Review: 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL AWD

At an impressive world premiere launch event at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood, the dramatic look of the all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra was broadcast to an eager global audience thereby marking the world debut of this latest version of the popular compact sedan. The four-door coupe comes to life with a unique Parametric Dynamics design theme highlighted by its stance that looks like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces to get a strong emotional response from the customers. By having three lines meet at one point as a main aspect which is generally avoided in car design, this challengingly daring design element clearly marks Elantra's disrupter-spirit. The Sensuous Sportiness design identity alludes to exciting driving dynamics and the most progressive in-car experience in its class, while segment-first wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ connectivity further showcases Hyundai's latest ambitions to become the Smart Mobility Solution Provider of the future. Cultivated for the next generation of customers who are pragmatic and sensible yet disruptive with a tendency to question traditions, this non-conforming Elantra offers a segment-first digital key and more than 50 mpg (Hyundai estimated) combined fuel economy rating on the first-ever Elantra Hybrid.

Highlights for the 2021 Elantra

OVERALL

• An all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan with new vehicle platform
• Longer wheelbase, wider stance, lower roofline
• Elantra is called the Avante in the Korean domestic market
• Second Hyundai vehicle with Sensuous Sportiness design identity
• An everyday exotic four-door-coupe look with innovative molding and engineering technology
• First-ever Elantra Hybrid
• More than 50 MPG (Hyundai estimated) combined fuel economy on hybrid model
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connecting easy
• Hyundai's optional Digital Key allows Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via a smartphone or NFC card
• Production to begin at Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the fall with shipments to dealers in the fourth quarter
• An enhanced natural-language voice-recognition system with Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies powered by Houndify, and lots of feature controls
• Standard SmartSense safety and convenience technologies
• Two available 10.25-inch multimedia screens under one piece of glass

EXTERIOR

• Parametric-jewel-pattern grille with turn-signal integration
• Wide, cascading grille creates an integrated architecture with the headlamp
• Bold fascia shape creates a strong front graphic
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces
• Forwarded profile with a long, low hood creates a feeling of tension
• Bold edge runs constantly from the front to the rear
• Parametric-jewel body surfaces
• Available 15-, 16-, and 17-inch-wheel designs match the Parametric Dynamics theme
• Wide, horizontal line extends across the center of the trunk, stretching to the edges of the car
• High-tech “H-Tail Lamp” that creates a Hyundai flying H logo-like shape
• Rear glass has a black deck accent to enhance the coupe-like look
• Wing-type lower bumper treatment
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces

INTERIOR

• A 10.25-inch information-display cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Slim high-tech vents
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Aircraft-cockpit-like driver-oriented layout
• A unique cornering grab handle for the passenger
• A high center console completes the driver-oriented layout
• Door center trim is long and low like a coupe
• Sporty low-placed inside handles
• Two-toned melange emphasizes the driver-focused layout even on the door

While some manufacturers no longer see the value in the car side of the business, we're doubling down by offering an all-new model with both gas and hybrid powertrains. We've sold more than 3.4 million Elantras here in the U.S. and more than 13.8 million worldwide, and the new, captivating look is going to bring excitement to a whole new generation of buyers. Then once inside, they're going to love all of the progressive features.

José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor America

In the News

Source: Hyundai | For the first time ever, a hybrid powertrain has been added to the Elantra lineup. Elantra Hybrid demonstrates Hyundai's commitment to expanding its eco-focused lineup of products. The new Elantra Hybrid will feature a 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Elantra Hybrid's permanent-magnet electric motor delivers 32 kW powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with the electric motor in Elantra Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates with Hyundai's quick-shifting, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission differentiating Elantra Hybrid from its key competitors because of its more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The high-efficiency electric motor has an electric only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds. The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is projected by Hyundai to have a combined estimated fuel economy rating of more than 50 MPG (with EPA certification pending in late 2020).

Specifications

Engine: 147 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder
Torque: 132 pound-feet
Transmission: Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
Color Shown: Blue Sky Metallic
Wheels: 16-inch alloy
Sound: Bose premium 8-speaker premium audio (optional)
Fuel: 31/41/36 (mpg city/highway/combined)
MSRP (starts): $20,900

Learn More

For more information or to test drive a 2021 Hyundai Elantra for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit:
Hyundai | Elantra

About Hyundai

At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai's technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance our promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.