2009 Hyundai Elantra Review
2009 Hyundai Elantra Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- High-class cabin for the price, smooth and secure ride, spacious interior with adult-friendly backseat, well-equipped, low price, long warranty.
Cons
- Engine is noisy at mid-to-high rpm, a bit bland to drive, a few cheap interior bits.
What’s new
The Hyundai Elantra gets enhanced suspension and steering tuning for 2009, along with new interior instrument and radio displays. A USB/iPod audio jack is now available.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is often overlooked, but it's a roomy and well-built small sedan with surprisingly sophisticated road manners. It is a must-drive if you're in the market for an economy car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$150/mo for Elantra GLS
Elantra GLS
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
If you're reading this, that means you've stumbled upon the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. Good for you, because like Aladdin discovering the lamp inside that giant sand cavern, the Elantra represents a rewarding find among a variety of seemingly more tantalizing choices. Although compact sedans like the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla get most of the attention from car buyers, the Elantra manages to match or even beat these little big boys at their own game, while featuring a lower price and a longer warranty. It's certainly a diamond in the rough.
For starters, the Elantra is the most spacious vehicle in the compact sedan class -- it's so big, in fact, that the EPA classifies it as a midsize. This can best be experienced in the backseat, where a high-mounted bench, generous foot room and ample head clearance make it an easy fit for full-size adults. The front seat also provides an impressive amount of space for taller drivers, given that competitors are often inhospitable for those north of 6 feet. The trunk and storage cubbies are also sizable.
On paper, the Elantra's engine is unremarkable. It's a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 138 horsepower and a heavy iron block. In the real world, however, it's surprisingly responsive and fuel efficient, with only a somewhat agricultural engine note at high rpm being a distraction. Once under way, the Elantra continues to impress with a smooth ride and confidence-inspiring handling. As long as you opt for the Popular Equipment package, even the lower trim level GLS cossets its passengers with a generous amount of features and a handsome, well-built cabin. In short, this Hyundai feels much more expensive than it is.
Now in its third year, the current-generation Elantra carries over with only the addition of a new USB/iPod audio jack, redesigned gauges and radio displays and enhanced suspension and steering tuning (although we never really complained about either). All said, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra continues to be one of our top choices in the compact sedan category -- especially for buyers who prioritize space and comfort over a fun driving experience. If your priorities are reversed, you should check out the Mazda 3. And if you're somewhere in the middle, try the Honda Civic. But no matter where you think you may land, congrats once again for stumbling upon the Elantra. We can't promise a genie, but you should at least be pleasantly surprised.
Performance & mpg
The front-wheel-drive Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 hp and 136 pound-feet of torque. Both trim levels can be equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. In California-emissions states, automatic-equipped Elantras are certified as squeaky-clean Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles (PZEV) but are rated for 132 hp. In performance testing, an Elantra with the five-speed manual went from zero to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds. Fuel economy also is right up there with the class leaders at 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined for an automatic-equipped Elantra. The manual transmission drops the city and combined numbers by 1 mpg.
Safety
Each Elantra comes standard with antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Elantra SE adds stability and traction control and brake assist. In government crash testing, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra received five out of five stars for frontal protection and four stars for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Elantra its top score of "Good" in its frontal offset test but the second-worst score of "Marginal" in the side test. Rear-seat side protection was rated as "Good," though it was "Poor" driver torso protection that resulted in the low overall score.
Driving
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra only has 138 horses, but they're a hard-working bunch capable of getting this spacious sedan up to speed surprisingly well. They're also rather noisy, however, particularly above 3,500 rpm. More refined is the ride quality, which is smooth and stable, even at highway speeds. Wind and road noise are also negligible, making the Elantra one of the better choices in its class if you do a lot of highway driving. Although it's not especially fun to drive, the Elantra manages to hold tight through turns, offering plenty of grip and decent steering response.
