Elantra Touring summary: old Kia/Hyundai technology (ie: hydraulic transmission system vice computer controlled) that has been sold as the i30 around the world for about 8 years now. Sold very poorly here in the US because it is ugly and Americans can't get their fat sssses out of their stupid SUVs. As a result of poor sales, Hyundai drops the line and designs the smaller, much less versatile GT. 2010 is the best model to get from the standpoint of visibility. Due to stupid people NOT raising their rear headrests while sitting in the back and receiving neck injuries, the good ole US Govt (I'm guessing) mandates new designs on rear headrests. Sooooo, the headrests that push down into the seat and fully out of the way give way to intrusive headrests that no longer go down into the seat on the 2011 and 2012 models.
Head to Head:
Safety: Elantra Touring (ET): Typical Hyundai, in that they always put every safety bell and whistle into their vehicles right from the start, unlike Honda that makes you wait 3 generations before ESC and other features are standard. In short, you buy an Elantra Touring, you know you are getting the full monty of safety features. This category could have been a tie because our Vibes also have those things as well: ESC, traction, ABS, side curtain, etc... However, Hyundai's brakes are OUTSTANDING. You hit 'em, and your car stops. Toyota brakes suck. The Vibe's brakes are nothing compared to the ET. Moreover, the line of sight in the ET is right on par with the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa Hatch, and the AMC Pacer. It is great for a new/learning driver. The ET takes a knock in this category in that it does not have auto headlights. After two Vibes, it is still hard to remember to turn the stalk.
Utility: ET: This again is a close race, but due to its fully fold down flat rear seats, you can fit lots of stuff in an ET. There are also many nooks and crannies for storage. I have to remove my rear headrests in the Vibe to both see out of the back AND to fold the rear seats down.
Engine: Tie: I love my Corolla engine and I know the Camry engine is bulletproof. The 2.0 liter ET engine is also very sound and has a great proven track record living in legacy Kia and Hyundai models as well as the i30. If you need get up and go though, the ET certainly beats out the Corolla engine but would likely finish second to the Camry 2.4 liter engine.
Transmission: Vibe: The shift points on the ET are not all that great and I just had a new tranny put in last week after only 42,000 miles. Is this a once off or a sign of things to come?
Build Quality: Tie: I think South Korea is right there with Japan.
Maintenance: Vibe: It is so much easier changing oil and doing bulb changes. Hyundai seems to make me work very hard to do some routine stuff on the ET.
Luxuries: ET: This is a no brainer. How many sub $20,000 cars have a light and a cooler in the glove box??? Extras like the information screen, ipod port and buttons on the wheel (again, I have the base Corolla Vibe), and lighted buttons throughout the cabin are standard items every car should have these days. Other than that, cheap plastics abound in both cars. One other item I'll give to the ET, I love the fact that they bury the tire changing tools in Styrofoam to keep things from rattling. A cheap way to add to the soundproofing to the car while keeping the tools nice and snug. The ET is also limo like for rear passengers; great leg room. The front passenger is also treated to luxury in the leg department compared to the cramped Vibe. However, I can actually find a better driving position in the Vibe. My long legs would appreciate one more inch back in the ET's driver's seat.
Steering: Vibe: the steering is perfect in my opinion. The ET has a very numb feel to it that many people hate. I kinda like it, although getting the ET to track straight can be problematic. Many Hyundai owners swear that their cars are out of alignment when it seems to be tire runout causing the troubles.
Suspension: ET: tough call here because I am not a fan of "sports tuned suspensions." I kinda would rather have the floaty Camry or Nissan Versa ride every time. The Vibe is a bit rough over bumps. The ET smooths them out a bit better but has that tinny sports tuned response you may be familiar with.
Overall, I think I have the best two values in automobiles in my driveway. We wouldn't even own the ET if my wife had not donated our 2003 Vibe AWD to her nephew. He owes us big time. But when I needed to find a replacement, I think I found an even better car. I love the ET overall, even if Hyundai may be jamming new transmissions into my car every 45,000 miles for free (well, at least the first two anyway). We will likely be getting a second ET for our new driver only because the sight lines in the Vibe are poor. I hate the position of the oil filter in the ET and I hate the fact that I need to tear the whole car apart just to replace a burned out bulb. I also don't like the fact that (as one who does not believe in following the manufacturer's "suggested" replacement/maintenance schedule) Hyundai does put your feet to the fire to show you have done the required maintenance should a part under warranty fail.
I think I have covered most of the basics. Let me know if you have any questions.