2021 Update: The Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Hyundai’s Elantra has been a popular choice in the competitive compact car segment during the last decade. With its attractive styling and tremendous amount of features for a reasonable price, the Elantra has become a popular new car choice. However, as the competition updates its products, Hyundai has followed suit, completely redesigning the Elantra for the 2021 model year.
Most notable is the exterior styling, with the Elantra styled to look like a four-door coupe sporting a wider stance and lower roofline. Compared to the 2020 Elantra, the 2021 version gains 2.2 inches in length though it now sits lower. There is what Hyundai calls a “jewel-pattern” grille at the front while the rear tail lights wrap around the trunk, creating a Hyundai flying H-logo like shape. All of these characteristics make the new Elantra stand out from the rest of the vehicles on the road. Despite the exterior changes, due to the platform redesign, the new Elantra weighs less than the 2020 model, helping increase fuel economy and enhance handling.
The interior has a more airplane cockpit-oriented look and has customizable 64-color mood lighting. Due to the longer wheelbase, the Elantra offers best-in-class rear legroom of 38 inches. Notable options include two available 10.25-inch multimedia screens under one piece of glass for those who want their dashboard to have a more futuristic look and a Digital Key which allows the car to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key using a smartphone or NFC card. Other options include an 8-speaker Bose sound system and smart cruise control.
Standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as part of the base infotainment system, allowing drivers to leave their smartphones in their pocket or bag as well as 16-inch alloy wheels. (The Elantra Hybrid will receive 15-inch alloys to help deliver better fuel economy.) Safety equipment that comes on all Elantras includes Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and a Driver Attention Warning system that helps detect driver fatigue. A voice recognition system is another key attribute of the Elantra, which drivers can use to manage the climate control system and the heated seats. Depending on the type of infotainment, the system can even respond to questions about weather conditions in other cities and sports scores.
In addition, for the first time, an Elantra Hybrid is available, offering a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor to generate a combined 139 horsepower. Per Hyundai’s press release, the Elantra Hybrid is projected to have a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of more than 50 MPG. Opting for the SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels brings a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower.
Overall, when the 2021 Elantra goes on sale later this year, consumers in the market for a new compact sedan will have a distinctive choice that will stand out from the competition. Compact sedans are no longer the penalty boxes that they were once considered to be, a fact highlighted by the Elantra and the new features it offers, equipment that not so long ago was considered to be exclusive to vehicles costing at least 3 times as much. All in all, the popularity of the Elantra should endure and those looking for a compact sedan to set them apart from the rest will find what they’re looking for.
Want to learn even more about the 2021 Elantra? Visit hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/2021-elantra.