South Korean automaker Hyundai pulled the wraps off of its new 2021 Elantra this week, which features an available hybrid powertrain capable of returning more than 50 mpg.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is all-new, riding on the automaker’s new ‘K3’ FWD platform and featuring a longer wheelbase, wider stance and lower roofline than the sixth-generation Elantra it replaces. Hyundai says the compact sedan has gained 2.2 inches in overall length, while its wheelbase has also grown by 0.8 inches. The overall width has increased one inch, as well, but overall height has dropped 0.8 inches to help deliver a sleeker, sportier appearance. Despite the lower height, Hyundai claims most of the Elantra’s key interior dimensions have increased.
The base Elantra will be powered by the automaker’s 2.0L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder, which generates 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Paired to a continuously variable transmission, Hyundai promises the 2.0L will help deliver a best-in-class EPA combined fuel economy rating.
However, those looking for even more efficiency may want to opt for the available Elantra Hybrid model. With a smaller 1.6L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, a 32-kW electric motor and a tiny 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Elantra Hybrid will deliver an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating of over 50 mpg. The total system output for hybrid models is 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Elantra buyers will also have access to plenty of technology despite the car’s status as an entry-level compact. The available new widescreen infotainment system is impressive for the segment, combining two 10.25-inch displays under one single piece of glass to create a uniform appearance. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can also receive over-the-air multimedia and map updates. Standard safety equipment on the compact four-door includes forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, high beam assist and driver attention warning.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is not a car that General Motors will be benchmarking anytime soon. The automaker bailed on the compact sedan segment when it pulled the plug on the Chevrolet Cruze last spring and has no plans to return to it, instead focusing on the more profit-heavy crossover, truck and SUV segments.
GM has also completely bailed on hybrid powertrains in order to focus more on its upcoming new battery-electric vehicles. The automaker said previously that it views hybrids as an unnecessary stop-gap to EVs and believes it is getting out ahead of the pack by pouring additional resources into EVs early.
As other automakers bail on sedans and hybrids, though, Hyundai sees all the more reason to press on with such vehicles.
“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,” said Hyundai America CEO José Muñoz.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra will enter production at the automaker’s Alabama plant this fall, with shipments to dealers beginning in the fourth quarter.
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Comments
honda and toyota are two manufacturers who have not bailed on hybrids.
they seem to be pushing to hybridize many of their vehicles. honda just came out with the hybrid cr-v to go up against the hybrid rav-4.
Good luck with it, looks like it’s going after remaining Corolla/Civic buyers. A VSS-R compact would make a good Nova return..
This is demonstration of a critical GM CEO Mary Barra mistake to give up on hybrid because cars and even full size CUVs would have satisfying performance all the while achieving excellent gas mileage as this Hyundai Elantra gets better mileage than a diesel and it’s why it was built especially when the best GM product can only achieve mileage of about 30mpg.
50 mpg and an ugly front end.
Not to mention, full of hard plastic and looks like dog sh!t.
Well Hyundai, Honda and Toyota can afford sedan sales as they sell them in nearly every market around the world. This gives them enough volume to support these cars.
As for Hybrids most are not far enough along with EV tech to compete and can’t afford to foot the bill on their own.
I have several Co workers that are ok with their cars but they only bought them because they were cheap. If they could afford better they would not be driving Hyundai’s.
These are good lease cars get rid of them before you have to put money in them.
The one went with me to lunch in my 08 Malibu. He was shocked how nice it was. I told him I thought it was just ok. Then he took me to lunch in his car. As he said it’s affordable.
Even the Elantra has a digital cluster but not the Cadillacs… lol
GM chose to “bland”-erize the most recent version of the Cruze, and Hyundai went radical. Guess no one cares about a car that blends in with the crowd, and that killed the sales of the Cruze. Might have helped if they didn’t keep the diesel option a secret.
You can buy a new Cruze in America?, That’s bigger news then the virus and the market crash….
Bland sells a bit in the segment, the Civic had reliability behind it’s style what sold also with the latest Corolla.
Hyundai have the new 50 mpg Elantra just in time for people moving from state-to-state job hunting or ride-sharing
As said if GM is to re-enter this market it has to come with an atomic bomb, not some now non-existent office job transportation.
Bland it was not. It actually looked more like a Hyundai.
The Diesel was not a secret it just was expensive. Yes it was offered on the high end models because it was still going to be expensive in the base models.
Regulations are killing diesels. Only truck buyers are willing to pay the price but for how long?
No issue with a Elantra hybrid , this next gen Elentra looks good , i like the sharper edge styling actually .
I’ve got one and only one issue here , this hybrids total system output , 139 bhp , it doesn’t match the pack leader in this category of hybirds , the honda insight has 151 total system output and using a smaller 1500cc engine .
The corolla hybrid is well done but it has the lowest system output in this class. Toyota put a 2 L engine in your corolla
hybird and you can be king of the hill here.
When are we gonna see a turbo hybrid in this size range with a Miller cycle engine which is just a atkinsin cycle motors
with ether a rurbo or mechanical supercharger . Honda and Hyundai both have turbo engijes which can work here as a
miller cycle engine . I don’t feel there’d much fuel efficiency penalty and alot more sales potential .