what condition can my car be in to trade it
what condition can my car be in to trade it
22 views
2012 Hyundai Elantra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
Coming off of a 2011 redesign, there’s not much new for the Hyundai Elantra – save for a new “Active Eco System” we already saw applied to the Sonata in the middle of the last model year. Hyundai claims it will increase fuel economy by up to 7% when engaged. But how does it do it?
Well, it’s really quite simple. Pushing the Eco button will change the throttle map, thereby reducing how much throttle you get for a given amount of pressure on the accelerator. It will also lower transmission shift points and turn off the A/C compressor when not needed.
That’s a lot of technology for an effect that is no different than what you'd gain by being a bit lighter in the foot and shifting earlier, not to mention using the A/C less. Hell, I used to do that habitually in college when my beer budget eclipsed my fuel fund.
Some options packages have new names, but content stays the same, so little has changed for 2012. You’ll still get the same 1.8-liter Hyundai NU engine with multi-port injection in a 4-door package, pushing the front wheels to do the power delivery and steering, too. With the 6-speed manual in the base GLS trim, or the 6-speed automatic available as on option on the GLS trim and standard on the Limited, the Elantra manages a 29 mpg city/40 highway rating, thanks in part to an extremely low .28 drag coefficient. For those not familiar with the “ins” and “outs” of drag coefficients, that’s slippery.
While the 1.8 has never been praised for being particularly gutsy, it will manage just fine around town and can even deal adequately with highway passing maneuvers – provided you’re willing to initiate forceful downshifting of the automatic transmission via heavy use of the right pedal. Likewise, handling isn’t sporty, but it manages a pleasant blend that works well in most situations. It’s not sporty, and it’s no off-road machine, but it’ll handle potholes and highway seams without transmitting every bit of information directly to your spine. Low-profile tires fitted to the Limited trim are a bit more communicative – read “hard” – but still aren’t jolting or annoying, and do improve agility slightly. But if it’s sport you’re looking for, look elsewhere.
Seats provide adequate support and comfort with room for taller occupants, but adjustable lumbar support would make longer trips more comfortable, and why is the telescoping steering wheel not available in the GLS Manual?
There is actually another change for the 2012 Hyundai Elantra – a more robust horn. I suppose that’s a safety feature, since you’ll no longer risk an accident as you cringe at the comical note emanating from the old blower.
Standard features don’t disappoint, with even the base GLS Manual trim getting traction control, heated power mirrors, satellite radio, USB input, a digital media player and a full power package. The automatic-equipped GLS adds A/C, cruise and larger 16-inch wheels, while the Limited gets leather, heated seats, mirror-mounted turn signals, a power sunroof, Bluetooth and 17-inch alloys.
Still a contender for the best small sedan on the market, the Elantra would need to step up its game to match rivals like the Cruze and the Focus. However, that’s only because Chevy and Ford have made such an effort in the last few years with regard to their smaller offerings. While 2012 offers a very formidable Elantra, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a big jump in quality from Hyundai by the time something new is due.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Wilfried W
Aug 02, 2023
Aviod 2013 models. Aviod 2011-2012 models made in alabama. 2011-2012 models are O.K. if they are made in korea. 2.0 liter GDI engines should be avioded because some high pressure fuel pumps leak and they are on top of the engine and could start a fire. 1.8 liter engines could have piston slap creating noise and poor gas mileage, because they did not deburr the cylinders on some engines, wearing the pistons out. When you start the engine cold and hear a noise like a hand knocking on a table that is rod knock, avoid those elantras because on some engines they did not clean the oil passages from metal shavings before they assembled the engine. 2014-2016 elantras are good from my experience. A relative has had 2 2015 elantras one had 180,000 miles before it got totalled, and the one she has now has 214,000 on it. Hope this helps.Aug 02, 2023
by Menwi A
Oct 27, 2014
I love this car! I've had it for about 1.5 years, and I haven't had any troubles with her. I get great gas mileage, enjoy the ride, the seats are comfy, and it fits all of my luggage when I travvel. I live on the road 40% of the time, so that's important to me.Oct 27, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 18, 2014
Great appearance, with good fit and finish. Hyundai has come a long way in the Elantra's design and appeal over the last four model years. The build quality on the vehicle is good; However, the quality of each individual component is another issue entirely. Hyundai's warranty and service has thus far been absolutely unbeatable, and I do not use that word accidentally. UNBEATABLE. This car performs well among competitors in its class, but road noise in the 2011 and 2012 model years is downright excessive. Additionally, the thickness of the exterior body panels on the Elantra have always been less than that of other auto manufactures, and that continues to be the case through the 2015 model year. This exposes the vehicle to significantly more dents, dings and paint damage than one would expect, and it truly is a nuisance.
As of this review, the vehicle has been to the dealer for warranty work and repair 9 times, not including normal maintenance visits, with a mileage reading of 21, 900 miles. The costs of those repairs is non-existent (no charge) under the Elantra's generous warranty. However, this has significantly affected my opinion of the vehicle, as the mileage and age of the vehicle would suggest a much more hassle-free ownership experience.
