How to Fold Down the Rear Seats in Elantra?
4 Answers
To fold down the rear seats in the Elantra: Open the trunk lid, and you will see a handle with a seat symbol at the top of the trunk. Pull the handle to fold down the rear seats. Note that only the higher trim versions of the Elantra have foldable rear seats; the rear seats in lower trim models cannot be folded down. Taking the 2020 Elantra as an example, it is a compact car with the following dimensions: length 4610mm, width 1800mm, height 1450mm, wheelbase 2700mm, and a curb weight of 1319kg. The 2020 Elantra is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 130PS, maximum torque of 211Nm, and maximum power of 95.6kW, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
I've been driving the Elantra for five years, and folding down the rear seats is incredibly simple. Near the top edge of the seatback by the window, you'll find a small latch. Just pull it up gently, then push the seatback forward to fold it down. I recommend clearing any items from the rear seats first to prevent things from falling into the gaps. The two seats operate independently, so you can fold down just the left side for hauling building materials or just the right side when picking up kids. When returning the seat to its original position, remember to push it firmly back until you hear a click to ensure it's locked. Last time I transported 2-meter-long pipes, it was a breeze. The design is quite thoughtful, but don't let kids play with it—the latch can break easily.
I use this feature often for deliveries. In the rear seats of the Elantra, you'll find a black plastic pull loop at the shoulder area. Pinch it and lift upward while pushing the seatback forward with your knee – that's all it takes. The mechanisms on both seats are symmetrical and can be operated independently. I usually move the front seats forward before folding them down to create more space. If it gets stuck, try wiggling the seatback or gently tapping the latch area. When returning to the original position, you must hear the locking click, otherwise the seat will rattle while driving. The seat material is quite wear-resistant – I've transported hardware without causing scratches.
I just helped my sister with this last week. First, open the rear door and bend down to see the small protruding handle at the top of the seat back. Pull the loop with one hand while pushing the backrest forward with the other to flatten it. Be careful not to yank too hard, as the nylon clips can break easily. I recommend wearing gloves when doing this, as the edges of the metal parts can be sharp. Both left and right seats can be folded down independently, which is especially convenient for loading a stroller. After folding, the floor has a slight incline, so you might want to pad long items to prevent slipping. Over time, the loop may become loose, but a bit of lubricant will fix it.
