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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  1 year review...so far so good!! - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By gwilly - January 18 - 8:27 am

  We already have a 07 AWD Santa Fe, with a pretty reliable record. Didnt know about this car 1 year ago, but it fits the bill perfectly. Mileage is 25-28 city and 31-34 highway with a light foot, car coasts very easily in neutral, I throw it there often. Ride can be harsh on the freeway in So Cal, my wife dislikes this bumpiness caused by the perpendicular cross-cuts in the pavement for water drainage. Overall no problems at all, with a few rattles coming from the shifter and occasionally the car idles like a diesel for no reason. I would recommend the manual shifter if you want to have more control over the driving experience. Older people with bad backs will not like the SE.

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  Very Strong Design - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Chris - January 13 - 9:23 pm

  Traded in a V6 Sonata and MPG already has improved from 18 to 26 in mostly urban driving. I drove both the automatic and the 5 speed and there really is no comparison -- if you can drive stick go for it, its a much better experience. The utility of the car is amazing with tons of space, seating for 4 reasonable sized adults, and respectable mileage (though could always be better!). Truly a good compromise if you need an SUV but believe that gas prices will just continue to increase faster than your pay. BTW, it is a European design so the ride is intended to be tight vs. cushion-y. It is more like a Jetta than a Buick so be aware. Altogether a well designed and reasonably priced car!

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  Finally bought a Hyundai - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By fearthevoices - January 2 - 10:56 pm

  A family member has had 6 Hyundais, never having a serious issue with any of them, even in some of their early models. With a track history like that, I knew someday wed buy one too. Im over 6 and am very comfortable in this car, and find the seats very supportive too. Handling is great, ride may be a bit firm for some though. Car is very quiet on the highway, a big change from our last Saturn. Fit an finish are great, even impressed my neighbor who owns 2 Mercedes. Ill be looking at Hyundai when its time to replace my ride; this one is for my wife.

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  I like it! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By TG - December 12 - 5:26 pm

  Looked at vw sportswagen, mazda3 and civic. Sportswagen was several thousand more and for what exactly? Civic had not enough space. Drove Mazda3 hatch and touring back to back several times (once in the rain) ultimately no contest -materials/space/dash layout were superior to the mazda3 (IMO). And I own a Mazda5! The ET has a very slightly softer ride but its a good thing! OTD for less than 20K. I do not find road noise or engine noise to be noticeable. Its relative to what you are used too and not the over-riding factor in this purchase. There really isnt anything on the market to compare. Looks better in my garage than in pics online! Hoping it holds up over time like my CRV.

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  Victoria - 2011 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Canada - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I just trade my 2010 Nissan sentra for 2011 elantra touring. After experience the poor quality of the sentra specially the CVT whats a joke. After all. I picked the et. Its a simple mechanical design power train, less electrical wiring, fewer sensors. Less trouble for sure. Power is plenty for my ( I am not a racer ) smart design for useful space. The car is solid build. It handles so well at all speed. I would recommend it to any one. Good price and high quality overall.

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  Great Car - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Dayton - September 1 - 5:30 am

  This is our 3rd Hyundai Elantra and we couldnt be happier. This car is great for young families and people who need the extra cargo room but dont want a large vehicle. Recently carried two full size interior doors with ease. Also packed a crib and rocker with minimal trouble. XM radio is great and 17-inch rims turn heads. Recently had someone stop us in traffic to ask us where we got it. Great car for the money, would buy it again.

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  One year later - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Mike - August 20 - 10:40 am

  OK its been one year that Ive had my Elantra Touring. Still cant believe what a great car you get for the money. When I first purchased this car, I had long highway commute to work(42 miles). Recently moved to new closer location (13 miles) with city driving now. Still an amazing ride and very comfortable. Good gas mileage...27 mpg vs 31 mpg with highway driving. Even thinking of trading in our other car, Toyota Sienna for the Hyundai Veracruz!

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  Love my Touring!! - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By Karen N - August 17 - 6:53 pm

  This is a great car for the money. It is a sporty hatchback that is quite roomy inside and big enough to haul all my "stuff". Didnt want an SUV but did want the convenience of a hatchback. I test drove all cars in this class and this one won hands down. I averaged 32 on the highway recently and in the city around 28. The Touring also has great safety features.

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  The touring is a Good buy for the money - 2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By DJ Rebell - July 23 - 11:36 am

  Needed something inexpensive but reliable and roomy. I am dj and I just needed a car to get me to and from my gigs the touring offers a lot of space Im a very tall guy and I have no leg room problems god knows Ive been in suvs and I felt more cramped up. So far my equipments fit nicely but the bumpy ride make me uneasy with my equipments and I live in New York where there are potholes on every corner. Other than the bumpy ride the acceleration is a little slow and I wish it wasnt because this car has a very sporty feeling and the engine hums like a sports car so when Im driving it I feel like I wanna kick up dust. But for the price of the car its pretty decent. I would recommend it.

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  Best Value in a Hatchback Anywhere! - 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring
  By 57redleg - June 20 - 4:06 am

  Needed to move on to a new vehicle and pass my 2001 Civic to my son. Checked the Impreza, Fit, Forte, Elantra sedan and just about everything else. The Elantra Touring had the best value to feature set of all by far. The interior is fantastic from the comfortable seats, to the beautiful dash to the incredibly large back seat and cargo area. The included iPod connection, and overall layout is great. ESC and TCS works great so far, but once the Wisconsin snow starts falling Ill know for sure. The ET has more than enough power, though the engine noise is noticeable when accelerating to road speed. I do miss the 40 mpg I got with my old Civic; averaging 29mpg in 70% highway driving