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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  Excellent value - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By John - June 22 - 11:46 am

  This was my first new car purchase - Ive had it for about two months now and am loving it. Averaging 35 mpg mixed driving. Im 63" and have plenty of head and leg room. Love the blue color. Overall, Id say its a great value at about $19.8k OTD.

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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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  4k on my Elantra Touring... - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By whiteh2opdlr - April 26 - 12:40 am

  Choose out of Vibe, Mazda3 5D, and another pickup. Very pleased with the car so far, the fuel economy is slightly disappointing for a small 4cyl car, but is passable after driving a pickup for 10 years. Handles great, comfortable on long drives, and have no major issues with the car so far.

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  A great car! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Eddie - April 3 - 8:20 am

  We replaced a Honda Oddessy with the Hyundai Elantra Touring. It is far more pleasurable to drive than the Honda was and much quieter on the turnpike. It handles great, very smooth on the turnpike. Feels like a much bigger car than it is. Excellent visibility. The headlights (particularly high beams) are superb. Excellent brakes. The car has plenty of power and it is no problem to keep up with traffic on the expressways. The Hyundai warranty for 5 yrs/60 K miles is a big selling feature of this car. I am averaging 26.5 mpg mostly on Orlandos traffic clogged streets. Great sound system and love being able to just plug in a flash drive with my CDs on it.

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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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  My new Touring 2009 - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By scottygirl09 - March 13 - 2:46 am

  I have had the car for over a week and so far it is alot of fun. The car is easy to get in and out of for a tall person 59. Handles well around corners.

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  One swell car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Zoots Best Buddy - March 6 - 4:56 pm

  My wife and I test drove the Toyota Matrix and Corolla, Honda Fit and Civic, and various used Subarus. This was the absolute best combination of interior space, looks, price, value and warranty coverage. After the first 2500 miles, were more convinced than ever we made the right decision.

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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.