2021 Hyundai Elantra Makes Sense, Then Smolders

Name: 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Brand: Hyundai

Price Range: $13,988 - $26,590

Hyundai Elantra Limited Sedan Exterior Shown

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The new 2021 Elantra stands out with its high fuel economy, impressive technology and safety features, and roomy cabin. It's also comfortable and strong on value. Other than a lackluster base engine, there's not much to complain about. It's a great pick for a small sedan.

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Average price: $19,088

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Appraise My 2021 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Elantra model years

Hyundai Elantra for Sale

Hyundai Elantra types

Sedan
Hybrid

Pros

Generous list of standard and optional features
Roomy cabin
High fuel economy
Engaging performance from the Elantra N

Cons

Tepid acceleration from base four-cylinder engine
Abundance of interior hard plastic, particularly in the backseat area

What's new

Redesigned for 2021
Bolder styling
Impressive available touchscreens and voice controls
New performance and hybrid versions
The start of the seventh-generation Elantra introduced for the 2021 model year

Redesigned Elantra blends value and drama

Written by automotive expert Ryan ZumMallen

11/13/2020

The Hyundai Elantra has been fully redesigned for the 2021 model year. As has been the case for a while now, it comes with plenty of features at a competitive price. Add in Hyundai's fantastic warranty and you've got a pretty compelling car, at least from a sensible car-buying standpoint. But Hyundai, much like it did with its recent Sonata, has upped the Elantra's emotional appeal as well.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

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2021 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sedan
$18,998
- 60,729 miles
- 31 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- 3 mi away
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (31 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5NPLM4AG8MH026228
Stock:
28878538
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
New Listing
2021 Hyundai Elantra
SEL Sedan
$14,989
- 104,076 miles
- 31 City / 41 Hwy MPG
- 3 mi away
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Sterling, VA
Lane Keeping AssistKeyless StartMedium Gray; Cloth Seat TrimOption Group 01Quartz WhiteThis vehicle includes a Money-Back Guarantee* and passed...
Vehicle History:
No accidents, 3 owners, rental vehicle
Features and Specs:
35 Combined MPG (31 City/41 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
5NPLM4AG2MH012020
Stock:
MH012020
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-01-2026

See all for sale

On the outside, the 2021 Elantra is slightly longer and wider than before and has a sleeker roofline. Arrow-like styling lines along its sides add some character, too. Inside, there's more rear legroom and a new instrument panel design with available twin digital display screens. Set side by side, the screens impart a distinct European luxury sedan vibe.

Hyundai's got some sport sedan mojo going on for 2021, too. A new Elantra N debuts as the most powerful Elantra ever. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. This motor, along with a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, makes the N an absolute blast to drive on curvy back roads.

The N's adjustable drive modes make real differences in the car's character. Eco/Normal mode is the bottom floor and Sport mode is just one simple step up. N mode seems like two or three extra levels — it's that much of a leap. This is when all the extreme ear-to-ear grinning starts. Here is when you get all the exhaust pops and burbles, a super-quick throttle response and a sharper steering feel. This is also when the suspension gets into a "Oh, hey, I feel almost every bump and road rut like a moon crater" mode.

If the N is too over-the-top, there's also the more affordable Elantra N Line that comes with a turbocharged 201-hp engine. Or if fuel economy is what you're looking for, there's also an all-new hybrid version of the Elantra. Hyundai says it will get around 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Overall, we're impressed with the new Elantra. If you are, too, check out our Expert Rating to read our in-depth analysis of the ups and downs of this latest Elantra.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.7

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Hyundai Elantra on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance: Underwhelming base power, smooth CVT

7/10

How does the Elantra drive? The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is lacking when it comes to speed. At Edmunds' test track, our Elantra reached 60 mph in 9.4 seconds, which is slower than average compared to rivals. It's not terrible, but passing or getting up to highway speeds can be laborious.

What power it does have is sent through a continuously variable automatic transmission that Hyundai tunes for optimal fuel economy, so it too is not very impressive for spirited driving. But in typical situations, the transmission delivers a smooth experience, and there's only a little of the notorious droning noise that CVTs are known for.

Elsewhere, the Elantra is pretty middle-of-the-road. It handles corners decently well for a small sedan, behaving predictably, and it's not easily upset over bumps. But for a sporty drive, you'll want to get the N Line, which comes with a sport-tuned suspension.

Comfort: Smooth ride, but seats and noise falter

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Elantra? The Elantra delivers a smooth ride. There's enough plushness to soak up bumps in the road well, but it also settles relatively quickly. The seats are also comfortable for the most part. The driver's seat bottom feels just a touch flat, and it might not provide enough support on road trips more than a few hours long. There isn't much in the way of side bolstering to keep you set when cornering either.

The climate controls are easy to use, with big dials to command the available dual-zone climate control. The heated seats, when equipped, activate quickly. There is noticeable wind noise as you increase speed, but that is typical for the class, and passengers can more or less carry on conversations at normal volume.

Interior: Roomy cabin beats the class

8/10

How’s the interior? The Elantra cabin is well thought-out, with plenty of space and good outward visibility in the front row. We're also pleased to see the back seat gained 2 inches of legroom over the previous generation, allowing for quite generous accommodations for taller passengers. Their heads might still graze the ceiling, but the Elantra is among the most spacious in this class.

