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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  elantra touring is great value for money - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By rodger - August 8 - 4:00 am

  What a great little car. There are very few options you can add on to this car as it comes very well equipped. The elantra touring is the same model as one they sell over seas and it shows in the handling, the car handles like a sport car. It comes with eltronic stability control which also helps in this department. I got 30 mpg second tank and the driving consisted of about 45% city and 55% highway driving. I love the bluetooth which will dial your cell phone with voice commands. The only dislikes are the dinky horn, come on Hyundai with todays quite cars it likely wont even be hear if someone has their Windows up and the radio on, also the key and remote should be combined.

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  Duly Impressed - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By pseudo - July 17 - 4:10 pm

  Got this towards the very end of the clunker deal. I settled on getting the Touring after looking at a variety of hatchbacks, from a Nissan Versa at the low-end to a Subaru Impreza at the high end. Unfortunately for me, these things are extremely popular and after looking for one for nearly 2 weeks, I got the color I wanted (Vivid Blue) but I didnt get the premium package I wanted in time(sun roof, etc.) Immediately noticed is the quality of the interior and how pleasing it is to look at. Id say only the Mazda3speed is more sporty looking. Got the Automatic & drives like a breeze. Not real sporty but way more so than my old Pathfinder. All in all, a great car! Highly recommend it!

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  Mine is not as great as everyone elses ET - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By sr500mark - June 19 - 4:52 pm

  I had a catasrophic engine failure that started with a faintly flickering oil light at low idling rpm. Oil level was ok. I changed the oil anyway and the flickering went away. This flickering only lasted a very short while, as I changed the oil immediately. It seemed like everytime I approached 3,000 miles on an oil change the engine light would start to flicker and then go away once changed. Engine died at 65,000 miles. Hyundai took care of the issue with little hassle. Interior plastic chrome trim is pealing, parking brake button broke off, parking brake wore too fast, needing constant adjustment and then rear brake replacement. I like it, it just isnt great. Back to Toyota.

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  Good to have wagon back in Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By J - May 30 - 11:16 am

  I retired a 99 Elantra wagon with over 200 K miles having almost no mechanical problems, but like a lot of cars in the northeast, lots of rust. I was looking for another wagon and was really happy when Hyundai returned to the wagon market with the touring. Ive had the car for a little over 2 months and 4000 miles and am very happy with it. I live in a mountainous area and average 37-38 MPG in mixed speed driving, all 65 mph or under. There is almost as much interior room as the 99 wagon. The seats are comfortable for driving long distances. The Edmunds site was very helpful in purchasing and knowing what price to expect.

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  Underrated Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By himoses - March 26 - 8:30 am

  This has got to be the best car for your dollar on the market today. I drove almost everything in its class with an automatic transmission under $20k and the only car I liked better was the Jetta (superior ergonomics, power, refinement). I did think I would get better fuel economy since I am fairly conservative in driving. People that drive like maniacs (dont coast, mash the brakes, jackrabbit starts) will probably get a lot less than 23mpg city/30mpg highway. This car has outstanding fit and finish. I have not seen a sub-$18k car that can even come close, and that includes the Civic. This car could use a peppier engine/automatic transmission paring.

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  "Well Sorted" Red SE 5 speed - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Fred - February 10 - 5:13 am

  A really fine car - great driving dynamics. Superior design, finish, and assembly using average materials to control cost. Very obviously well engineered - check the engine well layout. Zero rattles/extraneous noise in my car. Comments on issues others have mentioned: "dead steering" - not really, just sort of a "notch" at top dead center which helps give this car great tracking at speed on the highway - on 2 lane twisties, not an issue rough ride: firm suspension, beefy roll bars, and 45 profile tires do not give you a Bentley - get the GLS or get the SE and replace the 17" rims with 16" or 15" (I am considering this - but the cornering sure is fun as is) ugly: no - just restrained..

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  Great car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By JK - January 27 - 7:26 pm

  I love this car! It rides well, fits all of my stuff, bikes, painting canvas etc and looks great. On the highway, it really cruises and in the city, short stops have felt seamless. For the money, I would (and did) pick this car over all others in its class.

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  Best car for family - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By bettercar - January 14 - 2:13 am

  I drove my Elantra Touring about 2 month, 2300 miles. So far, I enjoyed driving this car. Handling and breaking works great on rainy days and snowy days. Quiet riding on highway even over 65 mph. Great Rear visibility. One bad point is rough riding quality. I paid $18 grands for it. I think this is a best car for a couple or family.

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  This is not a good stepdown for a SUV - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By SUV step down? - December 30 - 7:16 pm

  This is not a step down vehicle from a SUV or minivan as i was told and as i reviewed for several reasons. Do not get me wrong It is a good vehicle but it is not a step down vehicle as there are several flaws for it to be that. See below. also the hatch area is flimsy at best and do suggest getting a heavy floor mat as a jug of milk that hit the side actually dented the built in felt mat. Towing capacity is less then smaller cars I was looking at and so is usable space. No roof rack or attachments to put your own.all in all dont get a touring get the base model pick your own trim level. Get to another vehicle if you need any storage space over what a trunk will hold. This is disappointment.

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  yielded to peer pressure - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By ani - December 22 - 4:10 pm

  When I realized it was time to retire my 2001 pontiac grand prix, I decided to listen to my family and try out a hyundai (my husband owns a tuscon, my son a sonata, my d-i-l a santa fe). When I walked into the showroom, I saw a chili pepper red hyundai elantra touring, sat in it,(its as wide as my old pontiac) and decided to check it out on edmunds. Ended up at another dealership where a test drive sold me. My first new car in 30 years is comfortable, peppy, really good looking, fun to drive-and I think it gets pretty good mileage but I need a little more time to make sure. Love this car-and theres plenty of room for my keeshond to sprawl out on the back seat.