2012 Hyundai Elantra: Ch-Ch-Changes

Now in its second model year despite being on sale for less than a year, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra gets new standard equipment that should help improve fuel economy, along with some other minor improvements.

All Elantras equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission now get the Active Eco System, an all-new feature for 2012. The system modifies engine and transmission controls to improve gas mileage by smoothing out throttle response. Pressing the Eco button should improve real-world fuel economy by 7%, Hyundai says. A similar feature is available on the 2012 Hyundai Accent. Fuel economy is still EPA-rated at 29/40 mpg city/highway with either the automatic or manual transmission.

Besides the Eco button, Hyundai has added fog lights and a passenger-side sun visor extender to the GLS Preferred package. All Elantras get a louder car horn for the model year, too. Prices have moved up incrementally for 2012, too.

The base Elantra with a six-speed manual starts at $15,195, excluding $760 for destination. That’s a $250 increase from last year; all trims receive the same price boost.

The 2012 Elantra is already on sale, sold alongside the remaining 2011 Elantra inventory. Continue below for more detailed pricing info.

2012 Elantra pricing (2011 pricing)

Elantra GLS (manual): $15,195 ($14,945) 
Elantra GLS (automatic): $17,445 ($17,195) 
Elantra Limited (automatic): $20,445 ($20,195) 
Destination: $760 ($750)