2012 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Sedan: 5th-generation Elantra (MD/UD), second model year after the 2011 redesign. Touring wagon: previous-generation Elantra Touring (FD), final U.S. model year before the 2013 Elantra GT replacement.
Hyundai marketed the 2012 Elantra family as a small-car line that gave shoppers more than they expected: standout styling, strong fuel economy, generous safety equipment, and interior room that felt bigger than the compact class suggested. The sedan was the style-and-efficiency play, while the Touring wagon added cargo flexibility and hatchback usefulness. As a whole, Elantra was Hyundai’s mainstream answer for buyers who wanted either a sleek commuter sedan or a more practical five-door without moving to a larger vehicle.
The GLS is the straightforward Elantra sedan, with a roomy cabin, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, and everyday features such as keyless entry and USB audio. The Limited adds leather, heated front and rear seats, and a sunroof, while the older-generation Touring wagon emphasizes cargo space; its SE trim adds a sport-tuned suspension, leather, and heated front seats.
What changed, by category
2012 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Auto 6-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc | Auto, 6-Spd w/OD & Shftrnc | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD | Auto, 4-Spd w/OD |
| 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 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2012 Hyundai Elantra?
The biggest change is Active Eco software on automatic Elantra sedans. Beyond that efficiency-focused update, the 2012 lineup changes very little.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra a redesign?
No, the 2012 Elantra is not a redesign. The sedan is in its second model year after its 2011 redesign, while the Touring wagon remains on the older design.
Did the 2012 Hyundai Elantra get a new engine?
No, the 2012 Elantra did not get a new engine. Sedans retain the 1.8-liter four-cylinder, and Touring wagons retain the older 2.0-liter four-cylinder; the sedan's change is Active Eco software on automatic versions.
What changed on the 2012 Elantra Touring SE?
The 2012 Elantra Touring SE makes roof rails standard rather than optional. It otherwise remains the more upscale, sportier wagon trim, with leather, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a sport-tuned suspension.
Is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra worth considering over the 2011 model?
The 2012 is mainly worth considering over the 2011 if Active Eco on an automatic sedan or standard roof rails on a Touring SE matter to you. Otherwise, the two years have no major redesign or mechanical difference.