2021 Hyundai Elantra - interior Exterior and Drive (incredible)
- 2 years ago
Toyota 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. We expect the new Elantra to go on sale before the end of 2020.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SE: $20,000 (est)
SEL: $22,000 (est)
Hybrid: $24,000 (est)
Limited: $26,000 (est)
Hyundai hasn't released pricing for any of the 2021 trims, so we're making educated guesses here. Once we know more about how each model will be equipped, we'll update this story. Our guess is that the mid-range SEL model will offer the best balance of price and features, but depending on your budget, the loaded Elantra Limited may be worth the splurge.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 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. We also don't know if Hyundai will continue to offer a Sport model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
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 highwayInterior, 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. 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.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
SE: $20,000 (est)
SEL: $22,000 (est)
Hybrid: $24,000 (est)
Limited: $26,000 (est)
Hyundai hasn't released pricing for any of the 2021 trims, so we're making educated guesses here. Once we know more about how each model will be equipped, we'll update this story. Our guess is that the mid-range SEL model will offer the best balance of price and features, but depending on your budget, the loaded Elantra Limited may be worth the splurge.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 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. We also don't know if Hyundai will continue to offer a Sport model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
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 highwayInterior, 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. 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.