2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Review: Cool, Canny, Eco-Cruiser

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the first hybridized version of the seventh-generation Elantra nameplate. The regular Elantra is a popular car within the compact 4-door sedan segment, offering modern, standout design, oodles of features, and confidence-inspiring safety and reliability ratings, all at a relatively affordable price. The hybrid adds to these qualities with vastly improved fuel-efficiency - its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed automatic gearbox, and front-wheel drivetrain earning it 53/56/54 mpg city/highway/combined figures from the EPA. With a meager 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque combined, acceleration isn't great at higher speeds. This, along with its use of low-grade cabin materials and lack of essential smartphone connectivity options, hinder its standing in the market. Even so, the 2021 Elantra Hybrid remains an ambitious and worthy competitor alongside the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Kia Optima hybrids.

Elantra Hybrid Exterior

Dimensions

Elantra Hybrid Performance

Engine and Transmission

A 1.6-liter hybridized inline-4 gas motor is the Elantra Hybrid sedan's sole source of power. It yields up to 139 hp and 195 lb-ft combined that is forwarded to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox. As a regular, everyday, family sedan, the Elantra Hybrid is an easy-going cruiser far from being any sort of performance vehicle. Off-the-mark acceleration is decent, thanks to the torquey electric motors, but it tapers off quickly. It is clear that efficiency was the priority here, not performance. Small sedans aren't really designed for hauling trailers around, so don't expect to find a towing capacity rating for the 2021 Elantra sedan.

Elantra Hybrid Interior

Elantra Hybrid Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Sedan A Good car?

Hyundai has always presented the Elantra as a high-value proposition within its range and relative to other compact sedans in the segment to keep it competitively attractive. With a $23,550 sticker price, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid sedan maintains this appeal and offers everything the regular sedan does (good looks, loads of features, top-notch safety and reliability reviews), and significantly improved fuel economy, to boot. It's certainly a good pick as a family vehicle with its mostly sedate driving dynamics and easy handling. A spacious cabin, practical trunk, and favorable crashworthiness and safety scoring from the NHTSA's review of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid support that notion.

The Elantra Hybrid sedan is by no means a fun or engaging car, however, and despite its aggressive aesthetic and 'fighter-jet'-inspired cockpit, it doesn't offer any competitive level of straight-line and cornering performance. That's not what the Elantra MHEV or its competitors are about, however, and for what they are about, the Elantra is certainly one of the better buys.

What Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Model Should I Buy?

There are two Elantra Hybrid trims to choose from in the US - the entry-level Blue and the top-spec Limited. While the Blue is the most fuel-efficient of the two trims, the Limited comes with a far better selection of desirable creature comforts and conveniences that make it well worth the upshot in price. On the outside, these include full LED exterior lighting, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Some notable interior features include the 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen, the latter of which comes with both Android Auto and AppleCarPlay, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system. These accompany a bunch of advanced driver-assist systems and leather-trimmed cabin and seating surfaces.