2016 Hyundai Elantra

The 2011-2016 Hyundai Elantra is the MD generation and the car that made the model a genuine style leader in the compact class, with the flowing sculpture design language that defined Hyundai in that period. It is powered by the 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder, with a 2.0-liter added for 2014, paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic driving the front wheels. Body styles were a four-door sedan, a two-door Elantra Coupe for 2013 and 2014, and the five-door Elantra GT hatchback.

The switch to the Nu engine family brought a timing chain in place of the belt used previously, along with direct evolution in efficiency. This generation was the subject of an EPA fuel economy restatement in 2012 that led Hyundai to compensate owners, a well-documented episode in the model's history. The AD generation that followed in 2017 adopted more restrained styling.

As a used buy, the MD Elantra is plentiful and inexpensive with attractive styling that has aged well. Engine ticking and, in some cases, failure related to bearing wear have been reported on Nu engines of this period, and Hyundai extended warranty coverage and applied knock sensor detection software to affected vehicles. Verifying that a specific car received the applicable service campaigns is the highest-value check. Steering feel from the electric system drew consistent criticism and is worth assessing on a test drive.