You have the one made in Korea, right? Confirm this and I'll explain the issue.

 

The limited has nice seats. I have major back/neck issues. (had neck surgery a year ago, lower back issues similar to my neck as well), and I have no issues with the seats. Done several 1+hr drives out to the lake this summer no probs. Freeway Surfer, id be interesting in the korean explanation.

 

I swear I'm the only one here that knows this car inside and out far more than anyone here.

Forgive me if I forgot where your car was made...humor me by sharing and I'll explain with pictures...just for you BryTib. I wasn't going to post pics, but you seem like a cool guy.

 

lol well I have a Korean model. I wasnt the OP with the seat issue, which I know you are aware of. I was just stating that I like the limited seats and was just curious about the explanation. But, seating is all an individual preference, along with body/frame size. Im an average sized guy, so I like these seats. I actually just ran to the grocery store 2 mins ago after reading this post about the seats, so I made myself aware of the comfort, and to me, it feels like the seats nicely hug you.

Bryan

 

I'm aware you aren't the OP...you can't blame a guy (me) for taking an intrest in you prior forum posts. I've driven several hours at a time in each car. I don't have any issues with any version...but I do prefer the American produced version for several reasons. The Korean version was/is poorly made in comparison to the American produced version.

Ready for it....eh, I mean my write up with pictures? I'm almost finished with it and I should have it posted in the next few minutes.

 

Surfer, it was made in alabama , my vin starts with 5N , Does that not mean North America

 

Yup 5 is North American.

U.S.: 1, 4 or 5
Canada: 2
Mexico: 3
Japan: J
Korea: K
England: S
Germany W

 

>> BOOM....Here's the down and dirty of it all <<

I noticed a difference after driving around with the American produced model after first driving with the Korean manufactured one. I knew something was different...so I explored it a bit more after I got back home. It comes down to this simple word and perhaps slightly the way the foam padding was designed. It's b/c of the SoyFoam Hyundai decided to use. I'll explain a bit more...hopefully it's not boring through my explanation. Koreas WON is much weaker in comparison to the US dollar. Because of this and several guidelines of manufacturing procedures being higher in the US, it would appear Korea used a cheaper SoyFoam or perhaps their method behind creating the foam wasn't exactly the same as the Alabama plant. Pictures below will prove this isn't just a theory

The American produced version - clearly it feels more cushy and there is clearly a different design in the mold that was used to create the SoyFoam seats. Let's review each area that's different...

Key: The American version (A) and the Korean version (k)

1. Look at the (A) version at the bottom where the seat cover wraps at the bottom. There's a single piece that wraps up and around and clips to the frame. Now look at the (k) version which has 2 small clips and cutout V shaped areas.
2. Note in the (A) version how darker the foam is in color. Note version (k) appears to be wrapped in a polyester cover but behind the center wire brace support you can see an area that's cutout which exposes the foam the Koreans use.
3. One of the things that clearly stands out is the burned stamped markings on the (A) version. I've disassemble several pieces of both versions. The American one by far has a higher quality control. It can be noted on several pieces throughout the car with handwriting which indicates each piece was personal inspected. America is so awesome...lol
4. I could go on and on but please judge the picture differences for yourselves.

When it comes to the release of the American Sport model...I will not under any circumstance purchase a Korean produced model!! Discovering several different things after personally working with both versions (the SE and the limited), it's obvious why after posting a small glimpse here about just one of the areas Korea didn't prevail over the American manufactured models.

The American manufactured version pictured below

The Korean manufactured version pictured below

The image below explains how Hyundai uses SoyFoam in all their Elantra seats...please understand the mold, the chemical mixture and procedure plays a huge role in manufacturing goods and the above pictures prove it.

 

>> BOOM....Here's the down and dirty of it all <<

I noticed a difference after driving around with the American produced model after first driving with the Korean manufactured one. I knew something was different...so I explored it a bit more after I got back home. It comes down to this simple word and perhaps slightly the way the foam padding was designed. It's b/c of the SoyFoam Hyundai decided to use. I'll explain a bit more...hopefully it's not boring through my explanation. Koreas WON is much weaker in comparison to the US dollar. Because of this and several guidelines of manufacturing procedures being higher in the US, it would appear Korea used a cheaper SoyFoam or perhaps their method behind creating the foam wasn't exactly the same as the Alabama plant. Pictures below will prove this isn't just a theory

The American produced version - clearly it feels more cushy and there is clearly a different design in the mold that was used to create the SoyFoam seats. Let's review each area that's different...

