2009 Hyundai Elantra Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Hyundai Elantra overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Elantra, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the Elantra.

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra transforms from a nice compact car into an almost-exciting one thanks to a few small changes. Enhanced suspension and steering make it more fun to drive than before and new instrument and radio displays on the inside make the driver’s seat more inviting than ever. A couple of other aesthetic tweaks come by way of new wheel cover designs on the entry-level Elantra GLS and a new license plate border on the Elantra SE. Slick.

Also new for 2009 is the re-introduction of the five-door hatchback Elantra, called the Elantra Touring. We last saw what looked like this version of the Elantra in 2006, but similarity in looks is where the similarities end. If you want excitement in your Elantra, go for the Touring. It’s just as spacious, but sportier than the sedan and is the first hatchback on the market with standard electronic stability control (ESC). With a couple of inches added to the wheelbase, Hyundai tells us the Elantra Touring offers a much sportier ride than the sedan.

The 2009 Hyundai Elantra sedan is available in two trim levels – the GLS and the SE. The new-for-2009 Elantra Touring is offered in one trim level.

The entry-level 2009 Elantra GLS comes standard with full power accessories, a tilting steering wheel, keyless entry and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. An impressive upgrade to the audio system that includes a six-speaker stereo with CD/MP3 player, iPod/USB hookup and satellite radio is optional. Also available are air conditioning, a sunroof and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The Elantra SE gets all of the good audio and vanity mirror features plus a telescoping steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Even better, the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. You can opt to get a sunroof, heated front seats and leather upholstery throughout.

For the cool kids, Hyundai offers the new-for-2009 Elantra Touring. There is only one trim level and it even comes with a 12-volt outlet in the rear for those wild tailgate parties you’re bound to throw from the rear of this car. Standard features include a USB port, satellite radio and a power adjustable eight-way driver’s seat. Two-tone interior trim, air conditioning, power accessories and keyless entry are also included. An options package adds a power sunroof with tilt and slide, heated front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

All Elantras come with Hyundai’s generous five-year/60,000 mile and 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

All 2009 Elantras, including the Touring, come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 138 horsepower. It is front-wheel drive (FWD) only. A five-speed manual transmission is standard across the line, but a four-speed automatic transmission is also available.

In California and the other states that have adopted similarly strict emissions standards, Elantras with automatic transmissions are classified as Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEV). This is an easy way to be green, but we should note that the engine loses a few ponies in the process and ends up with 132 horsepower.

According to EPA estimates, the manual transmission 2009 Elantra will get 24 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With an automatic transmission, the same 2.0-liter engine should get 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.

The Elantra Touring with a manual transmission should get 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Touring with an automatic transmission is estimated to get 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.

Every 2009 Elantra, including the Touring, comes standard with antilock disc brakes (ABS), active front head restraints, dual front, side and side-curtain airbags. The Elantra SE and Touring models get electronic stability and traction control and brake assist.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2009 Elantra a Good rating for protection on frontal-crash tests. Good is the highest rating from the IIHS. The Elantra receives a Marginal rating for protection on side-impact tests and an Acceptable rating on rear-crash protection tests. There are no separate ratings from the IIHS for the 2009 Elantra Touring. Roof strength tests have not been performed on the Elantra, so there is no IIHS rating.

The 2009 Elantra gets a top rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal-crash driver and passenger protection tests. It gets four stars for side-impact protection. NHTSA gives the Elantra a four star rating for rollover protection. The Elantra Touring receives the same ratings across the board.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra is among the most reliable cars on the market.

Whenever we meet a Hyundai, it seems we immediately start using the words “good value.” The 2009 Hyundai Elantra and new Elantra Touring are no exception. In fact, the suspension and design tweaks on the sedan this year and the re-introduction of the Elantra Touring to the lineup make us almost giddy with excitement. Note we said almost. There are still a couple of things like some downscale plastics apparent in the cabin and an engine that sounds like it needs mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at higher speeds, but since this is an economy car, we can’t complain too loudly.

Simply put, the Elantra has a lot of good going for. It’s spacious. It has room enough for you, your friends and your cargo. That may not seem impressive on its own, but this is a compact car and the fact that it gives you the ability to fit everyone and everything comfortably is a triumph. The Touring even offers you a hatchback and 12-volt input for tailgating. The spaciousness, combined with a good list of standard features and Hyundai’s great warranty, make us quite comfortable recommending the 2009 Elantra.