2010 Hyundai Elantra

Sedan

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

KMHDU4AD5AU066287

Clear

Gasoline

2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA What's New for 2010 For 2010, the Hyundai Elantra adds a new, fuel-efficient Blue model along with improved fuel economy for all other models. A new grille and chrome trim spruce up the appearance, while iPod/USB connections are now standard down to the GLS trim. Introduction The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is one of those cars that will make you feel like you've found something special. It's like a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that doesn't look like much from the outside but serves up tantalizing meals on the inside. The unassuming Elantra aces just about every test that really matters for economy car buyers. For a price comparable to the Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, the Elantra delivers much more space and comfort for passengers. To further sweeten the deal, the Elantra also comes with a slightly lower price, respectable fuel economy, a capacious trunk and a generous warranty. The Elantra remains one of our top choices in the compact sedan market even if it is often overshadowed by more prominent competition. We like it more than the current Corolla -- in fact, the Elantra does a better job of meeting the traditional Corolla strengths of refinement and comfort than the Toyota does. In any case, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra delivers more than expected, just like your favorite hidden restaurant. The only question is whether you'll want to keep it a secret or not. Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is a small sedan available in Blue, GLS and SE trim levels. The base Blue model is a bit of a stripper and only includes 15-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat and a tilt-only steering wheel. An optional Comfort package adds air-conditioning, cruise control and a CD/MP3 player with a USB/auxiliary audio jack. The GLS model includes all the Blue's standard and optional features plus foglights. The SE model tops off the features list with 16-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, a telescoping steering column and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls. A power sunroof is optional on both GLS and SE trim levels, but heated front seats are only offered on SE models. Powertrains and Performance The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 138 horsepower and 136 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. In California-emissions states, Elantras with automatic transmissions meet Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) standards, but output is reduced to 132 hp. The Blue model is offered only with a five-speed manual transmission, while GLS and SE models receive a four-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. In a previous test of a five-speed manual Elantra, we reached 60 mph from a standstill in a respectable 8.4 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy for the Elantra Blue at 26 mpg city/35 mpg highway and 29 mpg in combined driving. The GLS and SE models attain nearly identical numbers at 26/34/29 mpg. Safety Every Elantra comes standard with antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Stability and traction control and brake assist are only available on the SE model. In government crash testing, the 2010 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 a second-worst score of "Marginal" in side impact testing. Rear-seat side protection was rated as "Good," though it was the "Poor" driver torso and "Average" pelvis and leg protection that brought down the overall score. Interior Design and Special Features Inside, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra exhibits the look and feel of a more expensive sedan. While there is a scattering of hard plastics and wobbly buttons, occupants are generally surrounded by well-textured panels that have been solidly assembled. Adding to the upscale ambience is a gracefully sculpted dash and cool blue lighting that we'd expect to find in more upscale brands like Acura. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate the spacious cabin with plentiful headroom and legroom -- even for taller folk. Storage is also quite good, with numerous pockets and bins, while the trunk ably contains up to 14 cubic feet of cargo. Rear 60/40-split-folding seats allow for even more cargo if needed. Driving Impressions On the highway, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra treats occupants to a mostly quiet cabin. Wind and road noise are pleasantly abated, but the engine can be a bit noisy above 3,500 rpm. The Elantra does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections while also maintaining its composure through tight turns with a decent amount of grip. But compared to cars like the Civic and Mazda 3, the Elantra comes off as rather spiritless. Exterior Tires and Wheels Steel wheels 15 in. wheels Steel spare wheel P195/65R T tires All season tires Inside mounted spare tire Full wheel covers Temporary spare tire Roof and Glass Variable intermittent wipers Rear defogger Measurements Width: 69.9 in. Height: 58.3 in. Length: 177.4 in. Ground clearance: 5.9 in. Front track: 60.7 in. Rear track: 60.7 in. Wheel base: 104.3 in. Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 14.2 cu.ft. Maximum towing capacity: 1500 lbs. EPA interior volume: 112.1 cu.ft. Gross weight: .32 in. Curb weight: 2747 lbs. Exterior Options Rear Spoiler Sunroof Wind Deflector Mud Guards Mechanical Engine & Performance Base engine size: 2.0 L Cam type: Double overhead cam (DOHC) Cylinders: inline 4 Valves: 16 Valve timing: Variable Torque: 136 ft-lbs. @ 4600 rpm Horsepower: 138 hp @ 6000 rpm Turning circle: 33.9 ft. Base engine type: gas DriveTrain Drive type: front wheel drive Transmission: 4-speed automatic Suspension MacPherson strut front suspension Multi-link rear suspension Four-wheel independent suspension Front and rear stabilizer bar Fuel Fuel type: gas Fuel type: regular unleaded Fuel tank capacity: 14 gal. Range in miles (cty/hwy): 364/476 mi. EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 26/34 mpg Safety Safety & Security 4-wheel ABS Front and rear head airbags Dual front side-mounted airbags Child seat anchors Remote anti-theft alarm system Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes Rear door child safety locks Front fog/driving lights 2 front headrests 3 rear headrests Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation Rear center 3-point belt Front seatbelt pretensioners Electronic brakeforce distribution Emergency interior trunk release Front height adjustable headrests Rear height adjustable headrests Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system Driver head restraint whiplash protection system Tire pressure monitoring Warranty Basic: 5 yr./ 60000 mi. Drivetrain: 10 yr./ 100000 mi.