2010 Hyundai Elantra Review

Overview

The award-winning Elantra enters into 2010 with the all-new Blue model achieving an estimated highway fuel economy rating of 35 miles per gallon. The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is offered in Blue, GLS, SE, and four-door Touring trim levels. The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is pitted against the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Cobalt.

Power and performance

Standard on all trim levels is a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve, four-cylinder engine with continuously variable valve timing. This engine is rated a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) in green states and is also available as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. The ULEV engine delivers 138 hp and 133 lb-ft. of torque, while the PZEV has an output of 132 horsepower and the same 133 lb-ft. of torque. All trims are offered with front-wheel drive and have a standard five-speed manual and an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The Elantra Blue?s estimated mileage is 26 mpg city, and 35 mpg highway. With the four-speed automatic transmission found in the Elantra GLS and SE, the estimated rating is 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

Body and styling

The all new 2010 Hyundai Elantra "Blue" is the lowest priced in the lineup. Its standard features include 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows with driver's one-touch down, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel. Air conditioning, 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and in-glass antenna, iPod/USB auxiliary inputs and cruise control are available options as part of the Comfort Package. The other standard interior features of the lineup are rear seat heater ducts; urethane or leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; tilt steering wheel; remote keyless entry with alarm, panic and trunk open; 60/40 split fold-down rear seat-back with adjustable head restraints; multi-adjustable driver's seat with height adjustment; seat-back pockets; dual front cup-holders and rear center armrest with cup-holders; and front map lights with sunglass holder. For the exteriors, the 2010 Elantra gets 15-inch steel or 16-inch alloy wheels; chrome accent grille; body-color heated dual power mirrors; center high mount stop lamp; power windows with driver's auto down and illuminated switches; tinted glass; and two-speed front windshield wiper variable intermittent mist function.

Safety Features

Driver and front passenger airbags and front and rear passenger side air curtains; front seatbelt pre-tensioners; LATCH; rear child safety locks; anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and four-wheel disc brakes; electronic stability control with traction control and brake assist; tire pressure monitoring system; energy-absorbing steering column; anti-theft system integrated with remote key-less entry and panic feature; and front and rear crumple zones are some of the many safety aspects on the 2010 Hyundai Elantra.