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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  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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  Other than the odometer LCD... - 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By JT - November 17 - 7:58 am

  Im happy enough with my 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS, except for having to repeatedly replace the odometer/trip LCD. I think Im on my third replacement. I have 13K on it (each replacement odometer LCD is set at "0" miles), and this one is now starting to go. Once it goes bad it can only be read in the morning. After the car sits in the sun all day the odometer fades until it is unreadable. Other than that Im happy with the car.

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  Excellent value - 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By crowcanada - January 1 - 10:41 pm

  My wife and kids positively *love* our Touring! Theyre all short (52 to 54) so they love the visibility and low-dash design The controls are well laid out and easy to use. The radio is small and fiddly. Ride is stiff, but handling is good. Not truly sporty, though. Hyundai seems to think making things stiff and heavy = sporty, but thats not true. It is a vastly better driver than my 13 Elantra Sedan, which, although more comfortable, has "unsettled" handling. Handling is predictable and road holding good. Engine is weak and mileage is not great in this class. Seats are hard and flat, but surprisingly dont kill you on long (14+ hour) drives.

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  Cheap car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mike11778 - February 1 - 9:37 am

  A very cheap car, leather on steering wheel peals off, dealer will change, carpet floor is pulling away, dealer fixed it, it does this again, very noisy (low profile tires), every small rock is like a pain, floor mats (Touring OEM !!!!) already having holes at the gas pedal. I am looking to get rid of it and buy a VW or similar. No engine problems so far, but driving is crappy, got pain in fingers from extensive driving due to vibrating car.