I can honestly say that I love this vehicle, and HOPE to get ten dependable years of service with approximately 100,000 miles of reliable transportation. However, I would not recommend purchase of the Elantra to friends and family. Ever. Based on my ownership experience thus far, I fear that my expectations of this model are far reaching and unlikely to be attained.Aug 18, 2014
User rating:
by Wilfried W
Aug 02, 2023
Aviod 2013 models. Aviod 2011-2012 models made in alabama. 2011-2012 models are O.K. if they are made in korea. 2.0 liter GDI engines should be avioded because some high pressure fuel pumps leak and they are on top of the engine and could start a fire. 1.8 liter engines could have piston slap creating noise and poor gas mileage, because they did not deburr the cylinders on some engines, wearing the pistons out. When you start the engine cold and hear a noise like a hand knocking on a table that is rod knock, avoid those elantras because on some engines they did not clean the oil passages from metal shavings before they assembled the engine. 2014-2016 elantras are good from my experience. A relative has had 2 2015 elantras one had 180,000 miles before it got totalled, and the one she has now has 214,000 on it. Hope this helps.Aug 02, 2023
by Menwi A
Oct 27, 2014
I love this car! I've had it for about 1.5 years, and I haven't had any troubles with her. I get great gas mileage, enjoy the ride, the seats are comfy, and it fits all of my luggage when I travvel. I live on the road 40% of the time, so that's important to me.Oct 27, 2014
by Anonymous
Aug 18, 2014
Great appearance, with good fit and finish. Hyundai has come a long way in the Elantra's design and appeal over the last four model years. The build quality on the vehicle is good; However, the quality of each individual component is another issue entirely. Hyundai's warranty and service has thus far been absolutely unbeatable, and I do not use that word accidentally. UNBEATABLE. This car performs well among competitors in its class, but road noise in the 2011 and 2012 model years is downright excessive. Additionally, the thickness of the exterior body panels on the Elantra have always been less than that of other auto manufactures, and that continues to be the case through the 2015 model year. This exposes the vehicle to significantly more dents, dings and paint damage than one would expect, and it truly is a nuisance.
As of this review, the vehicle has been to the dealer for warranty work and repair 9 times, not including normal maintenance visits, with a mileage reading of 21, 900 miles. The costs of those repairs is non-existent (no charge) under the Elantra's generous warranty. However, this has significantly affected my opinion of the vehicle, as the mileage and age of the vehicle would suggest a much more hassle-free ownership experience.
I can honestly say that I love this vehicle, and HOPE to get ten dependable years of service with approximately 100,000 miles of reliable transportation. However, I would not recommend purchase of the Elantra to friends and family. Ever. Based on my ownership experience thus far, I fear that my expectations of this model are far reaching and unlikely to be attained.Aug 18, 2014
by Anonymous
Jul 25, 2012
All the articles I read before buying this vehicle summed it up accurately; the overall handling of the Elantra is out of its class. It has the smoothest most comfortable ride and good turning radius. Also, the fuel economy is stingy at 40mpg with the "ECO" button active.
While you are saving dollars at the pump, you won't be winning any races, though. Jul 25, 2012
by Rico S
May 21, 2012
The 2012 hyundai elantra is a very well rounded car, it offers a lot of value for money and turns heads on the streets. The engine provides plenty of punch and consumes fuel miserly. However it also has it own share of flaws like low headroom for both front and rear seats.May 21, 2012
What users have asked
Battery light sporadically flashing on for 1/2 second or less
Had a check engine light on. Took car in and was told I needed new spark plugs and wiring. Agreed to all work. I was told car was running fine. Less than two miles from shop, battery light started to blink on and off very sporadically and never came all the way on. It would briefly flash once and then flash again a minute or two later. Took it back to garage. They checked battery, alternator, and all connections. They said everything was fine. I drove it home. The light is still flashing, just less often. Unsure of what to do now.
2294 views
Hyundai Elantra 2012 Limited Steering Wheel Skip Song not working
Like the title says, my steering wheel skip song isnt working, it was working then it was intermittent and recently it just stopped working all together. Could it be the wiring to it because everything else works, fine just the skip doesnt work, or possibly a blown fuse?
25 views
Why is my steering wheel making a clicking noise when I drive my car?
I've had this problem since buying her from the dealership. They said it was power steering, but other vehicles I've been in that also have power steering do not make this noise. What could it be, and how serious? Thanks!
166 views
battery light flickers and car shudders lightly on 2012 Elantra-Not the Battery
Has anyone had this problem: During the first 10 or 15 minutes that my car is on, the battery light flickers and when the light flickers on and off, my car kind of convulses lightly. Last night this happened, and I noticed that the headlights and interior light go up and down in this rhythm. It's almost like I am revving the car. This particularly happens if I put it in D or R and just sit there with the brake on. Had my battery replaced today. No change.
248 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2012 Hyundai Elantra?Compare this car
2012 Hyundai Elantra Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,345 to $20,595Price range
$6,421 to $6,880Average price on CG
$6,622YoY price change
$6,879 to $6,622Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: telescopic · Storage: accessory hook · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.33
Exterior Features
Door handle color: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Kit: tire sealant
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Tires
Profile: 55 · Type: all season · Width: 205
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 172 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.3 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.06
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Steering ratio: 14.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent
