2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is now packed with smart new technologies and features, while still offering budget-friendly pricing. It features an aggressive new look, a redesigned interior, and intuitive available tech. The Elantra features simplified engineering, a more spacious interior, and more cargo room to provide you with a smoother ride in all conditions. It’s all set to take on other luminaries like the Kia Forte, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3. 

The Hyundai Elantra is available in four models with new high-performance N Line and Hybrid options. The base model is offered in three trim levels; SE, SEL, and Limited. All of these three rims sport similar powertrains and share similar mechanicals. All these variants come equipped with a wide range of standard features like Remote Keyless entry, Height-adjustable driver’s seat, Cloth upholstery and LED DRLs to name a few.

On the connectivity and infotainment front, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Four-speaker audio system, Apple CraPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The SEL trim adds up features like the Push-button start, Six-speaker sound system, and Dual-zone climate control. While the top-tier Limited trim qualifies for a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Ambient interior lighting. Safety features like Lane keep assist, Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and driver attention warning are standard across the entire lineup. 

Which trim should you buy? 

Despite the SE's heavy-duty tech stack and an abundance of driver assistance features, we recommend the SEL trim as it's not all that much more expensive and offers some extras you might value and the option of adding even more features.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra lineup comes with four engine options on offer. However, the regular Elantra has to settle for a 2.0-liter Inline-4 engine which induces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The induced power is directed to the front wheels of this sedan through a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). 

With the Intelligent Variable Transmission paired to the 2.0L Engine, you can shift gears like in an automatic transmission, which offers better efficiency and is much more familiar to customers. On the performance front, the Elantra does a 0-60 sprint in 8.1 seconds and a quarter-mile run in 16.2 seconds, while attaining a top speed of 120 mph. 

One of the most powerful engines among competitors is the Mazda 3, which produces 186 horsepower at its maximum speed. On the other hand, 158 horsepower is the maximum power output of the Honda Civic with the same engine size as the Hyundai Elantra. As for torque, the 2021 Elantra falls to the Mazda 3 with 180 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm and the Honda Civic in second place with 138 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 is the only option available for the Elantra, which is in the last position. 

How well does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra handle?

With its stiffened suspension, the New 2021 Elantra offers the same comfort as before while blending in some sportiness. It adds a nice balance between ride comfort and stability and adds the stiffness many owners are looking for in the suspension. The lower center of gravity of this platform also enhances the handling of Elantra. 

Additionally, an improved suspension mounting structure makes the compact sedan more responsive, increasing its driving enjoyment. The steering is sturdy and is well appointed with respect to the surface that feels very responsive, especially in the corners. The handling is certainly improved and is more agile.

2021 Hyundai Elantra Braking Performance

It's hard to find a car manufacturer that is more generous with its customers and vehicles than Hyundai. To avoid possible collisions, the brand added a range of brake assist features to the compact sedan, and an antilock braking system guarantees safe braking in these scenarios.

The Elantra has continuously been praised for its improved braking ability. Hyundai consistently emphasizes its efforts in this area. Rotor diameters are 10.3 inches up front versus 9.7 inches in back. The sedan can go from 60 to zero in an impressive 125 feet because of the weight reduction and the upgraded brakes from its predecessor. 

Compared to the 2020 Elantra, the new Elantra still returns the same mpg figures as the 2.0-liter Inline-4 engine. In the city, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra returns about 31 miles per gallon, with the highway number coming in at about 41 and 35 mpg on a combined note. That's quite impressive and fits within this segment.

Out of the contenders, the Honda Civic appears to offer the best EPA figures with 37 mpg combined. Despite not driving as efficiently as the Civic or Elantra, the Kia Forte and Mazda 3 still return an impressive 30 mpg in the combined scenario. The Elantra provides the largest range among the competition thanks to its impressive mileage figures and large fuel tank. 

In terms of both exterior styling and the striking new interior, the Hyundai Elantra 2021 is a major leap forward. Hyundai is known for its quality interiors, and this one was no exception. You will have a difficult time finding any flaws with the vehicle. Dimensionally, the new Elantra is larger than the model from last year, so it benefits from good interior space. This vehicle offers space for five adults with plenty of legroom for even the tallest of individuals, as its rear legroom is also increased by more than two inches. 

On the design front, the Elantra did a commendable job with a clean and practical design approach. The front seats, which feature electric adjustment and a curved back design, are extremely comfortable and keep you in place throughout your drive. All the essential features like dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats are available. The Hyundai Elantra is generally a good car for carrying cargo, and the 2021 model has 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, although some of its rivals give it a little more space than this. 