Our Elantra Limited test vehicle came with a power-adjustable driver's seat. It has a wide adjustment range, so it should suit short and tall drivers alike. The steering wheel also has a generous amount of adjustment, making it simple to find your ideal driving position.

Technology: Twin screens and best-in-class driving aids

8.5/10

How’s the tech? The Limited's twin display screens, one for the gauges and one for the infotainment, are pleasing to use. The infotainment screen has easy-to-follow menus and quick and clear directions. The Elantra also scores extra points for including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though they only come with the standard 8-inch infotainment screen. Confusingly, the larger 10.25-inch screen requires a cord to run either smartphone integration system.

Another bright spot is the Elantra Limited's improved voice activation system that responds accurately to web searches, addresses and even climate control commands. The available full suite of advanced driving aids is one of the best modern systems, with smooth adaptive cruise control and lane centering. We experienced no false warnings during our testing.

Storage: Practical trunk space, useful convenience touches

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Trunk space is slightly above average for the class, at 14.2 cubic feet, which is the same size as in the previous-generation Elantra. The rear seats fold flat with remote release latches in the trunk — some may find them more convenient than the releases on the seats themselves. Cupholders and storage cubbies for front passengers are nothing out of the ordinary. A wireless smartphone charging pad on the Limited trim is a nice touch.

In the back, there are two anchors on each rear outboard seat to fasten child safety seats into place. The anchors are easy to find between the cushions. The spacious back seat means you should be able to load rear-facing seats without having to scrunch into your driving position.

Fuel Economy: EPA claims get easily beaten

9.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Depending on the model, the Elantra with the 2.0-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 35-37 mpg in combined city/highway driving. Either way you're looking at excellent fuel economy. We easily verified the EPA's estimate and even exceeded it on our mixed-driving 115-mile test route, achieving an impressive 41.8 mpg.

Value: Warranty and free maintenance win big

9/10

Is the Elantra a good value? Now you've entered the Elantra's sweet spot. It simply runs away from the competition with five years/60,000 miles of limited warranty coverage, 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain, and free maintenance for three years/36,000 miles. We also find the pricing attractive, especially considering the long list of features that comes standard on every model. Our only complaints: the amount of hard plastic in the cabin and a back seat nearly barren of any design.

Wildcard: Wow tech, not driving excitement

6.5/10

The Elantra has some "wow" factor with its effusive exterior styling, large bright screens and excellent voice controls. But it makes no claim to driving excitement and it's easy to see why. Hyundai made an excellent all-arounder, not a passion purchase. That's what the N Line version is for.

2021 Hyundai Elantra trim level differences

The 2021 Elantra is a four-door small sedan available with four engine options. The first, and the one most Elantras will come with, is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque) connected to a continuously variable transmission, or CVT automatic. The Elantra is front-wheel-drive only. Compare the 2021 Hyundai Elantra trim levels in-depth.

Which Elantra trim does Edmunds recommend?

For the regular Elantra, go with the SEL trim. The base SE is already well equipped with an abundance of driver assistance features plus both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. But the SEL doesn't cost much more and gets you a few more desirable extras (keyless entry, for example) plus the option to add even more features from option packages.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$139/mo

$218/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and 6 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #11 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

4 out of 5 stars4/5Excellent

#11 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$363/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

1.07x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

9.1%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

Recalls

6 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 24V879000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 271
Number of vehicles affected:: 226118
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Defect Consequence:: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.

Recall Number:: 22V354000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 229
Number of vehicles affected:: 230233
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Defect Consequence:: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall Number:: 22V218000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 223
Number of vehicles affected:: 6240
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Defect Consequence:: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 31, 2022. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall Number:: 21V796000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 211/009G
Number of vehicles affected:: 978
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Defect Consequence:: An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall numbers 22V-354 for Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles, 22V-458 for Venue vehicles, and 23V-094 for Genesis vehicles. Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedies completed.

Recall Number:: 21V302000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 204
Number of vehicles affected:: 1464
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
Defect Consequence:: An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-888-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 204.

Recall Number:: 21V00M000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 216
Manufactured from:: 2020-10-29 to 2020-12-17
Number of vehicles affected:: 26413
Defect Description:: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Defect Consequence:: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Hyundai Elantra Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

52 reviews

5(58%)

4(11%)

3(9%)

2(11%)

1(11%)

See all 52 reviews of the Hyundai Elantra

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Hyundai Elantra review: Redesign wins?

2021 Hyundai Elantra Review | Driving the Redesigned Elantra | Price, MPG, Release Date & More!

Our experts take a look at the newly redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra. When it comes to shopping for a compact sedan, the Hyundai Elantra has always been on the outside looking in. It seemed to be missing that certain something to make it stand out in a crowded segment. For 2021, though, Hyundai set out to change that perception by completely redesigning the Elantra, inside…

2021 Elantra Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$19,650
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	37 MPG
Cost to Drive	$139/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	14.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Elantra models:

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist: Issues an alert if the vehicle is about to collide with another vehicle in the next lane and may apply brakes to avoid or reduce the impact.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects oncoming vehicles while reversing and issues an alert. Brakes automatically if appropriate.
Lane Following Assist: Makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover5 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.1%

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