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:

• 

  Great all-around car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By SacDriver - December 24 - 9:00 am

  Wife and I spent a few months looking for a good mid-sized hatchback/wagon, this one was it. The matrix, and Mazada3 didnt even compare. Im picky about my cars and usually buy Japanese. This has been a great family car over the last 6 months. Im 62 and I fit comfortably in this car. This car is not the Elantra, it is the German designed i30, handles like a Euro car and is built much better. This not only is the most well rounded mid-sized wagon its also the best priced. Love car so far!

• 

  Other than the odometer LCD... - 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By JT - November 17 - 7:58 am

  Im happy enough with my 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring GLS, except for having to repeatedly replace the odometer/trip LCD. I think Im on my third replacement. I have 13K on it (each replacement odometer LCD is set at "0" miles), and this one is now starting to go. Once it goes bad it can only be read in the morning. After the car sits in the sun all day the odometer fades until it is unreadable. Other than that Im happy with the car.

• 

  Mr. Hyde of the Elantra Family - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By "Ron" - November 12 - 1:13 am

  I have had the car for nearly two weeks and love it. I dumped my Toyota Tacoma in search of better fuel economy, better driving dynamics, and interior room. The Elantra Touring delivers on all three fronts. While not as good as my wifes Civic, the Hyundai is delivering decent fuel economy. My worst tank was still over 27 mpg of mostly city driving. Dont believe the mpg gauge, it is wrong. My SE 5 speed is a blast to drive. It handles on rails and steers very quickly. Ride is firm, but not jarring. You have to expect this with 17" low pro tires. Interior space is class leading and I have no issues with head/leg/thigh room and I am a big dude! Trips to Home Depot should be no problem .

• 

  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.

• 

  Love the Touring - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Liz - June 15 - 5:26 am

  Had a 1992 Honda Civic hatchback before this and wanted another Civic but I found I could get more for my money with the Touring. Ive driven if for about 600 miles so far and I love it more each day. It has everything I was looking for and more; good safety features, lots of cargo space, fun to drive, my tall friends say the backseat is much more spacious than expected and very comfortable. I got the vivid blue color and its awesome. I also love the black interior but it does show anything left behind of the fabric like lint from clothing. I would suggest the sports package (sunroof, 17 inch alloy wheels, and heated seats). Im getting on average around 24-25 MPG (mostly city driving).

• 

  Just what I wanted - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By jordan2240 - June 14 - 8:53 pm

  Just the opposite experience as the previous reviewer. Also have owned the car for only a couple of weeks now, but find the ride to be very smooth and the seating position very comfortable. Given its the GLS version, there arent many bells and whistles, but it has all I need. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Subaru Outback (I also loved) that I turned over to my son when his vehicle died. I wanted something smaller but still roomy and a hatchback. The Touring was the perfect choice (100lb lab fits fine in very back). Great safety features, and I love buzzing around in it. Love XM radio too. Got 29mpg driving mostly around town. Not too shabby. Headlights could be better.

• 

  Great utility and performance - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Matt - June 2 - 10:10 pm

  Ive logged about 7,000 miles on my Touring, and Ive got nothing but praise for it. The cargo area allows me to comfortably transport two dogs (one large, the other medium sized). Despite the abundant cargo space, the car still feels small and handles like the sport-tuned compact hatch it is. Build quality is very tight just like the past two Hyundais Ive owned. Acceleration is surprisingly satisfactory with the MT given the engines horsepower rating and aged design. The best part of the deal is that I am getting consistently above the published mileage ratings. With the cruise control set at 70mph I push 33.5-34 mpg on an 1.5 hour trip, and at 76mpg I get 32-32.5mpg. Great car!

• 

  Dont buy this car - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By mvermil - May 17 - 5:40 am

  Ive had this car for only a couple weeks and am in the process of returning it. The ride is extremely rough, to the point that it is physically jarring to the driver. The seats are very uncomfortable, and the steering wheel is at an odd angle (slightly to the left) rather than being straight on to the driver, which, coupled with the rough ride, has caused lower back problems for me (Ive never had back problems before).

• 

  Awesome Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Mike - March 29 - 6:36 am

  Purchased this car for commuting to work and have not been disappointed. Handles great, comfortable ride, unbelievable interior room. Best of all, great value, the list of features that come with the car is amazing. Completely satisfied. Look out Honda and Toyota...here comes Hyundai!!!

• 

  Great little urban runner - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By dave - January 29 - 2:00 am

  So far I really like this car, it is a economy car so I dont expect a great ride, but I like the features , like heated seats, and just about every little added feature there is, i used to drive a truck and just got tired of filling the tank up, Now I just drive by the gas station and smile.