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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  Fun car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Frank - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car for the space and did not want an SUV. The car handles very well and the brakes are excellent. The radio and other controls are simple to use without a lot of needless buttons. The ride is firm but that is what you get with a sports type handling. I drove in a snowstorm back in February and the car handled similar to a Saab I use to have, even with the low profile tires. XM radio is standard with a free 3 month subscription. I thought I did not want it but now I cannot drive without it. Car comes with excellent tires and Consumer report rates the tires well, even in snow.

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  First time Hyundai Buyer - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By bear7 - November 17 - 6:37 am

  Ive never considered a Hyundai before in my whole life. Im a patriotic American and have tried to buy American over and over to help my fellow countrymen but - damn! - Im sick of the cars. I researched a hatchback, SUV or wagon for the wife to replace her rapidly deteriorating Saturn Ion. The Touring is designed by Hyundai Europe in Germany (its the i30 over there) and it feels like it. we feel we got a German station wagon for a Hyundai price. Outstanding standard features and PEP #2 options (reasonably priced) and comfortable as heck. huge cargo capacity. We love it. Excellent price through TrueCar.com.

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  First time Hyundai Owner - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Treetop - November 7 - 2:16 am

  It is my first time to own a Hyundai car but so far after having driven 3k miles, I am more than convinced that I made a right choice. ET (Elantra Touring) has more features than any other cars in its class for less $$$. Better gas mileage than my previous 2.0 Mazda Protege 2002 and city/highway combined getting average 30 mpg. My 2 kids have more than enough space in the back. Good cargo space and well thought out dashboard design. I just had a trip of 400 miles but didnt even feel fatigue. USB connection (I dont even have iPOD) gives me more than I need, that 8GB flash drive can store plenty songs that I can control from my steering wheel.

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  Great car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By GJH - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I dont know why Hyundai has kept this car a secret. Its a great all purpose car, lot of room for my sporting gear; my dog loves it. Hwy cruising gets in the low 30s and even stop and go suburban driving is around 28 mpg. Wheelbase is longer than the sedan, it is a nice thruway cruiser. Only complaint is the reverse lockout on the manual -- its a pull up type, Id rather just have a gear position. Ive had my Elantra Touring 1 1/2 yrs with zero problems. Im always recommending to folks looking for a great price with lots of features, and lots of utility.

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  Elantra Touring - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Pauley - October 19 - 7:06 am

  I drove Automatic version of Elantra Touring and felt its slugglish climbing steep hills near Ski lift areas, so naturally I chose manual transmission when I purchased the vehicle. And.. Voila! Its surprisingly fun to drive. No problems at all climbing steadily at AVG of 29.8MPG up and around Mt. Baldy and Big Bear ski resort in So Cal. with 2 adults and 3 teenagers in the car and snowboard gears on the roof. The fuel consumption on HWY is very good at 35.4 MPG. I use this car for commuting to L.A. now. The car is a turnheaded one too since there is only small numbers in So. Cal. I ve got compliments from strangers often at the parking lots. Inside is so quiet, only heard when over 4rpm.

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  Unbeatable bargain - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By hyundaivirgin - September 27 - 9:56 pm

  This is an amazing car. Small on the outside, very big on the inside, lots of ergonomic and useful small touches like the simple climate controls and abundant storage options in front and in the cargo area. Mileage easily beats EPA estimates. Got 36 mpg on the freeway on my second trip. Fit and finish and design is top-notch. Parked next to an Audi A4 Avant and could see the car was bigger inside (about the same length in the passenger and cargo areas and much taller). So its not an Audi but its half the price. Compared to our 2007 Accord, it is superior in space, comfort, looks, driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and price. A no-brainer.

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  Good Car - Great Buy - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By buyer1 - September 3 - 11:26 pm

  We have never owned a Hyundai before and we are pleasantly surprised. Great commuter car with great gas mileage. Very sporty feeling when driving. Most of all - an incredible amount of room inside - the back seat fits 3 comfortably and the hatchback trunk almost fits as much as out SUV. Very modern gadgets inside from the IPOD connnector, sun roof and great stereo with controls on the steering wheel. Finally a good deal on a good car.

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  Great Buy! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Chris - August 7 - 3:20 pm

  I researched and test drove all the foreign compacts like Corralla , Sentra, Forte, Civic, etc.. Never gave Hyundia a thought until one night after test driving a Chevy I went was taking a short cut through the next door parking lot which was Hyundia. I sat in the Elantra and immediately knew this was the car, it feels and drives great. Ive got 3,000 miles on it so far and averaging 30-32mpg. It has good cargo and leg space. I highly recommend this car. It should be priced higher, probably shouldnt have mentioned that, but I already got mine!

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  Great car! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Scott Anderson - August 6 - 8:30 pm

  I started looking at a Hyundai three years ago but I needed a hatchback and they didnt have one. I bought a Nissan Versa then. Finally Hyundai brought a hatchback back into the lineup and I made the change. Much roomier than the Versa and a much more solid feel. Handles very well. I agree that the ride is not that of a luxury car but four of us took a trip and everyone was comfortable. I am averaging 28MPG. I would love it to be a little better but I cant complain for what I get. Before I bought this I checked out Honda, Scion, Mazda, Toyota and Subaru. This was a better deal than all the others. What you get for what you pay is far ahead of the others. I love it!

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  Everything I was looking for and more!! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Jane D. - July 5 - 1:43 am

  I wanted a car that I could haul my stuff with ease and room to spare. I test drove everything in this class, and some larger, and found nothing that compared to the Touring, especially in its generous features. My touring has solid handling, turns on a dime and delivers everything it promised. I love the sporty exterior look and the roomy interior. I am amazed that Hyundai could offer so many features for the price...sunroof, blue tooth, xm capability (3 months free), 17" nitro-fill tires and much more, . The others I tested couldnt come close. This sweet car is a keeper!