2009 Hyundai Elantra Touring Review

MPG-o-Matic Hyundai Elantra Touring Review Summary:
The versatile Hyundai Elantra Touring delivers a generous amount of cargo capacity, a host of in-cabin technology, and a four-cylinder engine capable of delivering highway mileage in the mid-thirty mile per gallon range. For those so inclined, the B&M shifter brings the manual-equipped Elantra Touring to life.

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Hyundai Accent Gas Mileage

Since its introduction to America in the 1995 model year, the popular Hyundai Accent has consistently delivered a high mile per gallon (MPG) to purchase price ratio. The Accent’s highway gas mileage figures have hovered in the mid-thirties on the highway throughout the sub-compact’s run. Although the Accent’s gas mileage ratings took a bit of a hit with the reworking of the mileage formula for the 2008 model year, the least expensive Accent’s sticker price is still under $11,000.

Both the three-door hatchback and four-door Hyundai Accent sedan are fitted with a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine, producing 110 horsepower and 106 foot pounds of torque. All models are available with a five-speed manual as standard issue; a four-speed automatic with overdrive is optional.

The SE hatchback, designed for the entry-level boy (and girl) racer at heart, is equipped with a B&M Racing sport shifter, sport tuned suspension, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Does Hyundai fit a common rail turbo-diesel in the Accent abroad? Sure thing, but not here in the States … yet …

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Hyundai Elantra Gas Mileage

The compact Hyundai Elantra was introduced to America in the 1993 model year. Consistently strong gas mileage figures – with highway gas mileage ratings in the low-thirty mile per gallon (MPG) range – along with reasonable pricing have ensured the Elantra’s long run of success. The Elantra has been redesigned three times over the years, with the most recent redesign taking place in 2007.

The 2008 Hyundai Elantra is fitted with a 2.0 liter DOHC four cylinder engine. Performance specs differ slightly between the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) and Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) versions. The ULEV engine is rated at 138 horsepower (HP) and 136 foot pounds of torque, while the PZEV engine is rated at 132 HP and 133 foot pounds of torque. The Elantra is equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

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Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drive

Need a four wheel drive with the best gas mileage? Get ready to downsize. None of the best gas mileage four wheel drives (4WDs) are jumbo-sized sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

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