New for 2016 Hyundai Elantra is the added Value Edition trim package while the SE loses some options and the Limited gains keyless entry and automatic climate control.
After all these years the Elantra is still a contender in a saturated small sedan market. With its plethora of standard features it can’t be beaten for value.
The 2016 Hyundai Elantra sedan comes in four trim levels: SE, Value Edition, Limited and Sport, (this review will focus on the Value Edition).
The Value Edition adds a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob to the SE package of full power accessories, intermittent wipers, air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB port.
With a 1.8-liter four banger, the Elantra is pulled by 145 horses and 130 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Elantra Value. Fuel numbers are good at 28/city, 38/highway and 32/combined mpg.
The Elantra scores 5 stars overall for safety from the Government Safety Ratings. Individual scores are five stars in frontal driver and side rear-seat crash tests and four stars for passenger frontal and side front seat crash tests with 4 stars for rollover tests.
There’s a lot going on in the interior of the Elantra and it’s all good. From easy to access controls to soft-touch materials the interior is comfortable and roomy. Headroom may be an issue for taller passengers but that’s about the only negative. A 14.8 cubic-foot trunk also adds to the appeal.
With reasonable acceleration in most situations, the Elantra is a great city car. However, when pressed the Elantra is a little slow on the uptake. The cabin is quiet even at freeway speeds but the suspension can be a bit jarring over large bumps. Steering is firm and true even while cornering.
When shopping for a small sedan the tried-and-true Hyundai Elantra Value Edition is worthy of a second look.