Interior
As far as economy car interiors go, it doesn't get much nicer than the Hyundai Elantra. Sure, there are a few plastic bits, and the buttons are notably downgrade, but for the most part materials and build quality are impressive. For instance, the dash-top grain and cool blue lighting look like they could have been removed from an Acura. Indeed, the overall design is attractive and pleasing, looking as if it belongs in a much more expensive car. Your carpool buddies should be impressed. They'll also appreciate the Elantra's generous head-, shoulder-, hip- and legroom found in both the front and rear seats. Storage is also plentiful, with lots of cubbies and a 14-cubic-foot trunk.
2009 Hyundai Elantra models
The 2009 Hyundai Elantra is a small sedan available in GLS and SE trim levels. The base GLS is sparsely equipped with 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and a tilt-only steering wheel. The Popular Equipment package adds air-conditioning, foglights, cruise control, illuminated vanity mirrors and a six-speaker stereo with a CD/MP3 player, USB/iPod audio jack, auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio. The SE adds that equipment, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, a telescoping steering column and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. The SE Premium package adds a sunroof (optional on GLS) and heated front seats. Leather upholstery can also be added to that package.
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N Tested: GT3 Quick and Still Beat Its EPA Range
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent
#11 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Hyundai Elantra from 2008-2022.$363/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.07x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).9.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Hyundai Elantra.
5 star(67%)
4 star(20%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(1%)
93 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Great car after 3+ years
sreston, 04/15/2012
2009 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I bought this new for under $15k, and am delighted with the features, low cost of ownership, and overall quality of the car.
I love the problem-free driving, nicely peppy engine, comfort and interior space (I am 6'5"). The car still looks new inside and out.
I have had a few small issues as follows:
*Driver's seat makes a clicking sound in the lowest position
*Rear window sometimes … made a crackling/popping sound when going over laterally uneven ground, but this went away last year after I put some product on the weatherstripping
*Driver's side window made a popping sound when rolled down--it was sticking to the stripping. Silicon lube fixed it
Otherwise the car has required zero repairs.
4.25 out of 5 stars
I replaced a Saab with this and I won't be looking back
captainbrown, 03/31/2012
2009 Hyundai Elantra GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I needed something cheap, practical, and reliable and I got it.
This car has two dominant personalities.
The first is a sensible car for the average adult.
Gas economy is on par with 2009, the ride quality is exceptionally smooth for a compact, and the cabin is quiet and spacious in town and on the freeway.
However, under the surface the 2009 Elantra is one of the funnest rides you can … get for an MSRP under $20,000.
I would compare it to a go cart.
It's nimble, quick, and firmly planted.
Unlike the 2011 Elantra, the steering is connected, responsive, and no matter how you drive it, she wants more.
Give it an honest test drive, because you have to drive it to experience it.
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE my car
shivelyk, 11/21/2011
2009 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
This makes the 2nd Elantra I have owned, & don't think I would own any other vehicle.
Mine has 72,000 miles on it & other than replacing both fog lights (due to driving in snow & on salted roadways), I haven't touched it for anything other than tires, brakes, air filter, & the other routine maintenance that is suggested in the manual.
I get EXCELLENT gas mileage--with a combo of city & … hwy miles I get at least 32 mpg with every tank.
It drives smooth, & it fires right up in cold weather.
Roomy interior, lots of nooks & crannys for storage, & an awesome factory stereo system are just some of the plusses on the inside.
I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a good car for less $$$
4.5 out of 5 stars
Are we all driving the same car?
GrampaL, 11/09/2010
2009 Hyundai Elantra SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
I swear some of the reviews are on different vehicles. My carpet fits, radio works, the engine runs well, the car handles well, and it's relatively quiet at all speeds, gets 34 mpg on Xway (28-29 in town) as advertised. I have had no problems whatever with only routine maintenance. The OEM tires aren't great in snow, but here's a tip folks - it's the tires.. not the car. I had this … problem in spades on a Maxima years ago. Buy some others if you ain't happy. You'd be amazed at the difference tires can make. Not sure what people expect, but this car meets or beats the competition at a lower price. It's comfortable, roomy and comes with a superior warranty. What more can you expect?
2009 Elantra Highlights
GLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,120 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $150/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Elantra include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintAcceptable
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