2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring

Vehicle Overview

The Elantra Touring hatchback is a distinct model in Hyundai’s lineup, with a different appearance than Hyundai’s Elantra sedan. The Touring battles it out with cars like the Toyota Matrix as well as hatchback versions of the Mazda3 and Nissan Versa. A new hatchback Elantra — the Elantra GT — debuts for the 2013 model year.

The Elantra Touring has a bit of a wagon look to it. Its smooth body sides and traditional cues give it a much more conservative appearance than the Elantra sedan, which received dramatic styling with its redesign for the 2011 model year. Fifteen-inch steel wheels are standard while 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels are optional.

Power comes from a 138-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain isn’t as efficient as the one in the Elantra sedan, which is rated at 40 mpg on the highway by the EPA.

There’s room for up to five people in the Elantra Touring. Cargo room behind the rear seats measures 24.3 cubic feet; with the rear seats folded, there’s 65.3 cubic feet. Standard convenience features include air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a USB port for iPod connectivity.