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2009 Hyundai Elantra Full Review
Date Published: 6/28/08
Also in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Review:
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Hyundai Elantra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Hyundai Elantra
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra lineup gains a new model--the Elantra Touring. The Touring is a 4-door hatchback version of this compact car. Elantra also comes as a 4-door sedan in GLS and SE trim, and those models should remain largely unchanged for 2009. Tourings are 2 inches longer in wheelbase but 1 inch shorter overall than their sedan counterparts. All Elantras use a 141-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that teams with a manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. All Elantras have a height-adjustable driver seat and power windows. Air conditioning, cruise control, and CD player are optional for GLS, standard on SE. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are optional on SE. Elantra Tourings have specific suspension tuning.
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2009 Hyundai Elantra Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Instruments/controls | |
| Build quality | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Only SE sedan models have been made available for testing so far. Acceleration is adequate with either transmission, but it's far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 sec with the manual transmission, which has a slick, precise shifter. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Only SE sedan models have been made available for testing so far. Acceleration is adequate with either transmission, but it's far from snappy. Hyundai says 0-60 mph takes 8.8 sec with the manual transmission, which has a slick, precise shifter. The automatic transmission is smooth and responsive.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, an SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. Elantra uses regular-grade gas.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an SE with manual transmission averaged 26.8 mpg. Elantra uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Elantra'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.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Elantra'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.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The 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. The brakes furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.8 |
The 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. The brakes furnish fine stopping control and pedal feel.
Quietness
The engine is a bit noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush is evident around the exterior mirrors. Road and tire noise are impressively low for the class.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
The engine is a bit noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant. Some wind rush is evident around the exterior mirrors. Road and tire noise are impressively low for the class.
Controls
Large, clear gauges. Climate and audio controls are simple and handy.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Large, clear gauges. Climate and audio controls are simple and handy.
Details
Plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie Elantra's pricing. So does its classy blue dashboard lighting.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie Elantra's pricing. So does its classy blue dashboard lighting.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Adequate headroom and legroom, though taller occupants may want more space in both areas. Wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort. SE includes a telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Adequate headroom and legroom, though taller occupants may want more space in both areas. Wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments enhance driver comfort. SE includes a telescopic steering wheel. Visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Adult-size room. Entry and exit are slightly tight for larger adults. Height-adjustable head restraints and a fold-down center armrest aid comfort.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Adult-size room. Entry and exit are slightly tight for larger adults. Height-adjustable head restraints and a fold-down center armrest aid comfort.
Cargo Room
More trunk space than many cars in this class, but the slim opening and sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, but the backrests don't lay flat and leave only a small pass-through for long items. Generous small-item storage via numerous bins, slots, and cubbies.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.2 |
More trunk space than many cars in this class, but the slim opening and sickle-type trunklid hinges compromise utility. A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard, but the backrests don't lay flat and leave only a small pass-through for long items. Generous small-item storage via numerous bins, slots, and cubbies.
Value within Class
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.
| SE, manual | SE, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
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 | Class Average |
| 61 | 61 | 58.7 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 50 | |
| Average Score | 58 | |
| High Score | 74 |
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2009 Hyundai Elantra Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 Hyundai Elantra Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan | Hyundai Elantra 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 177.4 | 176.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.9 | 69.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.3 | 59.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2723 | -- |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.2 | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.0 | -- |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | -- |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.5 | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.0 | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 141 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 137 @ 4600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 24/33 |
| 4-speed automatic | 25/33 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Hyundai Elantra 4-door sedan | Hyundai Elantra 4-door hatchback |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built in:
South Korea
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Hyundai Elantra Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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