Key: The American version (A) and the Korean version (k)

1. Look at the (A) version at the bottom where the seat cover wraps at the bottom. There's a single piece that wraps up and around and clips to the frame. Now look at the (k) version which has 2 small clips and cutout V shaped areas.
2. Note in the (A) version how darker the foam is in color. Note version (k) appears to be wrapped in a polyester cover but behind the center wire brace support you can see an area that's cutout which exposes the foam the Koreans use.
3. One of the things that clearly stands out is the burned stamped markings on the (A) version. I've disassemble several pieces of both versions. The American one by far has a higher quality control. It can be noted on several pieces throughout the car with handwriting which indicates each piece was personal inspected. America is so awesome...lol
4. I could go on and on but please judge the picture differences for yourselves.

When it comes to the release of the American Sport model...I will not under any circumstance purchase a Korean produced model!! Discovering several different things after personally working with both versions (the SE and the limited), it's obvious why after posting a small glimpse here about just one of the areas Korea didn't prevail over the American manufactured models.

The American manufactured version pictured below

The Korean manufactured version pictured below

The image below explains how Hyundai uses SoyFoam in all their Elantra seats...please understand the mold, the chemical mixture and procedure plays a huge role in manufacturing goods and the above pictures prove it.

And the fookin' mice and chipmunks LOVE them!

 

I bought a seat cushion , it's better but not good enough. Maybe my American made one ended up with the worse seat cushions from Korea . I am taking it back to the dealer and they're going to figure this out for me. I didn't pay what I paid to have a car with seats that are unbearable to sit in after 30 minutes of driving. I have own over 17 cars in my life and none of those seats have been this bad. There has to be something wrong with the seat cushions. As far as I am concern, the dealer can order new seats for me . I dont give up easy so I will be a thorn in their side till they make this right ! No seats should be this uncomfortable. They also need to figure out why my dipstick is still showing smoke when I take it out. I did my first oil change and the people didn't say nothing so that may be nothing but I also today noticed a burning smell .

Its not just me also, My mother has rode in it, My co worker had rode in it and they both agree, its awful to be in them after 30 minutes, the seats just feel like you are sitting on bare steel !

 

Here's to hoping it all works out for ya. I was a bit surprised you didn't notice the seat discomfort until this point. Maybe your job entails your work proformace to be done while sitting and perhaps...just perhaps your bum (butt) is sensitive to hard surfaces. Who knows...just a thought, though. Something definitely sounds odd about your oil pan, perhaps. Hopefully something didn't slip inside (dirt/ debris) while the dipstick was pulled out. I'm sure Hyundai uses synthetic oil in your car...and even if they didn't, that couldn't be the cause of the problem.

Personally, I would take the car in ASAP before something serious happens. Best of luck to you.

P.S. It's a darn shame you're not getting that grill. The only reason I may stay way from purchasing it myself would be for the fact the honeycomb openings might be too large in size which could possibly cause a problem down the road if large debris came flying into the radiator.

 

I'm not getting the Grille now. I changed my mind because I do not feel confident enough to take the front bumper cover off myself to install it. I always mess stuff up and somehow I would end up messing it up so for now, the grille is on hold.

Also in my state of maryland , al vehicles have to have a tag on the front and the more I look at it, the more I didn't see nowhere to use it. I still got my money in my savings for it but for now, I am going to have to save more for a body shop to install it and I need to figure out how the license tag for marland will fit on it or if I can put it somewhere else in the front . I am disappointed cause I want that grille but I am not sure how to install it and I just dont have the balls to pull off my bumper cover. I would break every tab knowing me .

also the seller never shipped the grille and I had to fight to get to him though ebay ( he was ignoring my messages) to get my money back . His was only 233 with free shipping. I think he may had been one of those sellers who sells what they dont have and only orders it after a order is placed, so after 10 business days waiting and seeing it was not being shipped , I ask him to refund me and he did after many messages of me saying refund me.

