2009 Hyundai Elantra Quality Review

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Hyundai Elantra offers excellent interior space and overall commitment to quality.

Seating in the front of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra is amply proportioned and comfortable. Cars.com reports the Elantra's "cloth seats are comfortable, with substantial cushions and ample back support"; however, this year's Hyundai Elantra loses a point because "lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat is not available." Edmunds contends that adults will "appreciate the Elantra's generous amount of space provided by the generous head, shoulder, hip and legroom found in both the front and rear seats." ConsumerGuide points out "adequate headroom and legroom, though taller occupants may want more room...wide ranging seat and steering wheel adjustments [that] enhance driver comfort."

In the backseat of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra, results are mixed. Kelley Blue Book finds that space in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra is adequate all around: "the roominess, headroom and rear-seat legroom are welcome in a car of this size... Elantra can comfortably and safely pack in a family of five and its cargo." MotherProof pipes up to say, "I'm going out on a limb here to let you know that the Hyundai Elantra is downright and surprisingly roomy." ConsumerGuide reports that the "...[back row has] adult-size room." Cars.com, however, is not a fan of backseat space in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra: "the seats are high enough off the ground that legroom is bearable, but headroom is tight."

Storage in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra is generous overall. ConsumerGuide reports "more trunk space than many cars in this class," but notes "the slim opening and sickle-type trunk lid hinges compromise utility." According to Cars.com, the "seatback folds in a 60/40 split, exposing a small opening to the trunk," which measures 14.2 cubic feet—"more than nearly all the Elantra's major competitors." Edmunds also notes "plenty of cubbies." MotherProof is very excited about storage in the 2009 Hyundai Elantra, citing "all the wonderful consoles and storage for the driver and front passenger." The reviewer is a particular fan of the "lidded compartment on top of the dashboard perfect for pens, paper, snacks, and cell phones."

Autoblog gushes over the Elantra Touring interior, saying that since it’s based on the European I30, its materials have a good look and feel. “Go ahead, poke the dash—it'll give,” the reviewer urges. “Do that in some competitors and you'll sprain your finger.”

ConsumerGuide appreciates the interior overall: "plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie [the 2009 Hyundai] Elantra's pricing. So does the classy blue dashboard lighting." Cars.com suggests, "Beyond some cheap door panels and a rubbery steering wheel, there was little to suggest the [Hyundai] Elantra as tested cost less than $16,000...the dash is trimmed in soft-touch materials, the buttons feel high-quality and the ceiling has an upscale woven texture." Edmunds, however, is less complimentary about the 2009 Hyundai Elantra's "likable interior," which "is otherwise let down by a few low-grade interior plastics." While acknowledging that "top-quality plastics and other materials are utilized throughout," they are "betrayed by some cheap plastics here and there, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel (on the SE trim), [which is] prone to making your hands feel a bit clammy."

Car and Driver calls the cargo space in the Elantra Touring “remarkable,” pointing to its 65 cubic-foot capacity with the backseats folded, and deems it “a very pleasant and useful small car.”

This year's 2009 Hyundai Elantra isn't the quietest car on the road. ConsumerGuide remarks that the "engine is a bit noisy at high rpm but is never unpleasant," while noting "some wind rush...evident around the exterior mirrors," but concludes that "road and tire noise are impressively low for the class." Cars.com, however, reports "wheels and suspension provide little in the way of sound deadening, so there's plenty of road noise at highway speeds."