Overview

Hyundai is becoming increasingly known for daring designs, and the company's compact sedan, the 2021 Elantra, is the latest to receive a bold new look. Photos of the new Elantra show angular exterior details and an upscale cabin, both of which should pull focus away from the segment's heavy hitters—namely the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan Sentra. Hyundai will introduce a hybrid powertrain for the model, and a host of driver-assistance features will be standard, with more advanced tech offered as options.
What's New for 2021?

Hyundai went for a clean-sheet redesign of the Elantra for 2021, complete with modern exterior and interior styling and more advanced technology features. Hyundai will offer a hybrid Elantra for the first time and is aiming for an EPA combined rating of 50 mpg or higher with that powertrain. A performance N Line variant will also be part of the 2021 Elantra lineup and will go toe-to-toe with the Honda Civic Si sedan and the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.


Pricing and Which One to Buy
SE: $20,645
SEL: $21,895
SEL Hybrid: $24,545
N Line: $25,095
Limited: $26,445
Limited Hybrid: $29,095



The mid-range SEL model offers the best balance of price and features. We'd opt for the available SEL Convenience package, which adds a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, adaptive cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift know, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and heated front seats.


Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The standard nonhybrid powertrain is a carryover from the previous generation. These Elantras will be powered by a 147-hp four-cylinder engine. Front-wheel drive is the only option here, as is a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The hybrid model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor to make 139 horsepower. Gearchanges are handled by a six-speed automatic. Neither of these options are likely to offer thrilling acceleration, but we'll reserve judgement until we can get behind the wheel and see for ourselves. The Elantra we're most excited about is the performance-oriented N Line model. Hyundai hasn't announced what powertrain will be available on the N Line, but we think the company's turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder is a likely candidate; a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is likely here and we're hoping for a six-speed manual option as well.


Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA has not yet released estimates for the 2021 Elantra's fuel economy, but we're expecting decent results given the 2020 model was rated as high as 41 mpg in highway driving. The previous generation eked out 43 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test. Hyundai estimates that the new hybrid model will earn a combined rating of at least 50 mpg—which it'll need if it's to go head to head with the Honda Insight, its key rival. Plus, when we took the Insight on our 200-mile test route, it delivered an excellent 47 mpg. We'll test the Elantra hybrid closer to its on-sale date and update this story with our results.


Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like its dramatically restyled exterior, the cabin of the Elantra receives a bold update for 2021. The dashboard and center console wrap around the driver while the passenger's side takes a more minimalist approach. A single LED strip follows the dashboard-spanning air vent across the width of the car from the steering column to the passenger's-side door panel. Passenger volume is expected to grow slightly in the 2021 model, particularly in the rear seat, to help the Elantra compete with roomier rivals such as the Sentra and the Volkswagen Jetta. Once we get a 2021 Elantra into our office for testing, we'll test its ability to fit carry-on suitcases inside its trunk and report the results here.





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