With a replacement scheduled for 2007, the Hyundai Elantra receives only very minor changes for the 2006 model-year. A Limited trim featuring fog lights and leather seat-upholstery, steering-wheel, and shift knob, replaces the previous GT trim on the sedan. Two new exterior colors, Ebony Black and Spruce Green, complete the changes for this year.

The 2006 Hyundai Elantra Compact compares to the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.