The Hyundai Elantra, by contrast, seems to be a clear winner with ample room to accommodate up to five passengers. The Honda Civic offers a similar amount of space as the Elantra, but a much larger capacity for luggage. On the other hand, the Kia Forte has the biggest cargo space with 15.3 cubic feet. Standard interior features of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra include:

• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Cloth upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• Available leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Available heated front seats
• Available leather-trimmed seats

How intuitive is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra’s Infotainment System?

In terms of simplicity and ease of use, the infotainment system of the Hyundai Elantra is in a class of its own. Besides the large 8-inch screen that comes standard, you can upgrade to a larger 10.25-inch screen as well. The same applies to the sound system, as there are four speakers installed as standard, which can be upgraded to eight speakers with Bose Premium Sound. Additionally, other connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were supported.

All the standard Infotainment features are listed below:

• 8-inch Touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Four-speaker sound system
• HD Radio
• Two USB ports
• Voice Recognition
• Available 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Available 8-speaker Bose premium audio system
• Available wireless charging

Among all the changes made to the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, the shape has the most implications. A diamond-pattern grille and complex creases at the waist accentuate the vehicle's origami-like profile, and stick-style taillights complete the look. A triangular symmetry seems to dominate the design of the doors of the vehicle, as it exhibits very sharp cuts and creases. 

At the front of the car, we have a front fascia with aggressive styling and LED headlights on both ends. Wheels measuring 15 inches are standard, and larger wheels measuring 16 inches are available as an option. As well-chiseled as this is, it can withstand virtually any amount of aerodynamic drag. We also have parking sensors and LED taillights on the rear. 

The Mazda 3 will likely be a close competitor to the Elantra in 2021 on the basis of styling and looks. Moreover, the Mazda 3 has the longest wheelbase in its segment and the heaviest sedan. The Elantra, on the other hand, offers the best balance of the bunch. Some standout exterior features of Hyundai Elantra include:

• LED Headlights and Taillights
• 15/16/17-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome front grille
• LED DRLs
• Available sunroof
• Rearview camera
• Heated side mirrors
• Rear parking sensors

Neither of the testing agencies has tested the 2021 Hyundai Elantra, while the outgoing model scored an impressive four stars for its overall safety rating. Regardless of Hyundai's price or segment, all Hyundai models come with an extensive list of safety features that are getting more advanced each year. Several active and passive safety features are included in the Hyundai Elantra 2021. In addition, some of the features in the vehicle include airbags in the front, side, and rear roof-mounted positions, antilock brake systems (ABS), LATCH anchors, and pretensioners. Standard and available safety features include:

• Lane keep assist
• Lane follow assist
• Driver attention warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rearview camera
• Forward collision warning
• The automatic emergency braking system
• Pedestrian detection
• Blind-spot monitoring system
• High-beam assist
• Safe exit warning
• Available Adaptive cruise control
• Available Cyclist detection
• Available Rear parking sensors
• Available Collision avoidance assist
• Available Highway driving assist

2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Mazda 3

With options like turbo power and all-wheel drive, the Mazda3 2021 is an excellent choice for buyers looking for a sedan. The Mazda3's fun-to-drive character is one of its most attractive features. Though there is only one body style for the Hyundai Elantra 2021, this compact sedan comes with striking styling than that of Mazda 3. On the comfort and convenience note, the Elantra edges out Mazda 3 in every aspect. 

2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Honda Civic

In comparison to the Elantra, the Civic offers a better level of all-around performance. Honda's Civic is easily one of the best-handling compact car models. It is as responsive as it is exciting to drive. In addition, the Civic has an engine lineup with stronger engines, including one with a maximum power of 306 horsepower. In addition, the Honda offers an upscale interior as compared to the Hyundai. But the styling and looks clearly ups the game for the Elantra and it even offers a balanced space and rides quality than that of Civic. 

2021 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Kia Forte

A great many similarities exist between the Kia Forte and its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Elantra. Their featured lists are extensive, their gas mileage is decent, and their infotainment systems are user-friendly. However, the Elantra is a bit more comfortable to drive, even if both vehicles could benefit from more steering feedback. Forte cabin materials are superior to Hyundai's and the car has a little more storage space in the trunk, despite the new infotainment system being available.

The Hyundai Elantra has been a volume seller for Hyundai and is aimed at leading segment sales. Over the years, it has been a reliable vehicle and has satisfied many buyers. The Hyundai Elantra has been redesigned for 2021. This new Elantra is more spacious and modern than ever, boasting a refined interior and a stronger engine. With its great handling and decent power for daily commuting, it is undeniably a great car to own in 2021.