2009 Hyundai Elantra: Road Test
2009 Hyundai Elantra ▼
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- MSRP: $14,120 - $18,600
- Invoice: $13,735 - $17,827
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Our road test for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra help you decide if a 2009 Hyundai Elantra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Acceleration in both the sedan and Touring is adequate with either transmission, but it's far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 seconds with the manual transmission. The manual transmission has a slightly notchy feel and throws that are on the long side. The automatic is smooth and responsive.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. A manual-transmission Touring averaged 30.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. Elantra uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.2 |
Elantra sedan's ride is an asset vs. many class rivals, abetted by a stout structural feel. It absorbs most small bumps easily but floats some over large humps and dips at highway speed. Touring versions have none of the sedan's float, but its overall ride is markedly more firm.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.9 |
The sedan's suspension allows some cornering lean, but the tires furnish good dry-road grip. Elantra's electric power steering is quick but feels a tad light. Tourings have sharper response, with better steering feel and stronger grip. The brakes on all furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4.8 |
The engine is noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush is evident around the exterior mirrors. Road and tire noise on sedans are impressively low for the class. The Touring's hatchback design and optional 17-inch tires contribute to more resonance inside the cabin.
CONTROLS
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Large, clear gauges. Climate and audio controls are simple and handy.
DETAILS
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Plush cloth upholstery belies Elantra's pricing. So does its classy blue dashboard lighting. Otherwise, most interior materials are in-line with other compact-car rivals.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Headroom and legroom are quite good for the class. Wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort. SE and Touring include a telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is good, thanks in part to high-set front seats.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Adult-size room. Narrow door openings hamper entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 8 | 4.9 |
Sedans have more trunk space than many cars in this class, but the slim opening and sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. Tourings have ample room. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard on all Elantras, but the backrests don't lay flat and leave only a small pass-through for long items. Generous small-item storage is offered via numerous bins, slots, and cubbies.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6.6 |
Elantra matches any class rival for refinement, space, and comfort. And it beats most for safety with standard front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and ABS. A robust feel, attractive prices and Hyundai's strong warranty also make Elantra a Recommended pick.
Total Score
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Touring w/Premium Sport Pkg, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 61 | 64 | 60.1 |
Total Score: 62
Scores for all Compact Cars
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