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Like any good compact sedan, the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra gives one thing for everybody. If you are in search of a fuel-sipper, there is a hybrid mannequin on supply. Those searching for slightly extra driving pleasure can go for a turbocharged N Line. And for everybody else, there are the usual variations, all of that are armed with standout appears, a ton of expertise options and competent on-road manners that make it essentially the most aggressive Elantra sedan up to now.
LikeDistinct exterior designTons of techSpacious and quiet cabin
Don’t LikeHo-hum drive characterLacks rear energy pointsFlat seats
Wild styleOne factor is for certain, the Elantra is not simply one other underwhelming face within the crowd. Hyundai’s entry is visually out-there with a mammoth grille, slim headlights, quick roofline and outstanding sharp strains on the aspect and rear finish. The creases present up notably effectively on my Quartz White take a look at automotive that rides on 17-inch wheels with black-painted insets which are as visually daring as the remainder of the sedan. Is all of it a bit a lot? Maybe to some, but it surely’s a special and cohesive general design.
2021 Hyundai Elantra is armed with heaps of favor and tech
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Things contained in the Elantra aren’t fairly as futuristic. The clear, well organized format incorporates a heart stack angled in the direction of the motive force. Controls for local weather and infotainment are all massive and clearly marked, making them simple to make use of whereas driving. That’s to not say there aren’t some efforts to visually jazz issues up, although. The four-spoke steering wheel jogs my memory of a monster from Space Invaders and a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster — non-obligatory on the Elantra SEL and commonplace on range-topping Limited — is snazzy with totally different design themes for every drive mode.
Then there’s the dummy panel to the left aspect of the Elantra’s gauge cluster. There’s a round graphic with a horizontal line within the center making it appear to be it ought to be an air vent. In the Elantra N Line this piece of actual property homes the drive mode dial, however within the common fashions it is lifeless area that does not do something. Maybe it is a good place to stay a Post-It word?As for area, there is a wholesome serving to of it contained in the Elantra — 99.4 cubic toes of passenger room to be actual, pushing it into the EPA’s midsize classification. Headroom and legroom are beneficiant in back and front, whereas supplies all through are acceptable. Soft leather-based wraps the steering wheel, the material on the soft seats is good and most touchpoints are tender and of top of the range. You’ll nonetheless stumble upon exhausting, however nice-looking plastics on the transmission tunnel and backseat door panels, nonetheless.
The Elantra’s inside is good, however some there’s fairly a little bit of exhausting plastic in there.
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Technology-focusedOn the tech entrance, the Elantra SEL comes geared up with an 8-inch touchscreen with massive shortcut buttons and knobs for quantity and radio tuning. Like the gauge cluster, the display screen shows vibrant colours and graphics, however can be aware of inputs to manage the non-obligatory eight-speaker Bose audio setup, Bluetooth and wi-fi integration of each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen grows to 10.2-inches, however oddly that removes wi-fi CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as a substitute requiring a wired connection for each.
To power-up telephones, my SEL sports activities an accessible wi-fi cost pad positioned within the base of the middle console. There you may additionally discover a 12-volt outlet and two USB ports. Sadly, no energy factors are inside simple attain of backseat passengers. Android customers may take pleasure in the advantages of Hyundai Digital Key that lets drivers unlock and begin the Elantra by a smartphone app that is non-obligatory on the SEL and commonplace on Limited vehicles.The tech buffet continues with a hearty checklist of superior driver-assistant methods onboard the Elantra. Forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping help, a driver-attention monitor and Safe Exit Alert are all commonplace problem. My SEL tester is additional enhanced with accessible adaptive cruise management, automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The Elantra’s checklist of security expertise options is strong.
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Solid every day driverFor anybody in search of a reliable commuter, the Elantra is actually as much as the duty. Powering this sedan is a 2.0-liter I4 making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, related to a repeatedly variable transmission. Together, they return an EPA-estimated 31 miles per gallon within the metropolis and 41 mpg on the freeway, which is not shabby.The Elantra’s engine is easy however does not really feel notably highly effective. It adequately will get the job executed romping round city, although response at throttle tip-in is slightly lazy even when you may have the automotive in Sport mode. For issues like merging onto the freeway, you may want to essentially lean into the suitable pedal to seamlessly mix in with site visitors. Thankfully, the CVT does not sound like a hive of indignant bees in Sport mode when booting it and hanging onto ‘gears’ longer. It additionally gives guide shift capabilities, however you are higher off forgetting about that, ‘trigger it is actual gradual to hold out instructions.The Elantra’s Kumho tires aren’t half unhealthy in gentle snow.
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Chassis tuning follows the drivetrain’s lead, being respectable for daily-driving duties. Body motions are properly managed when rounding corners at a standard clip, however pushing tougher leads to the entrance washing out. The Elantra’s trip will get a contact crashy when it encounters consecutive bumps and ruts, and usually does not really feel as buttoned-up as rivals just like the Honda Civic and Mazda3. The steering has a numb spot on heart and lacks feeling, whereas the brakes are stout, delivering assured muscle and modulation.So, the Elantra is not going to rock your socks off from a driving engagement standpoint, but it surely’s snug for essentially the most half and impressively quiet whereas rolling down the highway. It additionally handles itself fairly effectively by gentle snow with the Kumho Majesty Solus all-season tires.
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How I’d spec itWhen constructing my Elantra, I’d follow a mid-grade SEL model just like the one pictured right here, which begins at $21,905 together with $1,005 for vacation spot. In truth, I’ll take the white paint job, too, due to how effectively it reveals off the outside strains and creases. From there, I’ll examine the field for the $950 Convenience Package to get the cool LCD gauge cluster, wi-fi cost pad and heated entrance seats. Tossing in $155 for flooring mats leads to a $23,010 price ticket to slip in beneath my take a look at automotive’s $25,110 backside line.A Quartz White paint job helps exhibit the Elantra’s physique strains.
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Strong compact sedan caseThe 2021 Hyundai Elantra begins at $20,655, giving it a decrease value of entry than the $22,245 Civic, $21,645 Mazda3 and $21,020 Toyota Corolla, however greater than the $18,885 Kia Forte and $19,990 Volkswagen Jetta.Out of that checklist of compact sedans, the brand new Elantra is certainly the visible standout of the bunch, providing an intensive dose of tech and a reassuring 10-year powertrain guarantee besides. While its drive character is much from thrilling, it is a competent and comfy trip for many driving conditions. All of that collectively combines to provide essentially the most compelling Elantra up to now.