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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  Amazing Value - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Daniel Wagner - September 4 - 7:33 am

  Ive driven my new car about 1,250 miles & love it. Its comfortable, handles well & is fun to drive (and Id been driving a MINI Clubman). Its brakes are excellent; its headlights are better than the MINIs; the controls are easy to operate. On the downside, you really feel road bumps (which I expected), the engine is a bit coarse (no surprise either), and the sunroof whistles loudly when fully open at 40 mph and above. But at a price of $19k+, w/ a lot of room, reputation for reliability & standard features, the competition cant come close: integrated iPod, XM radio, heated seats & mirrors, sunroof, fog lights, trip computer. Youll need to add Bluetooth, however, as a dealer option.

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  Fun car - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mrh4 - March 24 - 12:33 pm

  Hyundais best kept secret, strong engine, roomy interior, loads of features, averaging 26 mpg- havent taken any long trips yet, had car about a month now, rides and handles like a sports car. Electric steering handles great. Ive driven Toyotas for over 20 years and glad I made the switch.

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  Unique package - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By dmoss - February 10 - 12:43 am

  Excellent value at this price point. GLS with 15 inch tires has smoother ride than SE or 2009 model. Has also performed well in mid-atlantic snow storms to date. With the 5-speed, engine has good juice in 4th and 5th gears - especially when RPMs get up to 3,500 to 4,000. At lower speeds, especially in stop and go traffic, clutch is a little touchy. Brakes are very good, smooth but ready for a sharp stop if needed. Handling takes a while to get used to, mostly due to steering feel (electric power steering), but its actually very sensitive and responsive (maybe a little too much so). Fuel economy ranges between 27 to 32 depending on city/highway mix.

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  Elantra Touring great buy - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mark - December 27 - 6:50 pm

  I traded in my 2000 Elantra for this new Touring. You will like the new improved model. Outside the car it comes with a euro-style which is a much better upgraded than the old Pontiac nose. Inside plenty of room. Seats are very comfortable front and back. Plenty of hiding place for stuff. AC glove box to keep a can of soda cold or medications cool in summer. Radio is great for what you get, it gets the job done. The motor has good pick up for a Wagon, thats what it is. Would like to see a 2.3 or 2.4 liter motor though. Getting 30.7 mi. per gal. Over all good price and ride for a under 20,000 dollar car. Warranty cant be beat.

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  Never Buy A Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By rdw59 - June 6 - 8:43 pm

  My wife needed a car for her business with space. Read all the reviews and comparisons. Purchased the Elantra Touring. Radio never worked right, but would not act up at the dealership. Then the ignition switch started locking up (will not turn) no problems with the keys.My wife would not drive because she didnt want to be stranded. Dropped the vehicle off @ dealership, said 2 weeks for ignition switch. We have been waiting 4 weeks. They do not stock parts in the US for this car. Waiting for the part from Korea. Can you believe this? Cant wait to get this fixed so I can get rid of this thing. I have had to rent a car, no help from the dealership or from Hyundai.

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  Great Price Value - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Ed - May 16 - 7:10 am

  Have owned 5 Toyotas and 2 Hondas, Hyundai beats both on price for features. Several consumer publications state the reliability is on par to Toyota and Honda. Replaced an 02 Corolla with 157,000 miles with Elantra Touring. Potential buyers should note the Touring is based on a Hyundai i30 sold in Germany, not the Elantra sedan sold in US. The ride is firmer and the steering tighter. The Touring feels more like a Civic than a Corolla. Got a great deal and service from Hyundai of St. Augustine, FL. No typical car dealer tactics.

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  A very pleasant surprise - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By guybrarian - May 15 - 5:00 pm

  Were a small family of 3 and we decided to upgrade from a subcompact after the arrival of #3. After 1 year of research - I was looking for more space and more safety - I stumbled upon this gem. There is more than enough space for road tripping and the cabin is quiet and well designed. I enjoy not seeing the car everywhere...In the past 4 weeks Ive seen only 2!

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  Review of prior post 6/09 - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By tellosahn - March 31 - 11:30 am

  I had my brand new Touring for 2 months until I was in the middle of a 6 car pile-up on the interstate. Needless to say, I hit my head on the steering wheel (no airbag deployed!), and my knee hit the dash/column really hard (no air bag here!). Ive been waiting 1 month to get it back from the autobody and lets just say that once I get it back Im selling it and buying something bigger and more substantial. I do not feel safe driving this car any longer. Its too small, and not built to withstand accidents. Look at the IIHS ratings not the other ratings for true information on safety!!!!

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  nice -except ROUGH RIDE - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By tom - February 1 - 1:40 pm

  I have had this car @4 mos. Has @1000 miles. It is my second Hyundai (currently have a 07 Sonata bought new also) Overall I like this car for the $ and features. I really am disappointed in the rough ride. On city streets you feel every crack and manhole cover. On concrete roads it is noisy and rough. It has premium wheels and low profile tires. Going back to shop to see if tire change will make a difference.

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  Great Car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By cerar627 - September 13 - 3:03 am

  Ive only had this car a few days, but I am very impressed. My dad recommended it as a bigger option for my family which I was a skeptic of the "wagon" at first. After test driving and taking it home, I am hooked. It looks a lot better in person than in pictures. The ride is rougher than regular sedans, but not bad. CD/Radio/XM system is great and the layout overall is fantastic.