 

We (the wife and I) just yesterday, drove a new Limited, and even though we were in it only about 20 minutes, the drivers seat, did feel rather...flat and somewhat un-supportive. After looking at the dealerships website, I discovered that it too was a Korean Built model.

 

Seems like it may be the NA and Korean models both suck for seat comfort . Hyundai needs to address this for the 18 models ! I know if I had realized how unholy hard this seat is, I would had not brought this model.

 

Great feedback Freeway!.. I am getting a Elantra next year, and I am located in Canada and I hope by then, the N/A version will be readily available.. I have gone to several dealers and they are all the Korean made versions...

 

You're welcome. I've noticed the same thing with the availability for the Canada market. It's a great car. Please note the steering in regards to how it feels to your desires. It feels lose imo.

Example: the steering wheel can be moved side-to-side without the car moving at all. Graduate your steering movements side-to-side (left and right) more until you feel the car respond. It feels unnatural imo. I brought this topic up a few times before...but the few that responded on the forum appeared to be fine with how the car responded. YouTube videos concurred with my previous statements. Try it out, and if you're fine with it...cool.

I'm not sure how the Sport model will correct this if at all. Hopefully they have made improvements once that model is released. Btw...you should post more often. It's always good to see input through a new members prospective....even though you joined back in July :wink:

 

freeway what is you do with the elantra's as far as where you are getting your knowledge of them from . Are you a worker in the hyundai NA assembly building or work for hyundai in some way in regards to how you are getting all this information on the elantra and I know you have said you want the 2018 sport model, so do you have a 17 model now or do you not own a AD elantra or maybe last generation Elantra ?

 

He's tearing one down sub assembly by sub assembly.

By the time he was born all the wicked cool model kits from the 70's and 80's were gone so he's rebuilding the Real Deal.

 

Screw "evironmental frendliness". I want a comfortable seat! And one the fookin' mice and chipmunks won't love to digest.

 

Interesting facts but I would have to disagree. Do you guys have leather seats or material? The Elantra has so far been the most comfortable car I have ever had. I am also ranking it pretty high out of all the cars I have ever sat in. I find the seats mushy(but not too much) and could do many hours sitting in it. Granted I'm not very heavy so maybe I'm not smooshing in the cushion much but my husband also agrees on the comfort and he must be around 180 pounds. Could there be variations in the US vs Canada models?

 

we also like the seats. we have 2 2016 ulsan plant. and again, the last new car we had was a 2013 mazda3. now, THAT car had seats that sucked. when we test drove the elantra, the nice seats was one of the first things we noticed. especially when we got back in to the mazda. we would never take a long trip in the mazda, but we are now considering a 1500mi(each way) trip in one of the elantras

 

Hi Stephany,

Where was your car assembled, do you know?

My "Limited model" test drive car, was a Korean model with leather interior, so perhaps it sits different than your GL model's cloth interior? I am not a large framed fellow either...perhaps that has at least Something to do with it.

Further research is needed.

 

It's a korean built model.

 

My seats are comfortable, but I don't like the angle of the headrest...

I drove to El Paso last week (4 hours) and it feels like the headrest is too far forward. The seats and "wing" sides are comfortable for decent road trip.

 

The fact that that I feel my USA made Limited seats feel very comfortable doesn't help Liam in anyway, questions is what are you going to do about it. Did you contact Hyundai in myhyundai or address your dealer with this issue? Hyundai tries to please, noted this with my dealer.

Did you even test drive this vehicle or even sit in awhile to judge whether these seats were comfortable to you? Ha, two more recent vehicles I Drove was a 2007 Chevy Cobalt, butt was sitting on a steel bar, got a backache even before leaving the dealers lot. Turned around and took it back, saying no thanks. Another was a 2012 Ford Focus, head restrains were so far forward, forced our heads to peer down to the floor, wife made the comment. Sales guy in the rear seat said many complain about this, they just remove the head restrains. Replied, that's a stupid idea, if rear ended, and our necks are broken, wouldn't even be covered by insurance.

We didn't walk out we ran.

