The New Hyundai Elantra Compared with Other Compact Sedans

While the popularity of crossovers is on the rise, sedans are still some of the most often chosen vehicles. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra could be the right small car for you to drive, but you should compare it with other models in its class. To do that, you would need to take a look at the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda3 as well.

Performance and Fuel Mileage

The design and chassis for the Hyundai Elantra are all new for 2021 but the powertrain isn’t. This car uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a CVT to give you 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. This base power level is only more powerful than the standard offering of the Toyota Corolla in this class. If you’re looking for a peppy engine with quick acceleration, the Mazda3 has the most power and torque.
When it comes to fuel mileage, the new Elantra has better numbers than the outgoing version. This number comes in at 36 mpg combined, making the Hyundai the most efficient non-hybrid model in the group. If you’re looking for the best overall blend of power and efficiency, the Honda Civic would be the one you want to drive. If you want a manual transmission, only the Civic and Corolla offer these for you.

A Unique Hybrid for the Hyundai Elantra

There is a new powertrain for the Elantra and it’s a hybrid model. This version is unique compared to other hybrids in the class because it uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission instead of the electronically controlled CVT. This new hybrid is rated to offer you more than 50 mpg which puts this version right in line with the Honda and Toyota offerings you’ll see.

Added Performance with the N-Line

The Hyundai Elantra will receive a higher performance version in the future. This new model will be called the N-Line version to give you a sporty sedan option when you’re not looking for the Elantra GT N-Line hatchback. This new version will likely use the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine you see in other N-Line models from Hyundai already. This is something that you can get excited about if you’re looking for more fun in your small car.

Interior and Exterior

The new version of the Hyundai Elantra offers the longest and widest body in this group of compact cars. Only the Mazda3 has a longer wheelbase, which means you’ll have plenty of comfort and passenger space inside the Elantra when you’re taking a drive. The Elantra has the most headroom and rear legroom in this group to give you the spacious feeling you’re looking for when you drive.
When you’re looking at the rest of the cars in this class, you’ll find the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 both have tight rear seat areas. When it comes to cargo room, the Elantra offers you 14.2 cubic feet of space, which puts it in the middle of the pack. The Honda Civic has the most spacious trunk at 15.1 cubic feet and the Corolla has the least at 13.1 cubes for your stuff.

Features of the Elantra

Start checking out the features offered for the Hyundai Elantra and you’ll find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety features, selectable drive modes, an eight-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and HD Radio. Standard safety items include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-follow assist, active high-beam headlights, and a driver attention monitor. These items are a step up from what you’ll find in the other small sedans in this class.

A Unique Item for the Hyundai Elantra

Among the small sedans you’ll see, the Elantra is the only one that offers you the benefits of a hands-free smart trunk release. All you need to do to activate this feature is stand behind the vehicle with the key fob in your pocket for a few seconds. The trunk will then release and open to makes it easy for you to load items in the rear.

You’ll Choose the Elantra

It’s only smart to consider several choices when you’re trying to decide which small car will be the right one to drive. If you’re searching for the compact sedan that will give you the driving package you need, it’s time to consider the Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, and Mazda3. Notice, the Sentra did not get mentioned often, because it doesn’t stand out in this class, but the Elantra certainly does and it will be the car you drive home today.