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2009 Hyundai Elantra Safety Review

June 15, 2009

SAFETY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the back shelf comes up so high it's difficult to see out the rear window
MotherProof

Five stars, front impact; four stars, side impact (both models)
NHTSA

Good,” frontal offset; "marginal," side impact; “acceptable,” rear impact
IIHS

Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Hyundai Elantra offers plenty of fabulous safety features, but it’s hard to overlook lackluster side-impact ratings for this small car.

Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard across the 2009 Hyundai Elantra lineup. MotherProof points out, "I want to note that there are six standard airbags in the Elantra, including side-curtain airbags for the back seat. Standard! I love it!" Also standard are anti-lock brakes and active head restraints; stability control and brake assist are standard on the SE for the new model year as well. The Washington Post concurs that the safety features available on the Hyundai Elantra "include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags."

With all that safety equipment, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra gets barely acceptable results. The Elantra sedan earns an "acceptable" rating for rear impact from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but just "marginal" in side impact. It also gets a mid-pack four stars for side impact in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests. The 2009 Hyundai Elantra does, however, garner top scores in frontal impact from both tests.

MotherProof also points out "three car seats will not fit in the back seat ... so take note of the fact that while the Elantra has the most interior space in its class, it's still not a school bus."

One issue is cited by Kelley Blue Book, which reports "visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear." Mother Proof concurs on this aspect of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The reviewer notes, "the back shelf comes up so high it's difficult to see out the rear window. It would seem odd to wish for a backup camera in a small budget car, but I do with the Elantra."

Conclusion

With unimpressive crash-test results but a decent array of safety features, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra barely makes the grade.

SAFETY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:the back shelf comes up so high it's difficult to see out the rear windowMotherProofFive stars, front impact; four stars, side impact (both models)NHTSAGood,” frontal offset; "marginal," side impact; “acceptable,” rear impactIIHS Editors at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2009 Hyundai Elantra offers plenty of fabulous safety features, but it’s hard to overlook lackluster side-impact ratings for this small car. Front, side, and curtain airbags are standard across the 2009 Hyundai Elantra lineup. MotherProof points out, "I want to note that there are six standard airbags in the Elantra, including side-curtain airbags for the back seat. Standard! I love it!" Also standard are anti-lock brakes and active head restraints; stability control and brake assist are standard on the SE for the new model year as well. The Washington Post concurs that the safety features available on the Hyundai Elantra "include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags." With all that safety equipment, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra gets barely acceptable results. The Elantra sedan earns an "acceptable" rating for rear impact from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but just "marginal" in side impact. It also gets a mid-pack four stars for side impact in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests. The 2009 Hyundai Elantra does, however, garner top scores in frontal impact from both tests. MotherProof also points out "three car seats will not fit in the back seat ... so take note of the fact that while the Elantra has the most interior space in its class, it's still not a school bus." One issue is cited by Kelley Blue Book, which reports "visibility is slightly hampered aft and to right rear." Mother Proof concurs on this aspect of the 2009 Hyundai Elantra. The reviewer notes, "the back shelf comes up so high it's difficult to see out the rear window. It would seem odd to wish for a backup camera in a small budget car, but I do with the Elantra." ConclusionWith unimpressive crash-test results but a decent array of safety features, the 2009 Hyundai Elantra barely makes the grade. 2009 HYUNDAI ELANTRA STYLING | [7 out of 10] ConsumerGuide: "plush cloth upholstery, attractive plastics, and many soft-touch surfaces belie Elantra's pricing" Washington Post: "unpretentious" Kelley Blue Book: "impressive exterior styling" Edmunds: "the overall design is attractive and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Toyota Corolla has long been the benchmark in this class; even given its recent redesign, the Corolla stands as competent in every way but not at all exciting, and the Corolla’s interior isn’t as warm or nicely detailed as the Elantra’s. The Elantra's long warranty is only matched by the Kia. In terms of sedans, many rivals to the Elantra have it beat for those seeking a sportier feel. The revised Ford Focus sedan is a close competitor, with a softer, smoother ride and a quieter interior than in years past, along with a refined powertrain, but the Focus's interior just isn't as spacious. The Honda Civic and Kia Spectra sedans both feel sportier on the road, but each of those models exhibits more road noise inside and a less plush ride. The Mazda3 is a top rival for the new Elantra Touring hatchback model; the Mazda3 still outdoes the Touring with its interior and its responsive handling and steering feel, but the Touring is a lot more exciting to drive than most of the mentioned sedans while offering better cargo versatility.

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See the Hyundai Elantra in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  St Louis Hyundai #1, Posted: 11/23/2009

    I've seen a lot in Hyundais come and go and in my opinion this newest generation of Elantras has more comfort and value than any of its closest competition. I'd say the price is right too.

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