Felt our 2012 Cruze sears were very comfortable, on the drive home my wife didn't her seat was clear to the floor and tilted forward, ha, had to grab the owners manual to learn how to adjust it. After this, even after a six hour drive, didn't want to leave her electrically heated seat, said it was very comfortable.

In a similar application, wife wanted all new furniture for our living room, can't even count the number of sofas and recliners we sat in too make our final decision.

Or do you want to solve this problem yourself? Could go to a upholstery shop, that Asian woman on Fast N' Loud seems pretty good, but probably end up cussing you out. Buying Limited seats, cable and wiring problems plus the outrageous replacement cost will reach your credit car limits. After a long ride yesterday, wife sure loved that warm heat on her back.

Can do this yourself, have to find the correct foam density and need a hot knife to cut it, plus a very steady hand. See they are not using hog rings anymore, ha back then, couldn't find these at any upholstery shop. But did find them and a fame veterinary store, that's why they call them hog rings.

My first choice would try to solve these issue with Hyundai.

 

Yes I test drove it along with another one at a dealer before but my test drive didn't last 30 minutes and also I have noticed the seats are getting more uncomfortable the more I drive it ( Maybe the foam in the seats is bad)

I am going to contract the dealer this week when I take it in to have my dipstick checked for the smoke that I am seeing which could also be nothing. didnt know myhyundai work that way where you could file complaints . I will have to check it out .

I never have had seats this bad that feel like sitting on raw metal ! I am really thinking the foam in my seats may be a bad batch of foam they used.

 

Ha, could talk about vehicles with the most comfortable seats, nothing beats my 88 Supra with an 8 way power seat, like having a hot woman on my back giving me a gentle squeeze.

Second best is in my Pace Arrow motorhome, can adjust that anyway I like, really great back support and self sprung. Steering wheel is practically horizontal. no outstretched arms.

 

Ha, could talk about vehicles with the most comfortable seats, nothing beats my 88 Supra with an 8 way power seat, like having a hot woman on my back giving me a gentle squeeze.

Especially comfortable when pinned into it by acceleration...

 

FWIW I'm also finding the driver's seat in my 2017 SE a little hard. I previously had a 2003 Elantra GLS which had more comfortable seats, and also had adjustable lumbar support on the driver's side. Fortunately I find the seat back on the 2017 OK, but I will probably get a gel cushion for the bottom.

 

The downfalls of a new redesign. When I was looking at buying mine, my brother, who is a Hyundai mechanic said to me, it's a totally new design, top to bottom, no one knows what's gonna be wrong with it.

 

Boom...another unveiling

You guys know where this is headed. Yup, the American version designed the seat back panels better than the Korean counterpart Elantra. Inside the seat back panel there's a structural brace design that supports the panel from flexing to undesired portions.

The American version - inside there's a honeycomb design with bridged support lines around the outer edge and the center of the honeycomb. Lots of thought went into this design as it can also be noted those straight bridged lines have smaller circles connecting these lines. Basically this is designed in this manner so the panel remains its intended shape overtime and or if an object/ person comes in contact with it by force. Ignore the foam strip used to cover the barcode. That's right, the US version uses a barcode for quality control. Note on the Korean produced version in the second picture, their version of quality control is a green sticker. Um, yeah...so not cool.

On the Alabama produced version (I'm going to start referencing the American version in this manner), I'm sure everyone here will notice the attached carpet that attaches to the seat frame rails. I first started on the Korean model several weeks ago. I can't say for sure if that one is similar in design at the moment as to the way it attaches to the seat frame rails. There are a few differences between the Alabama version and the Korea one. The carpet panel is thicker on the Alabama one. Also- the carpet is secured to the seat back by plastic welds. The Korean one uses a cheaper method of plastic friction washers and the very reason it's not shown (the carpet panel) in the second picture. Yes, I removed the plastic washers in order to remove the Korean version seat back. The Alabama version also used a barcode on the carpet panel which can be seen in the picture (its obviously flipped facing the other side which shows the barcode). It's unlikely the Korean one used a barcode on the carpet panel.

For all those here reading this post, it's very clear the smallest of details were given more thought on the Alabama version. It would appear these details, even if they are the smallest unnoticed design elements to the Elantra 2017, it's a clear choice to choose the Alabama produced version. For those intending on purchasing this car, do as you please. Personally, I'm purchasing the Sport version which will be made here in the states.

