegant good looks, a long list of standard equipment and an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. At up to 38 mpg/highway for both automatic and manual transmision models, the Elantra sedan can help you go farther between fill-ups. The Hyundai Elantra Touring wagon, however, is carried over from the 2011 model year – looks and all – but continues to offer roomy versatility in addition to value.

You'll Like This Car If...

If your price range says economy car, but your taste says sleek and stylish, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra may very well be the answer to your dilemma. Looking somewhat like a miniaturized Hyundai Sonata, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra sedan definitely outclasses just about everything in its segment, yet its low price, feature-laden standard-equipment list and large interior defy the compact-car image.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small car that is more sporty than smooth, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra may not be the best choice. A Mazda3 and Ford Focus may deliver superior driving experiences, but neither can match the Hyundai Elantra's impressive equipment list or lengthy warranty.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

5.5
Comfort & Convenience

6.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.2
Value

7.8
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#6

out of 18

MPG

#5

out of 18

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.2 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2012 Hyundai Elantra Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan gains Hyundai's ActiveECO system that modifies engine and transmission controls for maximum fuel economy and smoothness. All Elantra models get recalibrated steering systems for better on-center feel, while cars equipped with the GLS Preferred Package gain fog lights and a passenger-side sun-visor extension, as well as a rear cargo cover and premium cloth interior on Elantra Touring models.

Driving the Elantra

2012 Hyundai Elantra Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The 2012 Hyundai Elantra sedan and wagon may not have the responsive handling characteristics found with the Mazda3 or Ford Focus, but they are still a fun and engaging pair....

There is enough feedback through the steering wheel to allow for confident twisting-road romps, and the suspension manages to keep the car fairly flat while soaking up road imperfections. The new steering calibration delivers better on-center feel, which helps for going straight down the road, as well as added feedback for more accuracy when turning into corners. The Elantra sedan's 6-speed automatic transmission shifts as smoothly and accurately as any we've tested. The sedan's 6-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly and easily and would make a solid choice if you wanted to save the added premium that the automatic adds to the bottom line. For 2012, the Elantra Touring wagon soldiers on with its 138-horsepower 4-cylinder, and the choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Favorite Features

HEATED REAR SEATS
The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Limited sedan's standard heated rear seats are a feature you won't find on any other car in this segment. In fact, you won't even find them in a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan.

NAVIGATION PACKAGE
It's true that, with the onslaught of smartphones, having a navigation system in your car is less of a priority, but Hyundai integrates the 7-inch screen so well into the Elantra sedan's instrument panel (and includes a rearview camera) that we would spend the extra money to get the optional package.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Details

2012 Hyundai Elantra Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra's interior is beautifully styled, but suffers from somewhat low-end plastics on the doors and switches. The instrument cluster and center console's elegant design have the look and feel of a much more expensive sedan, with user-friendly controls backlit by attractive blue lights. The Elantra's cabin is impressively roomy, particularly the sedan which has more total interior volume than a Volkswagen CC or Nissan Maxima. However, the volume story doesn't extend in all directions and, due to the sedan's sharply-raked rear window and C-pillars, taller rear-seat passengers may find themselves wanting more headroom. Trunk space is larger than with most competitors and 60/40 split-folding rear seats make it easy to transport bulky items. And for even bulkier items, the Elantra Touring is up to the task as it offers 65.3 cubic feet of cargo volume with rear seats folded down.

Exterior

The Elantra sedan delivers the 2012 Hyundai Elantra fashion statement, awash in flowing, fluid lines, deeply-sculptured wheel arches and side body panels, and an aggressive grille and headlamp treatment. The base trim gets 15-inch steel wheels, but 16-inch alloys are available. If you have the extra cash, go for the upgrade. The 16-inch wheels not only improve the Elantra's appearance, they also help enhance its handling. The Elantra Limited sedan features stylish 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, front fog lights and a power glass sunroof. For those looking for a more subdued look, the Elantra Touring blends simplicity with elegance and features 16-inch alloys when the GLS Preferred Package box is checked.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra GLS sedan comes with the essentials and more, including cruise control, air conditioning, power accessories, tilt steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with Satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input jacks. All 2012 Hyundai Elantras include an impressive array of standard safety equipment, including six airbags, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and a remote keyless entry anti-theft system with panic button.

Optional Equipment

Opting for the up-level, sedan-only Limited trim adds a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, and leather seats. The GLS offers a Preferred Equipment Package, which adds Bluetooth, fog lights, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, 8-way power driver's seat, a retractable cargo cover (Touring model only), and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Limited sedan can also be equipped with the Technology Package, which features remote push-button start, 360-watt premium audio, touch-screen navigation, a rearview camera, and automatic headlights.

