2021 Hyundai Elantra

Pros: Comfortable ride; smooth powertrain and excellent fuel economy of Hybrid models; extensive list of available safety and tech features

Cons: Performance of the base engine is just adequate; so-so rear visibility

CG Says: Hyundai’s compact sedan is redesigned for 2021, gaining bold new styling, new technology features, a renamed sporty model, and its first-ever hybrid powertrain. A four-door sedan is now the Elantra’s lone body style; the sedan’s hatchback sibling, the Elantra GT, has been discontinued for 2021.

The Elantra’s newly available tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity; Hyundai Digital Key (a smartphone app that allows you to lock/unlock and drive the car without the physical key fob); and SoundHound Voice Recognition, a system that uses voice prompts for such traditionally manual tasks as rolling down windows, opening the trunk, or turning on seat heaters.

The Elantra’s hybrid powertrain combines a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 139 horsepower; it’s paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission, and Hyundai estimates that it will deliver 54 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving. The conventional gas powertrains carry over from the previous-generation Elantra. The base engine is a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder paired with a CVT automatic transmission.

The sporty N Line model takes the place of the previous Sport trim level in the Elantra lineup; it has a sport suspension and is powered by a 201-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission. A high-performance Elantra N model with a 276-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder is slated to arrive for the 2022 model year.

Standard safety features on all Elantras include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane following assist, driver-attention monitor, high beam assist, and safe exit warning.

Despite its radical new looks, the redesigned Hyundai Elantra remains a pleasant, practical everyday car that now comes in a broader variety of likeable flavors, from sporty to super-economical. A long list of standard safety feature and available tech features add to Elantra’s appeal.