Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.
How far a 1996 Hyundai Elantra goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 24 MPG, a full 14.5-gallon tank covers about 348 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
14.5
421
305
3/4
10.9
315
228
1/2
7.3
210
152
1/4
3.6
105
76
1/8
1.8
53
38
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 625 gallons, roughly 43 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
At 14.5 gallons, the Elantra's largest tank ranks second of the seven 1996 sedans compared here. The Chevrolet Corsica carries the most (15.2 gal) and the Saturn S-Series the least (12.8 gal).
Other 1996 sedans of a similar size, one model per brand.
1996 Hyundai Elantra fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra, out of 3 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver may notice a gasoline odor.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
Storage · Tank assemblyMar 28, 2000 · NHTSA 00V095001 · Hyundai Motor Company · 84,020 vehicles
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The evaporative emission control systems can apply excessive vacuum to the fuel tanks during the canister purge cycle. If excessive vacuum is applied, minor fuel tank distortion can result. A small crack could develop on the upper fuel tank surface. The "check engine" light would then illuminate and, in some cases, the vehicle driver may notice a gasoline odor.
Risk and remedy
Risk: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will pressure check the vehicle's fuel tank to determine if it has cracked. If the fuel tank has cracked, it will be replaced.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
The 1996 Hyundai Elantra holds 14.5 gallons (55 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra gas tank hold?
The 1996 Hyundai Elantra tank holds 55 liters, or 14.5 gallons in US gallons.
How far can a 1996 Hyundai Elantra go on a full tank?
About 406–421 miles on the highway and 276–305 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 1996 Hyundai Elantra go on a quarter tank?
About 105 highway miles or 76 in town from the 14.5-gallon tank, which has roughly 3.6 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra take?
Regular unleaded. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 14.5-gallon tank from empty costs $61.91. It ranges from $53.65 in the Gulf Coast to $85.41 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 1996 Hyundai Elantra?
About 90 pounds for the 14.5-gallon tank. Gasoline weighs roughly 6.2 pounds a gallon.
Does the 1996 Hyundai Elantra have a bigger gas tank than the Volkswagen Jetta?
No, they match: both top out at 14.5 gallons in 1996.
Has the 1996 Hyundai Elantra had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 1996 Hyundai Elantra: 00V095002 (storage · tank assembly); 00V095001 (storage · tank assembly). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).