Under the Hood

The only engine offered in the 2012 Hyundai Elantra sedan is a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. It can be matched with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with Shiftronic for those drivers who want to shift their own gears on occasion. The sedan's 4-cylinder engine is also available as a PZEV (partial zero-emissions vehicle) variant. Although it has slightly less horsepower (145 vs. 148), the Elantra's PZEV engine is as clean-burning as some hybrid vehicles. The Elantra Touring retains the powertrain from yesteryear, consisting of a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder that is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

1.8-liter inline-4
148 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
131 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/38 mpg

2.0-liter inline-4
138 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
136 lb-ft of torque @ 4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/31 mpg (Manual), 23/30 mpg (Automatic)

Pricing Notes

A base 2012 Hyundai Elantra has a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) around $17,000, but opting for the automatic transmission adds about $1,000. The higher Limited trim level starts around $21,000 and tops just under $24,000 when fully loaded. The 2012 Hyundai Elantra sedan typically costs about $1,000 less than similar editions of the Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. For wagon fans, the Elantra Touring starts just under $17,000 and jumps to around $20,000 for the higher SE trim level. Before making your purchase, you'll want to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for their Elantras. As for resale value, we expect the 2012 Hyundai Elantra to hold its value exceedingly well over a 5-year period, better than the Nissan Sentra and Ford Focus.

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2012 Hyundai Elantra Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.2

Out of 10

Based on 171 Ratings for the 2011 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

7.8/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.8/10

Great car

By Diane (OH) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Good gas mileage and handling"

Cons: "looks like a Toyota"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I replaced my 2002 Elantra GLS with a 2013 Elantra Coupe. While I still miss my 2002 Elantra (and its fabulous German-inspired exterior design), I do like the new 2013 version. It's quiet, handles well, and is light on the gas usage."

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Worst car I've ever owned

By Elan13 (RI) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,500

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 1/10
Comfort: 1/10

Pros: "NONE"

Cons: "Please see the review"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Fit and finish is terrible. Drivability? Get on a bumpy, snowy or rainy road and hang on for dear life. Got a flat? Hope you have road side assistance and a cell. This thing doesn't have a spare. Bring it back to the dealer with a problem? What problem? They can't find it. Floor mats that don't anchor properly and end up under the brake or accelerator. If this isn't enough to make you look elsewhere then you get what you deserve."

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Terrible suspension and handling on rough roads

By faye (PA) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,550

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 6/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "good looking design, good sound system, nice inter"

Cons: "Worst suspension and steering"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"Had car 2 wks and steering column had to be replaced. Car swings wildly over rough roads. Made for flat, smooth roads. 3rd Hyundai I have owned and is the worst."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Good looking car, average mpg, bad suspension

By anucha (OH) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,800

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "price, design"

Cons: "rough ride on bad road, average mpg"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i own this car for 16 months. the most annoying thing this car does is the heavily rocking of the car when 's driven over potholes or uneven road. whenever i drive over potholes like that i'd feel like "oh man i regret buying this car." it seems like all compact cars do that thought. however, people always compliment my car or random stranger would stop and look at my car. and i too impressed with how it looks every time i see it in my drive way. the design is super great!!! inside and out. the mpg i get is 28 - 29 with 99% city driving. i drove a Civic before comparing this to a Civic. the Elantra by far is the winner. If you're looking at value, this car has every thing and beyond for the money. would i buy it again? No. because the rough ride on bad road. there are good and bad in every car. so, this car has more of the good to me. one more thing this car actually hold a better value than a Civic."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great looking car!

By Tim (PA) on Saturday, July 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,200

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Looks great! Fun to Drive"

Cons: "No spare tire."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought this car about 4 months ago. I bought the Sedan Limited w/tech package. This car basically has everything. I've owned about a dozen cars in my lifetime and this car is by far my favorite. Smooth, quiet ride, XM radio, automatic climate control, heated seats in both front and back. Only minor drawback is, no spare tire. (who thought of that one?) Otherwise, awesome car."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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This car delivers solid valuefor the money!

By Snake (AZ) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fit and fininsh, handling, amenities, room,comfort"

Cons: "No buit in garage door opener with out tech pkg."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The fit and finish is on a par with vehicles costing three times a s much. the interior appointments and room are outstanding. the ride is very good, handling is solid. The road noise is better than most but could still use some fine tuning. Power is acceptable and does the job. It is a sedan, not a sports car. The trunk is phenomenal! The amenities are nice. Sound system is good, and creature features are also good. If you are looking for a solid car that delivers on the points that should matter, this is it."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 171 reviews