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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  Best car for family with baby - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Schnur - December 27 - 3:30 pm

  I bought this car about two months ago, 2300 miles now. Handling and breaking are great even on the wet or icy road. Acceleration also great. Comfortable back seats. I think this car is the most cost efficient car for the family with babies. MPG was 27.4- 28.4 MPG for daily use combined city and highway. 3 months free XM was great but you need to pay after 3 months, about $15/month. Sound system also great. Quiet riding on highway even over 65 MPH.

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  More Bang for the buck - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Paul E - November 9 - 9:03 pm

  After trying out the Matrix, Dodge Caliber, and Mazda 3, the Touring came out on top. The list of standard features is impressive for a vehicle in this price range. Features like 4 wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Stability Control, power windows, key less entry, heated rear view mirrors, to name a few. It even comes with Nitrogen filled tires and nice mags. The ride is smooth and the feel is solid and quiet, again exceeding what one would expect in the price range. The interior is nicely laid out, the fit and finish is excellent, and you gotta love the blue lighting. The interior room for the size car is impressive. A real value for the dollar. Hyundai hit a home run with this car

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  Lots of bang for your buck - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By frankjanet - October 9 - 3:23 pm

  Weve owned it for over a month and had one long road trip. Weve loaded it with 3 passengers and 18 2"x10" four foot long boards along with a roll of fencing. We love the capacity and functionality of it. It was comfortable on the trip. Gas mileage was decent, but a 5 speed auto would be great. Weve been getting ~26mpg and thats mostly around town including a carpool line. Considering it is a compact car, its a great car for a small family. We got the premium package and the ride isnt very bumpy. We also havent found the steering to be vague as mentioned in some reviews.

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  Surprised by how much I like it. - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mom22kids - August 30 - 10:16 am

  We bought this car during Cash for Clunkers, and my goal was to buy the least expensive car that would meet our immediate needs. This car fit that bill. I am really surprised at how much I like it--the hatchback makes a huge difference for getting things (strollers) in/out. We bought the SE b/c of the bigger tires to make the ride a bit more smooth and b/c the moon roof made things feel cramped. Great vehicle for hauling kids and their gear. A bit loud, but for this price what do you expect?

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  Really impressed after 82,000 miles - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By pistolpete10 - August 24 - 7:55 am

  Bought it new in 2009. Of all the imports I bought before, (Mazda and Honda) this car had by far the most comfortable driving seat. Well padded and a lumbar support, with every which way adjustment, which was important for my frequent long drives. Very reliable, amazing storage room which Ive used time and again. Minor glitch in that speakers had to be replaced twice, under warranty and replaced brake pedal once for squeaking. Love the steering feel especially in tight city driving. More then enough power on highway etc, even though its buzzy. So far less problems than Ive ever had with previous other cars. Wouldnt trade it in for anything else though Ive been asked to, many times.

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  Great small wagon- lots of room - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By sshoredrvr - August 18 - 12:03 pm

  This is a great small car for city driving but it has a lot of cargo space. I did a ton of research and looked at similar cars, this was the least expensive but had similar features. The car drives nice and has handled well in the snow. I am short and did not find as many blind spots as with other cars, yet there is a lot of headroom. It is slightly higher than standard cars, giving me a good view of the road It is not the the most exciting car but it drives well and is functional- the cost and reliability of Hyundai won me over. I have had no problems so far

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  Makes me car sick - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Car sick - June 29 - 9:30 pm

  I drove a 2000 Elantra wagon for the last 10yrs. I loved it so I purchased a 2010 touring. This time I got 5sp Manual GSL to save $1200 on purchase price and to get better gas mileage and performace. Paid $15000 vs $11700 ten yrs earlier. I since added Rosta after market cruise $400 and trailer hitch $100. Heated seats cost $250 each aftermarket. Whats better with my new car. Faster, Handeling, brakes,radio,headroom,gas mileage, power door locks on key fob, storage areas. Whats worse, stiff ride,jerkiness of manual shifting vs automatic,tires, no lumbar support. Both cars dent too easily. I love the rear loading area. I call it my covered pickup truck. Getting use to firm ride. Fun to drive

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  Good Value - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Chuck - June 22 - 5:53 pm

  Bought this car in Jan 2010 to replace a 1997 Escort Wagon. Overall, Im satisfied with the value ($16k). There were a few things that took a little getting used to vs the Escort. For me, the over the left shoulder blind spot of the frame behind the driver windows is in a really bad spot. In moderate traffic I have to bob my head and look several times before I change lanes left. I highway drive usually at off hours, so I probably average 70 mph. I figure Im getting about 25 mpg vs around 30 for the Escort, but the Hyundai is heavier. The window ledge is higher, for arm hanging purposes. Steering is tight, the cars gonna go right where youre looking, so keep your eyes on the road.

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  Fun to drive, great value! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By gklblue - May 13 - 4:50 am

  Bought the 5 Speed Manual version with the sport package (17" Alloy Wheels, Sunroof, XM-Radio, etc.)in July 2009 and I looooove that car!!! Had to wait a week (manual is hard to get - dealer got it from a different state 240 miles away). I am from Germany so I love the european style (interior & exterior). Did a lot of research and the Touring was by far the best deal out there. Tons of standard features, overall quality is impressive, I get 26 mp (about 30% Highway driving). The handling is responsive, no complains here. The ride is a little stiff. Engine has enough power for the size of the car. Very roomy, I love the Hatchback versatility!!! Unbeatable Warranty!

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  2012 Elantra Touring GL - 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By rooke1991 - May 7 - 2:23 pm

  Had it for 8 months now, pretty damn good! Really comfortable and spacious, driven with 5 average guys, between 20-27. and everyone had enough space for a 3 hour drive. Fit enough stuff(tent, beer, air mattresses, etc) for 3 people for a weekend camping trip, not comprimising on seating space at all. Alittle slow acceeration wise but once going its all good! Sound system is good, the usb input is kind of a pain, auxillary cable works fine though. Tons of compartments, all mine are empty dont have enough stuff to fill them. ONly complaint is seeing as im 21 I get called a soccer mom alot.