Overview & Reviews

The Hyundai Elantra Touring was based on the European version of the fourth-generation Elantra sedan. Compared to the sedan of the same time period, the Elantra Touring hatchback wagon had a slightly longer wheelbase, sportier suspension tuning and different styling inside and out.

Where the Elantra Touring really stood out, however, was with its hauling abilities. The interior was roomy enough to seat four adults in comfort, and cargo volume was impressive. Unfortunately, the Touring never sold in big numbers, and Hyundai eventually replaced it with the newer Elantra GT. But if you need a used practical hauler with some driving spirit, the Elantra Touring merits a close look.

Used Hyundai Elantra Touring
Produced from 2009 through 2012, the Hyundai Elantra Touring was initially offered in a single well-equipped trim level. For 2010, Hyundai broke out the Touring into two trim levels, GLS and SE. Standard equipment on the GLS included air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a six-speaker sound system with a USB/iPod interface.

There was an optional package available for the GLS that we recommend looking for that included extra features including roof rails, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, upgraded upholstery and additional driver seat adjustments. Those features were standard on the SE, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated front seats. Bluetooth was optional on both models.

The Elantra Touring was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and 137 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, and a four-speed automatic was optional.

Inside, there was plenty of room for all occupants and their gear. The Touring was more like a midsize wagon than a compact hatchback, as it offered 24 cubic feet behind the rear seats and a massive 65 cubes with them folded down. The latter is more than many competing hatchbacks or wagons. The Touring's cabin design came from Hyundai's European studios, but the result -- primarily in terms of the interior materials – was inferior to the U.S.-market Elantra sedan of the same time.

On the road, we found the Hyundai Elantra Touring performed reasonably well, hitting 60 mph in a little under 9 seconds. The Touring's ride was also smooth and stable, and the relatively quiet cabin made it a good highway cruiser.

If versatility and utility are at the top of your list, a used Hyundai Elantra Touring stands as a great choice among small hatchbacks or wagons, especially considering its feature content, large cargo capacity and overall drivability.

User Reviews:

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  Its been a good car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Kris - March 19 - 11:55 pm

  Year 6 of ownership and Ive been satisfied. The touring has been a good car for my family of four. I was looking for something with versatile cargo space but not an SUV since I like to ride low to the ground. Pros are the spacious cargo, excellent breaking, nice interior layout and price for the amount of car. In many regards its a hidden gem. The cons are bumpy ride, thin fabrics make light dirt stains stand out, and OEM tires wore quickly and did not do well in the snow. However, with good all seasons or snow tires this car does well. At 45,000 miles only 1 minor repair (break pedal was making a little noise but nothing dangerous) that was included in the warranty. I narrowed down to the Prius And Subaru Outback, but did not enjoy driving the Prius, and the out back boxer engine was too loud and I didnt like the sitting position. Also considered golf and matrix but the cargo space was too small. No regrets so far.

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  Great car, great price! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By maple - March 9 - 10:00 am

  After doing a lot of research, I decided that the Touring was the car for me. I wanted a hatchback, and I wasnt happy with what was on the market (except possibly the Mazda 3). This car fit the bill - its roomy, comfortable, reliable, gets great gas mileage and versatile! Not to mention the very reasonable price tag! I got a manual transmission, so its pretty fun to drive, too.

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  the good and the bad - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By carcommenter - March 4 - 5:41 am

  The good: Am in my 3rd year of ownership and the car has been reliable so far. It is amazingly spacious and has a clean interior design which I find appealing and uncluttered. Good visibility all around and the car handles well. With quality winter tires (I prefer Michelin) it has been very good in winter (am driving in Canada). I like the manual shift even though it feels odd sometimes. Has unusually good pulling power on hills in top gear (5th). If you flog it, it will respond willingly and feels quite sporty. Responds harshly to bumps (see my comments on tire size).

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  I loveit! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By I love it - February 23 - 10:40 pm

  I bought my Elantra Touring 2months ago and I really love it! Particularly I like its European exterior design. Good Gas saver also! Before I bought it I had drove 2001 Saab 9-5 which drove 20m/g(Avg). Now, I drive 28m/g (avg) with my Hyundai and I save 20$ per week. Moreover, handling is fantastic!

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  Love This Car! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By psimm215 - January 12 - 11:26 am

  I bought this car (my second Hyundai) a couple of weeks ago and I love it. I picked the car up on my way out of town for a weekend road trip (500 miles round trip). My destination was in the Tenn mountains, on the way back I got a surprising 38.9 mpg. The ride was very comfortable and pretty quiet. We put the back seats down and filled the cargo space with donations for a local food bank, it held over 600 items with room to spare so we only had to make one trip. I live in Atlanta so my city mpg has only been around 25, I expect that to improve as the engine breaks in. Rick Case bumped up the warranty to 20 yrs, 200,000 miles so I think I will keep this car for many years.

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  Worst snow car ever - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Steve B - January 11 - 9:46 pm

  Purchase experience was great, overall its a good car, but... Without exception this is the worst snow car Ive ever owned or driven, including rear wheel drive sports cars. A combination of light weight, touchy brakes, and ice-skates for OEM tires makes it unmanageable even with just a skim of snow on the roads. Hills and snow would be impossible, and definitely not safe to drive. If you live in a snowy area, prepare to replace the original tires before winter. If not for this I would have rated performance and fun to drive much higher.

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  Happy Hatchback - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Brian - January 10 - 4:13 pm

  Having driven my Touring for 6 weeks, I am impressed with the fit and finish of the vehicle. I am averaging 30mi on HWY and 27 in town. There a lot of user friendly pockets, theres plenty of head and leg room and I am a 62" tall. It may not have the most zip of a car but I am all about getting there safe and its safety really suprized me. Breaking is good and traction control has worked on snowy roads.

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  Update on my 9/21/2009 review - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Happy Camper - December 29 - 9:06 am

  Still lovin this car after having put over 27K on it. Performed satisfactorily through the New England winter and its still fun to drive. I do find that I rarely seem to get it into reverse with first try; have to give it another extra little push when I hear the gears grumbling. One somewhat annoying little bugaboo that started happening last fall is the driverside door locking by itself when I get out. Seems that I might be slamming the door too hard (from all those years of driving larger cars with bigger and heavier doors, I guess) which sets the latch to lock.

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  Good car for SUV withdrawal - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Gearcrasher - November 29 - 5:43 am

  Lots of interior room for SUV owners like me looking for better gas mileage. Steering is a little strange but getting used to it. Power to weight ratio is not very sporting but can keep up with traffic. Drivers leg room is shorter than specs suggest. Ive never had a car that stopped as well. Styling is very Euro and to my liking but doesnt turn heads. Nice exterior finish and good quality materials on interior,(no mouse fur). Some sloppy workmanship in more hidden areas, i.e. messy chauking in door jams. Wiring looms hand wrapped with cloth electrical tape,(didnt know they still made that). Getting 23mpg in suburban driving. Thats almost double my Hemi Durango!

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  3 years later! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By n1luf - November 18 - 7:35 am

  After 3 years of driving this car I can say it still is a joy to drive. The out side of the finish still shines. The motor is just a little loud when you give it the gas. Better yet is the mileage for me in Connecticut, 33 city...45 highway. I found using Castrol edge or Quaker state ultimate pure synthetic oils produce better mileage. Inside of the car remain about the same. Satellite radio in car works well. All the gages have work and light up. Seats and floor still in good shape. Overall car works well.