#3

in Affordable Small Cars

Based on analysis of 43 Elantra reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $14,120 - $17,820
Invoice: $13,735 - $17,090
MPG: 24 City / 33 Hwy
Get local dealer price quotes:

U.S.News Scores

Overall:8.6
Performance:7.6
Exterior:7.7
Interior:8.2
Safety:8.5
Reliability:9.0
Research we analyzed for this review

Prices

See what others recently paid in your area for the Elantra.

Shop around for the best deal by getting price quotes from local dealers.

Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

According to the automotive press, the 2009 Elantra's design blends in too well with other small cars. The best compliment given is that the car will neither attract nor repulse buyers.

  • "Exterior styling seems to be par for the course, as far as the five-door segment is concerned. Chrome accents, tinted glass, fog lamps, and optional 17-inch wheels give the Elantra Touring a little edge, but it will take some bright paintwork ... before it gets a second look approaching in the rear-view mirror." -- Motor Trend
  • "The Elantra's amorphous styling will not stand out beside a Civic or Mazda3, but it shouldn't offend anyone, either." -- Cars.com
  • "The Touring isn't just a wagon version of the Elantra - it's got quite a few features to punch in some fun to this more practical bodystyle, too." -- Popular Mechanics
  • "If there's one place the Elantra comes up short, it's styling. The car actually has some rather nice details, but unless the light hits the car just right you probably won't notice the swoopy character line that runs from nose to tail." -- About.com
Review Last Updated: 7/1/09