2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring review explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Elantra Touring, and includes Hyundai Elantra Touring safety, reliability, and fuel economy ratings.

The Hyundai Elantra Touring is an Elantra only in name. This model is actually based on the European Hyundai i30, and is a practical five-door hatchback that’s completely different from the popular Elantra sedan.

The Preferred Package for GLS models now includes 16-inch alloy wheels, and the car can be painted in new Volcanic Red or Dove White paint. Otherwise, the Elantra Touring is unchanged as Hyundai prepares to replace it with a redesigned model.

If you want to buy a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring, there are two trim levels from which to choose: standard GLS and sporty SE. Standard equipment includes a stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack, a USB port, an iPod connection, and satellite radio. It’s also got a CD/MP3 player so you can rock your vintage music. Power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power heated side mirrors, a tilt steering wheel, and air conditioning are also included in the base price, along with an outside temperature indicator, an alarm system, welcoming headlights that illuminate when you unlock the doors as you approach the car, and an EZ Lane Change Assist feature that blinks the turn signals three times with a single tap of the stalk. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, along with 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers.

If you choose to purchase the optional automatic transmission, as most people do, cruise control is also added to the features list. Aside from Bluetooth hands-free calling, the only other option is a Popular Equipment Package that adds a number of appreciated details like 16-inch alloy wheels, nicer cloth upholstery, better interior trim, a trip computer, and numerous upgrades such as roof rails, a cargo cover, seatback map pockets, illuminated visor mirrors, and an illuminated ignition ring to make it easier to start the car after dark. The Popular Equipment Package also increases comfort levels with a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and an eight-way manual driver’s seat with lumbar and height adjustments.

While we think the GLS with the Popular Equipment Package is the best value, our favorite Elantra Touring is the SE model. It has 17-inch alloy wheels and fog lights to set it apart from the GLS, but also comes standard with leather, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. Bluetooth and an automatic transmission are optional on this model.

Given that curb weights are 3,000 pounds and up, it would be nice if Hyundai offered something more energetic than a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. It drives the Elantra Touring’s front wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, and fuel economy ratings are 23 mpg in the city regardless of transmission choice. On the highway, the manual is rated to get 31 mpg while the automatic is expected to produce 30 mpg.

Every 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is equipped with a basic package of safety features including four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, stability control, and six airbags.

Crash-test ratings are not available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), as neither organization has performed evaluations of this model. The NHTSA does, however, calculate that the Elantra Touring provides 4-Star rollover resistance protection.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power and Associates do rate the Elantra Touring in terms of predicted reliability, with each market research firm reporting that this Hyundai should provide better than average reliability. Since Hyundai provides a standard five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, and a five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program with every Elantra Touring, that’s good news for the automaker as well as consumers.

Hyundai guarantees the Elantra Touring’s future trade-in value (and guarantees your future business in the process) as long as you buy another new Hyundai within 24-48 months.

However, since the Elantra Touring offers 24.3 cubic-feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 65.3 cu-ft with them folded, perhaps you’ll find this car so practical that you won’t want another one.

Vehix is a fan of the Hyundai Elantra Touring. It’s rare, which means you won’t see yourself coming and going everywhere you drive it. It’s roomy and functional, too, and with its Euro-tuned suspension is fairly engaging to drive. Reliability predictions put the car in positive territory, and the warranty/resale value programs can’t be beat. Add inherent value in the Elantra Touring’s pricing, and you’ve got a compelling choice in the small car class.

By Christian Wardlaw