2011 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The big change for 2011 is a fully redesigned, fifth-generation Elantra sedan with a new 1.8-liter engine, six-speed transmissions, sleeker styling, and more interior room. The Elantra Touring wagon remains on the older platform and receives smaller feature updates.

Shop 1 in stock at Carvana

About the 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Mixed lineup year: the Elantra sedan enters the 5th generation for 2011, first year of that redesign, while the Elantra Touring wagon carries over on the prior-generation five-door platform.

In 2011, Hyundai positions the Elantra as a compact car that tries to feel like more than a basic commuter. For sedan shoppers, the pitch is standout styling, strong fuel economy, a surprisingly roomy interior, and a long list of standard safety features. The Touring wagon serves a different buyer, leaning harder into cargo space and everyday flexibility. Across the range, the Elantra’s core appeal is simple: useful features, good efficiency, and a lot of car for the class.

The GLS sedan focuses on efficiency, space, and everyday essentials, while the new Limited adds leather, heated front and rear seats, and a sunroof. The older-generation Touring remains the cargo-friendly choice, with the Touring SE adding leather, heated front seats, and a sunroof.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The redesigned sedan gets a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and new six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, along with improved fuel economy. The Touring retains its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Styling

The sedan receives a complete exterior redesign with Hyundai’s swoopier styling. On the Touring SE, roof rails change from standard to optional.

Structural

The sedan moves to the fifth-generation Elantra design with a roomier cabin and increased cargo capacity. The Touring remains on the previous five-door platform.

Tech and convenience

Touring models add headlight welcome lighting and a one-touch three-flash turn signal. Automatic Touring GLS models gain standard cruise control, while the Touring SE gains standard leather seating.

Lineup

Limited joins the sedan range as the upscale trim, while the previous Blue and SE sedan trims are dropped. GLS continues as the main sedan trim.

2011 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Hyundai ElantraGLS1 in stock	2011 Hyundai ElantraLimited0 in stock	2011 Hyundai ElantraTouring SE0 in stock	2011 Hyundai ElantraTouring GLS0 in stock
Engine	4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter	4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter
Transmission	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic	Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive & Shiftronic	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive	Automatic, 4-Spd w/Overdrive
Drivetrain	FWD	FWD	FWD	FWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	28 mpg	28 mpg	23 mpg	23 mpg
MPG Highway	38 mpg	38 mpg	30 mpg	30 mpg
Horsepower	145–148 hp	145–148 hp	138 hp	138 hp
Torque	130–131 lb-ft	130–131 lb-ft	136 lb-ft	136 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	14.8 cu-ft	14.8 cu-ft	65.3 cu-ft	65.3 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	33.1 in	33.1 in	36.4 in	36.4 in
Seats	5	5	5	5
Doors	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Alarm System
Automatic Headlights
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Rear Spoiler
Roof Rails
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Satellite Radio
USB Ports
Comfort & Convenience
Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Integrated Garage Door Opener
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Push-Button Engine Start
Tilt Wheel
Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel

How the 2012 Hyundai Elantra compares

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a light-update model, led by Active Eco software on automatic sedans to help improve fuel economy. The rest carries over with only small equipment changes, including standard roof rails on the Touring SE wagon.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Hyundai Elantra fully redesigned?

Yes, the 2011 Elantra sedan is fully redesigned and begins the model’s fifth generation. The Elantra Touring wagon is not redesigned and continues on the older platform.

What engine does the redesigned 2011 Elantra sedan use?

The redesigned 2011 Elantra sedan uses a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The Touring keeps its older 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

How is the 2011 Elantra Touring different from the redesigned sedan?

The 2011 Elantra Touring is an older-generation five-door wagon focused on cargo space, while the redesigned Elantra is a sleeker and more efficient sedan with a new engine and transmissions. They share the Elantra name but not the same 2011 redesign.

What changed on the 2011 Elantra Touring?

The 2011 Elantra Touring receives modest equipment updates rather than a redesign. All Touring models add welcome lighting and a three-flash turn signal, automatic Touring GLS models gain cruise control, and the Touring SE gains standard leather seating; SE roof rails become optional.

Is the 2011 Elantra meaningfully different from the 2010 model?

Yes, if you are comparing the sedans: the 2011 model has a new body, engine, transmissions, cabin, and trim structure. The Touring changes much less, with mainly convenience and equipment updates.