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RYAN ZUMMALLEN: The old Hyundai Elantra
had a bit of a design problem, in that there
wasn't very much of it.
But Hyundai fixed that for the new 2021 Elantra
by doing all of the design at once.
Some of it really works, and some of it not so much.
But to be honest, that's a good thing.
This 2021 Elantra definitely stands out.
And now it looks more ready to take on compact sedans
like the Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla, and Nissan
Sentra, all of which we liked just a little bit more
than the last Elantra.
The base price for this new one starts a little
over $20,000, which is roughly $800 more than the 2020 model.
There's also a hybrid and a sporty N Line, both of which
are around $25,000.
That $20,000 starting price is about the same
as a Corolla or a Honda Civic.
And our top end limited model has a starting price
of about $26,500.
If you like standard features, there is a long list.
So let's dive right in and see if the Elantra
should make your short list.
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Hyundai also gave the Elantra a new platform,
which it says is stronger and creates
more room for passengers.
That sounds like music to our ears.
But here's what didn't change, that same sluggish engine
and transmission from the previous Elantra.
If this new one is going to fare better
in the ratings than the last one,
it's going to have to wow us in terms of comfort, technology
and more.
Another advantage comes in the weight department.
Compared to the 2019 Elantra we tested, this 2021 version
with 95 pounds less.
And it did that while stuffing a lot more equipment inside.
Once inside the new Elantra, you can immediately
tell that this is a car with a personality all its own.
This is a modern interior with attractive materials
for the class.
And everything is packaged in a unique style.
For instance, the steering wheel has these cool little wings
that are just a little bit different from everything
else in the class.
And the Elantra has its share of hard plastics,
but they're designed in a way that you
can tell Hyundai was trying to make you feel a little bit
special.
They're thinking of you, aw.
Let's talk screens.
Standard on the Elantra is an eight inch central touch
screen, which is good for the class.
But even better, it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay
and wireless Android Auto, which is fantastic for the class.
You can also upgrade to this system, two 10.3 inch screens
under one single piece of glass.
This looks really great.
The maps are really vibrant.
And there are a lot of cool animations and Easter eggs
as well.
So we would recommend springing for this system if you can.
The problem is, there is no wireless Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto if you get the upgraded system.
So you're going to need this.
And if you're a techie, I feel for you.
I really do.
Here are some features that do come with every Elantra,
though.
Driver aids, lots of them.
Collision mitigation, lane keep, and lean centering, blind spot
warning, a driver attention monitor, and a rear view
camera, all standard.
You do have to add some as options,
like adaptive cruise control and backup
sensors with automatic braking.
But I've been using those for the last few days
with only good things to say.
More features, you say?
Well, Hyundai is also bringing out a new voice control
system, which they say can more accurately detect
natural language.
So you can use it for things like finding an address,
or getting directions to a coffee shop,
or even asking for the weather, things like that.
But Hyundai also says you can use it
to control the climate control.
Here's a list of some of the things
they suggest you use it for.
Turning the climate on and off, setting the fans
to high or low, even setting the fan
to direct at your feet, your face, or both.
So is it better to use that than if I just set it myself?
Let's find out with a little race.
SPEAKER 1: Please say a command.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Turn air conditioning on.
SPEAKER 1: Turning on the air conditioner.
Please say a command.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Turn on heated seats.
SPEAKER 1: Sorry, I didn't understand you.
Please try your command again after the beep.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Turn on seat warmers.
SPEAKER 1: Turning on all seat warmers.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: Set fan to face.
SPEAKER 1: Settings fan to face.
RYAN ZUMMALLEN: OK, so that was pretty impressive.
But let's see if I can turn them on a little faster.
OK, so humans win this round.
But I did enjoy playing with the system
and learning how to use it while keeping my eyes straight ahead
and my hands on the wheel.
The future is here, y'all.
It's like a desert back here.
No outlets, no fans, hard plastic everywhere.
This is mostly what you can expect from the class.
But there are some competitors, like the Jetta, who
are introducing features in the rear
and Hyundai is risking being left behind.
Now, there are two extra inches of leg room
in the rear compared with the previous model.
And when I'm sitting behind my normal driving position,
I've actually got tons of space.
But with the sloping roof line, my head
does graze the ceiling a little bit.
So while it's certainly more comfortable back here,
it is going to be a little bit challenging for people six feet
or taller, like myself.
So with the new platform, you save some weight
and you gain leg room for rear passengers.
But head room is about the same and trunk space is
the same as the previous model.
Those things I could forgive if the rear passenger
space had some redeeming value.
But it's like they forgot to design
this part of the car, yikes.
We promised you tech features, and this
is the techiest of them all.
The Elantra offers a new digital key option,
which you can activate through this app.
And that will unlock the car, start the car,
you can even drive the car just with this in your pocket.
You can just leave the key at home.
The problem?
I can't use it.
The system is Android only, and like half of Earth,
I have an iPhone.
This isn't even my phone.
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I really like the way this new Elantra drives.
Steering feels on point, and the ride is smooth and comfortable.
Is it fast?
No.
But it does feel maneuverable.
And that's what I want, personally,
from an economy car.
There's a really good responsiveness to the steering
and to the brakes.
And for a CVT, this transmission feels pretty good.
Now, there's a lack of feedback, which
is what is going to hold the Elantra back from being as fun
to drive as a Civic or a Maza3.
But if you're looking for an affordable economy car,
I think you'll really like this.
And efficiency is always going to be this car's strong point.
It was already tops in the class,
and then the 2021 Elantra improves to 37 MPG combined.
And on our 115 mile test loop, this Elantra actually
got 41.8 miles per gallon, which is equal to its highway rating.
And that's really strong for the class.
Not to mention, don't forget there's a hybrid model.
And that has an estimate of 54 MPG combined.
54!
So for 2021, the Elantra got a new platform.
And in some ways, it really impressed us.
But the biggest differences are still
in the looks and the technology.
And if you're a looks and technology person,
this is probably looking pretty sweet to you right now.
And I don't blame you.
Opting for the Elantra also brings extra benefits
in the form of efficiency and overall value.
These are still the foundational bedrocks of this car.
And they only got better this year.
So where does the Elantra stack up against other small sedans?
Well the Civic and Kia Forte remain our top choices.
But the new Elantra is right behind them.
In fact, we rate it higher than even the Mazda3.
This is a great package, held back only
by its lackluster engine.
And even that has a fix in the form of the new Elantra N Line.
In short, the 2021 Elantra is vastly improved.
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For an in-depth article on the 2021
Elantra and its competitors, click
the link in the description.
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