Something to think about --> Korean cars sold per their market are designed with the drivers seat on the left just like the American and Canadian domestic market. If Korea is struggling to meet their desired projected sales goals, they can always ship the car here where it could possibly sell. Sure, a few things would have to be switched out. The radio, maybe some of the physical buttons from Korean to English. Those are minor things to switch out if it was necessary. Well, that's my opinion and it just might be the way Hyundai preforms their business. It's been noted on the forum how several cars in Canada appear to be Korean built models. How interesting....

Alabama version shown in the pic below.

Korea built version shown in the picture below.

 

Happy with my Alabama made foreign car. The seats are comfortable and who knew soy wasn't just soy. I'd be frustrated if it didn't sit well. Maybe the Korean soy got stepped on a time or two before final delivery.

Freeway, hope you let expectations settle a bit when you finally buy the 'Bama sport as it will be billed when they win the NCAA championship this year and next. You got to let the little things go and turn the radio up to 11.

 

Turn the radio up to eleven? Only 11? Good thing you ain't riding with me...rocking to Nazareth, Joe Walsh, etc...at least in the neighborhood of 20-28.

Re "seats:" Granted, on a 1,200 mile trip, they will numb your butt after 400 miles, or so. Well, numb may not be the operative word. But that is about the time the squirming begins.

Both of my MD's were "not the most luxurious seats in the world," from a comfort point of view. Nice, just not overly so. But they were a heck of a lot more comfy than my '85 CRX Si, or the wife's '86 Volvo, way back when. I'm impressed with the new AD leather seat design. I didn't even squirm last night driving back from DALLAS. A 170 mile streak up I-35. So, no discouraging words here.

All 3 Elantra's were/are 'Bama builds. All "Limiteds." If anyone's keeping galley of locations vs seat comfort.

 

37 hours of constant driving, just stopping long enough for gas about every 400 miles, this was in a 1954 Olds 88 Holiday coupe. but more common were trips in the 18-20 hour range. Since a kid hit me, really hurt bad in 1995 and eight years of physical therapy with surgeries, 2-3 hours is long enough. Have to get out and walk around for about ten minutes to get that blood circulating again.

Problem is not the seats, its me. Experienced no pain when hit, and by statistics, should have been killed, but after I woke up several hours in ER with the pain, wished I was dead. Took two years after that before I could even drive again. After that long trip Saturday, spend 8 hours raking and hauling leaves to the dump yesterday. Not bad as long as I can keep on moving. Rain gutters are worse up on a ladder.

 

I was thinking about this thread today. I thought at first the seats in my Accent were too high too hard and too narrow, but now they are just too narrow.

I thought back to all my years with Toyotas starting in 1974. Around 1980 the seats got more comfortable.

I think the Japanese finally figured out at that point that Americans have bigger @$$e$....

 

lol are you saying I have a big donut :grin2:

 

btw as far as my oil dipstick, I called the dealer , told them what it was doing, the dealer service rep said that was normal for a hot engine. My co worker has a 17 elantra too , SE model with the same packages as mine. I ask her if her dipstick was smoking and she said yes, that her husband was concerned over that and that she had been meaning to ask me if mine was too. odd I never remember any dipstick of any car I had smoking cause the engine was hot. Now after 20 mins the smoke had gone away but it seems odd to me but my oil levers are the same. I am going to keep checking my oil everyday to make sure the engine is not burning oil

 

Still on this smoke kick or is it steam, quite a difference.

Tossing in HC's in the fuel tank along with 20% oxygen and a completely worthless 80% nitrogen, key output out of the exhaust, about 85% of it is H2O, but in its vapor state or steam. Also high relative humidity adds to this, even more steam. Goes into the engine as well as that other stuff.

Again, where there is smoke, there is fire.

 

I dont even smoke lol

 

Ha, and a big ha at that, use to say about the Germans, their idea of comfort was sitting on a wooden crate with not too many splinters and nails sticking up. But not the case with my half German wife, she wants her comfort and has it with those ventilated seats in our American made Limited.

Would be nicer like the driver's seat, fully electric with a power lumbar.