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2021 Hyundai Elantra review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Hyundai Elantra highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Excellent interior spaciousness
  • Standard wireless smartphone integration
  • Available Elantra N model for sporty performance

Cons

  • Mediocre acceleration and braking performance
  • Uncomfortable seats with a lack of lumbar support
  • Limited rear visibility due to small windows

Mileage (EPA estimate)

25 city, 34 highway, 28 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $17,998*

Price
Year

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All Hyundai Elantra years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Elantra generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?

  • Trim discontinued: [Specify the trim name] no longer available.
  • New standard equipment on all models includes [list significant items].
  • New equipment added: [list new features or technology].
  • Significant removal of optional features: [list any major options that have been removed].
  • Price adjustment: [mention if there's an increase or decrease and by how much].

2021 Hyundai Elantra trims

Curious how Hyundai Elantra trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SE:

SEL:

GT:

Limited:

N Line:

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Elantra

1. A trim for everyone

One of the great things about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is the variety that it brings to any lifestyle. You start with the well-equipped base SE trim, but if you're looking for more comfort and luxury, you can step up to the SEL or Limited models. Want to add a shot of adrenaline to your commute? Check out the sporty N Line or the amazing Elantra N. There really is a little something for everyone in the 2021 Elantra lineup.

2. Tons of standard features

You won't find a lack of standard comfort and convenience features on the 2021 Elantra. Even the base SE trim packs a ton of standard stuff like a six-way adjustable driver seat, remote keyless entry, and an eight-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity. Plus, you'll get a host of driver aids like forward collision mitigation, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more!

3. Space for the family

The 2021 Elantra is the first model year of the car's seventh generation, and it's bigger and better than the outgoing generation (2017–2020). Rear seat passengers get a full two inches of additional legroom (38 inches) over the outgoing version and 42.3 inches in the front, while there is a generous 14.2 cu-ft of storage in the trunk. Add in plenty of adjustments for the front seat occupants and you've got a great long-distance cruiser.

4. Premium features available

If you are looking for a bit more luxury, you can opt for the top-spec Elantra Limited. Not only will you find great upgrades like leather-trimmed seats, but the tech gets a boost as well. A larger 10.25-inch screen replaces the base eight-inch, and you'll find an enhanced voice recognition system. Driver aids receive an upgrade as well with standard rear automatic braking and a more advanced lane-keeping system. The Elantra Limited is a great place to spend some time out on the open road.

5. Surprising speed

You might not expect a family sedan to haul anything other than family. However, the Elantra has a secret—the N trim level. Built to turn laps on a race track or tackle your favorite back road, the Elantra N has a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an impressive 276 horsepower. That's a huge upgrade over the standard 147 horsepower engine found on the SE, SEL, and Limited. If you don't want to go quite that crazy, the Elantra N-Line gets a turbo 1.6L with a still-impressive 201 hp.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Hyundai Elantra an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Hyundai Elantra 11th out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra features and specs

SEL 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Locks
  • Smart Key
  • Power Windows
  • Cloth Seats
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Traction Control
  • Cruise Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Rear View Camera
  • Rear Defroster
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Android Auto
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Cloth Seats
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • BOSE Sound System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

147

Torque (ft-lbs)

132

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

14

Wheelbase

107.1"

Overall length

184.1"

Width

71.9"

Height

55.7"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 38"

Head room

F 40.6"/R 37.3"

Front tires

P205/55TR16

Rear tires

P205/55TR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Elantra FAQ

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