Wilder 2021 Hyundai Elantra Costs Barely More Than Its Mild Predecessor

That sum nets buyers a base Elantra SE, which offers a good deal more kit than its equivalent predecessor. Notably, the entry-level 2021 Elantra comes standard with a number of features previously left off the SE trim, including four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, the latter of which works wirelessly with the car’s standard 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display.

Stepping up the $21,895 Elantra SEL adds proximity key with push-button start, hands-free trunk opening, and heated front seats. Another $950 adds the Convenience package, which includes a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, adaptive cruise control, an electronic parking brake, and a wireless charging pad. Drop another $3,050 on the Premium package, and the 2021 Elantra SEL welcomes features such as 17-inch wheels and tires, LED headlights and taillights, dark chrome exterior accents, a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat, and a sunroof. 

Finally, the $26,445 Elantra Limited includes all of the features from the decked out SEL with the Convenience and Premium packages and adds rear parking sensors, reverse automatic braking, a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, an in-dash navigation system, and lane centering.

All three Elantra trims come standard with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission. The pair returns up to 33 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined, per the Environmental Protection Agency. 

Those in search of additional fuel efficiency can opt for the Elantra Hybrid, which starts at $24,545 in its base SEL guise. The higher-spec Elantra Hybrid Limited, meanwhile, starts at $29,095. Both gasoline-electric hybrid trims generally mirror the feature content of the equivalent gas-sipping Elantras. However, power comes courtesy of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, which work together to produce a peak output of 139 horses. That grunt is delivered to the front wheels by way of a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and Hyundai estimates the Elantra Hybrid’s powertrain is good for traveling more than 50 miles on a gallon of gas.