---
title: "2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra Oil Type: 5W-20, 4.2 qt"
description: "The 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.2 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents."
url: "https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/oil"
updated: "2026-08-21"
---

# 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra Oil Type and Capacity

The 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.2 quarts with a filter change by engine. OEM filter Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504). Verified against factory documentation, with change intervals and aftermarket filter equivalents.

**Quick answer**: The 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra (1.8L 4-cylinder (Nu, G4NB)) takes 5W-20 engine oil, 4.2 quarts with a filter change (OEM filter Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504)). Other engines differ; see the tables below.

## 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra 1.8L 4-cylinder (Nu, G4NB) oil (Verified)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.2 qt / 4 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459 |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service) |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: The Nu family is a different engine design from Hyundai/Kia's Theta II (which had the widely publicized bearing-failure/engine-fire recalls). Nu issues are milder but real; see common problems.

## 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra 2.0L 4-cylinder GDI (Nu, G4NA) oil (High confidence)

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Viscosity | 5W-20 |
| Allowed alternates | 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart) |
| Oil standard | API SN / ILSAC GF-5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.2 qt / 4 L |
| Synthetic required | No (synthetic recommended) |
| OEM filter | Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on) |
| Aftermarket filters | Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459 |
| Change interval | 7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service) |
| Drain plug torque | 29 ft-lbs |

Note: Direct-injection version of the Nu engine used in the sportier trims and the related GT hatchback/Coupe.

## Which Hyundai Elantra model years does this cover?

These oil specifications apply to every Hyundai Elantra built from 2012 through 2016, the MD/UD (5th generation), compact sedan (also sold as coupe 2013-2014 and gt 5-door hatchback through 2016 on the related ud platform). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years.

- [2012 Elantra](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012)
- [2013 Elantra](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2013)
- [2014 Elantra](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2014)
- [2015 Elantra](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2015)
- [2016 Elantra](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2016)

## What changed during the 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra

| Years | What changed |
| --- | --- |
| 2012 | MD generation launch (sedan only) |
| 2013 | Elantra Coupe and Elantra GT (UD platform hatchback) join the lineup with the 2.0L Nu GDI available; Elantra Sport sedan trim added |
| 2014 | Facelift: revised front/rear fascias, new wheel designs |
| 2015-2016 | Sedan carries over largely unchanged in its final two years before the AD redesign; GT hatchback continues into 2017 on the related UD platform after the sedan moves to AD |

## 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra oil: common questions

### How many quarts of oil does a 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra take?

It depends on the engine. The 1.8L 4-cylinder (Nu, G4NB) takes 4.2 quarts; The 2.0L 4-cylinder GDI (Nu, G4NA) takes 4.2 quarts, all figures include a new filter.

### What kind of oil does a 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra take?

5W-20 meeting API SN / ILSAC GF-5. Other engines in this vehicle may differ; see the table above.

### Can you use a different viscosity in a 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra?

The manufacturer also permits 5W-30 (Acceptable in all temperatures per Hyundai fluid chart). Anything outside that list is a decision you are making against the factory specification.

### How often does a 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra need an oil change?

7,500 mi / 6 months (normal); 3,750 mi (severe service). Short trips, towing, extended idling, and dusty or very cold conditions all put the vehicle on the severe-service side of that interval.

### What oil filter does a 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra take?

The OEM filter is Hyundai/Kia 26300-35505 (spin-on; supersedes 26300-35504). Common equivalents: Fram PH3675 / XG3675A (Ultra), Wix 51372 / 57060XP, Purolator L14459. Torque the drain plug to 29 lb-ft. An overtightened plug strips an aluminium pan.

## Sources

- [AMSOIL lookup, 2012 Elantra 1.8L oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2012/hyundai/elantra/1-8l-4-cyl-engine-code-e-7/)
- [AMSOIL lookup, 2014 Elantra 2.0L GDI oil spec/capacity](https://www.amsoil.com/lookup/auto-and-light-truck/2014/hyundai/elantra/2-0l-4-cyl-engine-code-h-1/)
- [PR Newswire, 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2.0L GDI 'Nu' engine specs (173 hp)](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2014-hyundai-elantra-coupe-ups-fun-factor-232754401.html)
- [NHTSA recall 23V-651, ABS module internal leak / fire risk](https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=elantra&modelYear=2013)
- [NHTSA recall 15V-871, ESC unintended braking](https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=elantra&modelYear=2012)
- [NHTSA recall 13V-115, side curtain airbag bracket](https://api.nhtsa.gov/recalls/recallsByVehicle?make=hyundai&model=elantra&modelYear=2012)
- [Hyundai Nu Engine class-action settlement overview, BBB National Programs](https://bbbprograms.org/programs/dr/class-action/hyundai-nu)
- [Hyundai Motor America press release, 2022 Engine II litigation settlement](https://www.hyundainews.com/releases/3657)
- [fueleconomy.gov, 2013 Elantra EPA ratings (all trims)](https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2013_Hyundai_Elantra.shtml)
- [Edmunds, 2013 Elantra specs (curb weight, fuel tank)](https://www.edmunds.com/hyundai/elantra/2013/features-specs/)
- [Hyundai/Kia OEM oil filter 26300-35505 fitment listing](https://hyundai.oempartsonline.com/oem-parts/hyundai-oil-filter-2630035505)
- [wheel-size.com, Elantra MD/UD OE tire and wheel fitments](https://www.wheel-size.com/size/hyundai/elantra/2013/)

## Other Hyundai Elantra generations

- [2021-2025 Hyundai Elantra oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2021-2025/oil)
- [2017-2020 Hyundai Elantra oil](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2017-2020/oil)

Or [compare all generations](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/oil).

## More for the 2012-2016 Hyundai Elantra

- [Battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/battery)
- [Tires & wheels](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/tires)
- [Wiper blades](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/wipers)
- [Air & cabin filters](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/filters)
- [Bulbs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/bulbs)
- [Brakes](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/brakes)
- [Fluids](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/fluids)
- [Service schedule](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/service-schedule)
- [Problems & reliability](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/common-problems)
- [Oil light reset](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/oil-reset)
- [Key fob battery](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/key-fob-battery)
- [Specs](https://whichcarparts.com/cars/hyundai/elantra/2012-2016/specs)

Specifications vary with engine option, production date, and market.