DecodedCars2006 Hyundai Elantra
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT, 4dr Sedan FWD /Gl, 4dr Sedan FWD /Ve
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 177.2–178 in
- Curb weight
- 2,635 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2006 midsize car (20.5 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,635 lb (4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 27% better than the 2006 midsize car average of 20.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 44 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Elantra — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Elantra →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Gl/Ve/GT | 177.2 in | 67.7 in | 56.3 in | 102.8 in | 57.9 / 58.3 in | 2,635 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Gl | 178 in | 68.1 in | 56.3 in | 102 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,635 lb | 63/37 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD /Ve | 178 in | 68.1 in | 56.3 in | 102 in | 57.5 / 57.9 in | 2,635 lb | 63/37 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +27% | $2,600 | 342 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Elantra | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +17% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Hyundai Elantra under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 Hyundai Elantra (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2006 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2006 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 Ford Focus | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 Nissan Sentra | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Hyundai Elantra.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2006 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Air Bags — 21 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Exterior Lighting — 7 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 108,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Elantra years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 34 |
| 2024 Elantra | 54 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 63 |
| 2023 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 170 |
| 2022 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 159 |
| 2021 Elantra | 54 | 183.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 162 |
| 2020 Elantra | 36 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 262 |
| 2019 Elantra | 35 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 266 |
| 2018 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 335 |
| 2017 Elantra | 35 | 179.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 796 |
| 2016 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 2 | 300 |
| 2015 Elantra | 31 | 179.1 in | Not rated | 3 | 261 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →