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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  Please Think Twice Before Buying - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By RW - October 27 - 1:56 pm

  I have had the 09 Elantra for a year, Have problems with the XM radio. Dealership will have to replace the whole radio. Have a big problem with the switch. It wont turn when key is inserted. No problem with the key itself. Dealer cant locate the part. Haven t driven the car in 2 weeks. Having to rent a car while we wait. Never buying another Hyundai, NEVER, EVER.

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  Buy this car! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By tellosahn - October 19 - 5:06 am

  After reviewing and test driving a lot of 4 door hatchbacks, I decided to test drive the Touring model. It took me about 30 seconds for me to make up my mind and buy the car. The cargo space, dash controls, satellite radio, gas mileage, and most of all the safety features won me over.

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  perfect commuter car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By rich and audra c - October 19 - 1:26 am

  Needed a fuel efficient third vehicle for 52 mile round trip work commute. Looked at several small sedans but lacked space needed to haul horse feed and other farm items. Drove the automatic hyundai touring but seemed a little sluggish. Finally found a manual transmission and the drive was very spirited. Gas mileage in mixed driving around 31 MPG and just over 33 MPG on the highway. Wish it had a six speed transmission always feels as if you need to shift one more time. Plenty of torque nice and quiet below 4000 RPM. Good list of standard features for the price opted for the sports package with 17 inch wheels and sunroof.

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  Surprised! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Race - October 13 - 1:36 pm

  I was very surprised by this car, was compared to RAV4 and CRV but after the test drive and price I was sold. I did not need all the bells and whistles as this car has enough already and it is all standard. Drives and handles great and Hyundai quality as of late and the warranty cant be beat. Do your research and find out for yourself! I am extremely happy and feel I made a great choice in buying the Elantra Touring. I do not see too many on the road and always get asked and get looks while driving..........26 to 27 mpg in mixed driving and still breaking in the engine.....

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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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  Another good choice from Hyundai - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By lmarcanov - June 18 - 12:43 am

  Vivid blue with those wheels!! a combination that our friends really like. I bougth this car for my wife based on my personal experience with a 2001 Elantra and a 2006 Sonata. Engine has a good response, little bit noisy on acelaration but not a cheap noise, just breathing hard, almost the same that my old E 01! Automatic is smoother and I do recommend this option if you have little kids. Rear space is really good but youll need the net to keep your load in place. Suspension is a little bit hard but remember when yo ask for 17 wheels 215/45 thats the normal feeling. Steering, is electric and feels little bit different than conventional on the HWY, you will love it at the parking lot.

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  Update on my 5/something/2010 review - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By babaaus - June 16 - 5:18 am

  Now at 58K and STILL loving this fun little car! Its so much fun to drive with the 5-speed manual and it cruises right along. Plenty of get-up and go! Id buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Wonderful Change - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By dan - June 1 - 11:26 am

  My wife and I decided to buy a smaller, fuel efficient car but wanted room to haul purchases, etc. We downgraded from a big car sedan. WE are so happy that we made the switch. We get great gas mileage and the car handles well and is fun to drive. The ride is a bit stiff - especially after driving a large car. Love this car! The only problem is that we fight over whos going to drive!

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  Brand New CAr - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By scottygirl - May 13 - 10:03 am

  Just bought the new Hyundai Touring brand new to this country. So far it has been fun to drive. I like the way it handles in the city.It was between this car and a Honda Accord. The touring sits up a little higher then the Honda. Also got more for my money and a trip odometer.

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  Day 1 - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By abe1215 - April 6 - 7:44 am

  This is NOT a review, but rather first impressions after purchasing. Ill skip the technicalities, as I dont have enough statistics to give a solid evaluation yet. The car looks and feels like an ideal match for intended audience - small family of 2-4. Not small, not too big either. Very nice set of essentials for driving, safety and comfort. Car feels very well planted on a road. Nice torque and acceleration. Pretty smooth 4-speed automatics. Excellent visibility. The interior is comfortable, easily fits 6"+ drivers. Cargo space is great, esp. with folded rear seats. Very little of fake metal insets that look so nasty Elantra Sedan 11. The beginning is very positive. To be continued