Hyundai has completely redesigned the 2021 Elantra, and it takes enormous leaps forward in terms of design, technology, safety, efficiency, and driving dynamics. In most ways, it sets new standards in the compact sedan segment and lacks nothing more than an optional all-wheel-drive system to dominate the class definitively. For now.
Hyundai offers the new 2021 Elantra in popular standard, efficient hybrid, sporty N Line, and performance-tuned N model series. A variety of engines and transmissions are available, each calibrated to serve a specific purpose. Depending on the version, you can get Blue, SE, SEL, or Limited trim, and prices range from $19,650 to $28,100. When the Elantra N arrives, it will likely be priced well into the $30,000 range.
With that overview as background, here are five fun facts you might not know about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
When people think of fuel-efficient hybrid cars, they think of the Toyota Prius. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Prius gets between 52 mpg and 56 mpg in combined driving, depending on equipment.
With the 2021 Hyundai Elantra redesign, a new Hybrid model debuts. It comes in Blue and Limited trim levels and is rated to return between 50 mpg and 54 mpg in combined driving, according to the EPA. Granted, it doesn’t have the Prius’s handy hatchback design, but the 14.2 cubic-foot trunk is roomy.
If that doesn’t work for you, give the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid a try. It follows the Prius recipe more closely, returns between 55 mpg and 59 mpg in combined driving, and accommodates 26.5 cubic feet of cargo behind its rear seat, which is more than most versions of the Prius.
Are you the type of person who loves the added driving engagement required of a manual gearbox and a clutch pedal? If so, then the new 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a treat for you: a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s available with N Line and N versions of the car.
In the sport-tuned Elantra N Line, the row ’em yourself transmission is standard. If you’d rather not use a stick, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with steering wheel paddle shifters is optional. Both bolt to a lively, turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder cranking out 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm.
Either way, the Elantra N Line is a joy to drive. Until you’ve given the Elantra N a try.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Tuned to lap Germany’s Nurburgring as rapidly as possible, the Elantra N is stunningly good to drive. And drive one I did, this camouflaged pre-production car on the notorious but glorious Latigo Canyon Road in Malibu, California.
The Elantra N has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder whipping up 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, a 6-speed manual or 8-speed wet DCT, an electronic limited-slip front differential, giant brakes, 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires, and a full roster of N-tuned hardware and software.
Take a Hyundai Elantra N down a road you know as intimately as the lines on your face, and you will be stunned by the amount of speed you can carry in this car.
At Hyundai, every day is like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway. But instead of “you get a car, and you get a car,” it’s what you get with your car that matters.
Yeah, the 2021 Elantra has got all that.
Photo: Christian Wardlaw
Take a peek into a loaded Elantra Limited, and prepare to be wowed by the technology. Digital instrumentation and a touchscreen infotainment system, each rendered with 10.25-inch displays, give the new Elantra a distinct Mercedes-Benz vibe. And the available advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) are mighty impressive, especially the Level 2 Highway Driving Assist technology.
But the killer app, so to speak, is the available digital key technology. If you own an Android-based smartphone, you can use it to unlock the Elantra, start the engine, and drive the car. Upon arrival at your destination, you again use your smartphone to lock the Elantra. Talk about a technologically sophisticated compact car.
Hyundai is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of May 18, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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