“My 2016 Hyundai Elantra is a great car to drive performance wise. The exterior parts are cheap however and may fall off by just the wind like some of mine did.”
2016 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Hyundai Elantra is the new Value Edition sedan, which slots between the SE and Limited with several popular comfort features. Otherwise, this is a light-update year, with equipment reshuffling and a modest front-end refresh for the Elantra GT hatchback rather than a full redesign.
About the 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Elantra sedan: 5th generation, final model year before the 2017 redesign. Elantra GT hatchback: 2013-2017 generation, refreshed for 2016.
Hyundai positions the Elantra family as a compact car that gives buyers a roomy cabin, a long warranty, and more comfort and convenience features than many rivals for the money. In sedan form it is straightforward daily transportation with an upscale feature curve as you move up the trims. In GT hatchback form it adds more cargo flexibility and a stronger engine. Across the range, Hyundai leans more on value, comfort, and equipment than on class-leading handling.
The SE remains the simple, value-focused sedan, while the new Value Edition adds heated front seats, a sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, and a rearview camera. The Sport pairs a 173-hp 2.0-liter engine with firmer suspension tuning, while the comfort-focused Limited has leather seating and dual-zone automatic climate control. The Elantra GT combines hatchback cargo flexibility with a 2.0-liter engine and heated front seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
The Elantra GT hatchback gets a revised grille and updated front-end details. Alloy wheels become optional rather than standard on the SE sedan and base GT, while the base GT’s fog lights and the Sport sedan’s sunroof also move from standard to optional.
Tech
A new Value Edition sedan joins the lineup between SE and Limited, bundling a rearview camera with a color touchscreen, keyless entry with push-button start, heated front seats, and a sunroof. The Limited makes dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start standard.
2016 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 1.8 Liter | 4-Cyl, 1.8 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic | Auto, 6-Spd Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 28 mpg | 24 mpg | 24 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 33 mpg | 35 mpg | 37 mpg | 38 mpg |
| Horsepower | 145 hp | 173 hp | 166–173 hp | 145 hp | 145 hp |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft | 154 lb-ft | 148–154 lb-ft | 130 lb-ft | 130 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.8 cu-ft | 51 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft | 14.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.1 in | 34.6 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in | 33.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||
| Hill Start Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Fog Lights | |||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||
| Roof Rails | |||||
| Bluetooth | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||
| USB Ports | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||
| Leather Seats | |||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||
| Remote Start | |||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Hyundai Elantra?
The biggest change is the new Value Edition sedan. It sits between the SE and Limited and combines a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and a rearview camera with a color touchscreen.
Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra a redesigned model?
No, the 2016 Elantra sedan is not redesigned. It is the final year of the fifth-generation sedan, with the all-new sedan arriving for 2017; the 2016 Elantra GT receives only a mild front-end refresh.
What became standard on the 2016 Elantra Limited?
Dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, and push-button engine start became standard on the 2016 Elantra Limited. It also retains comfort-oriented features such as leather seating and a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Did the 2016 Hyundai Elantra get new engines?
No, the 2016 Elantra carries over its engines. The regular sedan uses a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, the Sport sedan has a 173-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the Elantra GT hatchback keeps its 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
What changed on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback?
The 2016 Elantra GT gets a revised grille and updated front-end styling. Its alloy wheels and fog lights also shift from standard to optional equipment on the base trim.
2016 Hyundai Elantra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Hyundai Elantra.
4.1
2016 Hyundai Elantra
(343 reviews)
“The Hyundai Elantra is a perfect "get from point A to B safely" vehicle. It has competitive gas mileage capabilities and is enjoyable to drive. I love the sleek look of the exterior and the interior has real comfort in mind.”
“Engine blew up in 15k miles was replaced and the new motor blew up in 12k. Never again will I buy a Hyundai.”