Used 2016 Hyundai Elantra for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra cost?

Prices have softened 2.33% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,298 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra a good car?

Yes — the 2016 Hyundai Elantra earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10. Drivers consistently praise its comfort, reliability, excellent fuel economy, smooth ride, and attractive design. It also fits well as an everyday compact sedan that feels roomy, efficient, simple, and safe. With 26.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Drivers repeatedly describe it as reliable and dependable, and the ownership story is reinforced by favorable dependability ratings and low predicted ownership costs. The drivetrain is presented as straightforward and trouble-free, with no turbo or dual-clutch complexity to worry about. Hyundai’s warranty coverage also adds peace of mind for used buyers, though you should still verify maintenance history and condition carefully on higher-mileage examples.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra?

At 45.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially on cars with incomplete service records or visible cosmetic wear. Focus on overall condition, because the Elantra’s value proposition depends heavily on finding a well-kept example.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Value Edition adds 16-inch aluminum wheels and a more upscale look than entry-level versions, while the Limited brings a more polished cabin and additional convenience features. The Sport is the more powerful choice, but it also uses a different steering setup that may not suit every driver.
• Powertrain: Most trims use a 145-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder. The SE gets a 6-speed manual, while the Value Edition and Limited use a 6-speed automatic with an Active Eco setting.
• Safety package: A reversing camera is standard on all but the base SE. The car is not available with modern driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies.
• Infotainment: A touchscreen radio with Bluetooth is standard on most versions, while higher trims add a 7-inch display, Pandora access, navigation, a premium sound system, and Blue Link subscription services.
• Fuel efficiency: The Elantra is rated at 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, and the test car returned 33.8 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2016 Hyundai Elantra trim should I buy?

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra is offered in 4 trim levels: SE, Value Edition, Sport, Limited.

Here's the short version:

• SE: This is the least expensive path into the lineup, but it is also the most stripped-down version. It uses the manual transmission and misses the standard reversing camera found on higher trims, so it makes the most sense if you want the lowest entry price and can live with fewer conveniences.
• Value Edition: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds a more upscale feel without pushing into the pricier end of the range. It gets the automatic transmission, Active Eco setting, aluminum wheels, and the more polished presentation that helps the Elantra feel less basic.
• Sport: Choose this if you want the more powerful version and a tighter suspension. It is the right pick if driving feel matters more to you than maximum comfort or the most relaxed daily commute.
• Limited: This is the most upscale choice, with the most complete feature set mentioned in the data. It suits you best if you want the most comfort and technology the Elantra offers.

The safety package is limited by modern standards, so even the better trims still lack current driver-assistance and crash-avoidance tech.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Hyundai Elantra?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to compare options but still some room to find a deal.

• Deal availability: 26.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,298 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.33% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 45.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $7,964, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra's resale value?

The current average of $8,282 sits slightly below last year's $8,480.

That softer pricing suggests the Elantra is still accessible on the used market, which can help future resale by keeping it attractive to budget-minded shoppers. At the same time, the recent decline means sellers may not see strong appreciation in the near term. If you buy well and keep the car in good condition, its value should remain supported by its reputation for comfort, efficiency, and practicality.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra safe?

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra earns an overall rating of 5 stars from the federal government and Good ratings in all IIHS tests except the small overlap frontal impact evaluation, where it receives an Acceptable rating.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

The safety equipment is limited compared with newer rivals, and the car is not available with modern driver-assistance and crash-avoidance technologies. A reversing camera is standard on all but the base SE, but the system is tied to a small display that is less useful than larger modern setups. The main caveat is that the small overlap frontal result is weaker than the rest of its crash-test performance.

Should I buy a 2016 Hyundai Elantra or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 26.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 45.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.33% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances value, comfort, efficiency, and safety in a straightforward compact sedan.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $7,486, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $8,282 average.
• It offers strong value, generous space, and useful features.

Consider the 2017 if:

• At $9,384, the 2017 costs more than the current year's $8,282 average.
• It brings a full redesign with stronger technology and a more upscale feel.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of price and everyday usefulness, the 2016 is the sensible pick. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2015 is the cheaper route; if you want the newer redesign and can spend more, the 2017 is the upgrade path.

How does the 2016 Hyundai Elantra compare to the 2016 Honda Civic?

Our experts score the 2016 Hyundai Elantra 7.5/10 and the 2016 Honda Civic 8/10. The Elantra is the cheaper used buy by a wide margin, and it still delivers strong value, comfort, and efficiency. The Civic asks for more money, but it brings a stronger expert score, more power, better fuel economy, and a larger pool of listings. If you want the lower purchase price, the Elantra makes sense; if you want the stronger all-around package and can spend more, the Civic is the better pick.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.