How to Fold Down the Rear Seat Backrest of Hyundai Elantra?
4 Answers
If you want to adjust the backrest angle, simply pull the backrest adjustment lever and then adjust it to the desired angle. Lift the lever/button to raise the seat height, and press down the lever/button to lower the seat height. The lever is located under the seat. After pulling (or pushing the seat adjustment button), you can adjust the seat position.
The rear seat folding mechanism in the Hyundai Elantra actually depends on the specific model year. For my 2015 model, there are small silver buttons on both sides of the rear headrests - press them firmly and lift the headrests to their highest position. Then simply push the backrest forward to fold it down. But be aware there might be seatbelt buckles underneath the seat, remember to release and move them aside before folding, otherwise they might get stuck and prevent the seat from lying completely flat. Later, when I accompanied a friend to pick up a new car, I noticed the design has been updated in newer models - the buttons have been replaced with pull straps on the side of the seat cushion. Just reach into the gap between the seat and door, find the nylon strap and give it a pull, and the backrest will automatically release. So basically, older models use buttons while newer ones use pull straps, but both systems are quite convenient once you locate the mechanism.
Last time, while helping a colleague move and struggling with the rear seats of his Elantra, I noticed a detail many overlook: lowering the rear center armrest before reclining the backrest makes it lie flatter. First, check if the rear floor mats are blocking the bottom of the backrest—if so, pull them out. The new Elantra also has an emergency release lever near the C-pillar; you can feel a small cover in the trunk, pry it open with your fingernail, and pull the strap to fold the seats. This trick is handy when the rear is packed full and you can't reach in. Don't worry if you hear a clicking sound during the process—it's just the seatbelt retractor auto-locking.
The actual operation involves just three steps: 1. Clear any debris from the rear seats. 2. Remove the headrest (the button is located at the base of the headrest rod). 3. Locate the release lever at the top of the seat near the window. Most modern cars use a unified design language, and that black plastic lever feels quite stiff—you'll need to apply some force to pull it upward. After hearing a click, push the seatback forward. If it gets stuck, hold the lever and gently shake the seat a couple of times. Note that the rear center armrest may slightly press against the front seat, so avoid forcing it to prevent damaging the leather surface.
