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:

• 

  love it - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Ellen - October 19 - 6:46 am

  This is my 3rd Hyundai, and the largest one I bought. I love this car, it is easy to drive, maneuver, and I havent found any negative features. Still havent figured out if its a car, crossover or what, but who cares, it is a pleasure to drive. I saw this car, searched for an automatic, and bought it at once.

• 

  Its Okay - 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By urbanhippie001 - October 14 - 11:00 am

  Overall, the car is reliable. However, Ive had to replace the odometer/dash twice (w/in 60K miles) due to the numbers disappearing on me. Not sure if due to malfunction, heat/sun, etc... But its annoying because the fix resets the odometer back to 0. I really miss my old 2005 Hyundai (accent). It was made better than this car. Other than that, the car has been reliable. No major problems aside from odometer. Does not accelerate quickly. Would I buy one again? Unfortunately, no.

• 

  Im satisfied - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By lh - October 13 - 4:53 pm

  This is a wagon with great utility and nice design. We had it for more than a year and mostly for city driving with avg 25 mpg. Four adults and one toddler sit in it with plenty of room. When the back seat is folded down a queen mattress pad can fit in with some extra cargo. ABS and ESC are standard and worked well. The interior materials are of great quality, not some cheap foam and plastics. Overall a great buy!

• 

  Dis-satisfaction - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By wasp2 - October 11 - 5:57 am

  I am really unhappy with my choice. There are only 50 thousand miles on my car and they have to replace the transmission. Now I have gotten very nervous about what will happen further along the way. I had a Toyota Corolla with 134 thousand miles on it and have never had to replace anything. All I did ws normal maintenance for usual wear and tear. A few months after I pruchased the Elantra the seat covers started sagging and they told me it is normal wear. I don t know what experience others have had with their Elantra, I would some feedback.

• 

  Chili Pepper Red Elantra - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Tom - October 7 - 5:36 am

  When the Cash for clunkers was announced I headed for the Hyundai dealership and there it was. A Chili Pepper red Elantra Touring just begging to be bought. Took a quick test drive and told the salesman to put a sold sign on it. Easiest decision I ever made. I absolutely love this car. Quick, precise steering, peppy enough and, to my eyes, a beauty to behold (love the color). Throw in great brakes, XM radio, handling that makes Ozark mountain curves a blast to drive and lots of room to haul stuff in and you have one happy owner. Im getting 29.7 MPG combined. The stiff suspension (which I like)is the price you pay for good handling.

• 

  Just Got it - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Norm - September 24 - 1:33 am

  Although we only have a couple of hundred miles on it so far, Ive driven many cars over the years and feel I am qualified to offer my thoughts on this car. While many wish for more HP, I feel it is satisfactory for what the car is designed to do, get you from point A-B as economically as possible with as much comfort as possible. This car achieves these goals. The steering is certainly lacking that "Hug the road" feel. The brakes work well with plenty of stopping power. I think youd be hard pressed to find a better bang for your buck. The best thing is that the S.O. loves it and when shes happy, the world is happy! Safe Travels.

• 

  Nice Car, but Should Get Better Mileage - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Tim - June 19 - 8:16 pm

  Just bought this car in Nov. 2009, and we have put a little over 500 miles on it. Spent 2 months car-shopping at the worst possible time: right after Cash-For-Clunkers, when the dealership lots are empty! We were attracted to the wagon-style, which is a style that is NOT popular in America. The other 2 cars we were considering was the VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI and the Honda Fit. Still in its break-in period, so dont really know about its mileage yet, but its EPA is 23 city, 30 highway (which should be better). Handling is great - we dont mind that it has a somewhat stiff ride. The SE has a lot of features that others in its class leave out: XM radio, heated seats & outside mirrors, etc.

• 

  Touring in winter - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mark - May 12 - 2:56 am

  Ok, so here we are in winter. Had a couple of snow storms and tried out the Touring in the snow. Heres the update, the anti-lock / traction controls work. The pedal has a good heavy throbbing to it when it works. Better than you having to pump the pedal. Anti lock has loud sound, will scare at first. The tires are the regular all season so dont count on good traction with these Optimo 624. Snow tires are really needed. When traction control works... slowed car down good and kept everything going in a straight line. Overall not bad on snowy roads but like I said get the snows.

• 

  Nice inexpensive wagon - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By limee - April 24 - 6:34 pm

  Bought the car as I needed to transport my 2 German Shepherds. With the back seats down, it accomodates them well. The SE trim has a stiffer ride than the GLS which I like. Looks very smart in Chili pepper red with the upgraded wheels. Have 3000 miles on the clock now. Averaging 25 mpg in mixed driving and up to 31 on a 500 mile trip to San Diego. The car is nicely put together with no sqeaks or rattles. Idles very smoothly and is entertaining to corner with when the dogs are not in the back! Leather seating surfaces are by far the way to go as they are easy to keep clean especially from dog hair!

• 

  Nice vehicle for the price - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By John - April 4 - 10:13 am

  I like every thing about this vehicle except the the way the steering wheel is built. With one of the three connecting post right at the bottom of the steering wheel, it makes it difficult to place your hand in a comfortable position without reaching for the top of the steering wheel. Gas mileage could be better. 24 is the best i can get. Of course, most of my driving is city..stop and go.