“This is a fun car that you will enjoy driving, and be able to rely upon. Additionally you will save money on gas (a lot) and feel a little better for driving an environmentally friendly vehicle.”
2021 Hyundai Elantra: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is fully redesigned, marking the start of its seventh generation with a longer, lower, wider body and a more modern cabin. The first Elantra Hybrid is the biggest addition beyond the redesign.
About the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
7th generation (CN7), first year of the redesign.
Hyundai positions the 2021 Elantra as a compact sedan for buyers who want practical daily-driver usefulness without settling for bland styling or stripped-down tech. The big selling points are standout design, a roomy cabin for the class, strong fuel economy, and a long list of standard safety features. Compared with rivals, Hyundai leans hard on value through technology: the Elantra aims to feel more modern inside than many compact sedans, while still offering clear paths to higher efficiency in hybrid form or more fun in N Line form.
The SE and SEL are everyday versions with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a broad set of driver-assistance features. The N Line adds a 201-hp turbo engine, a manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a sport-tuned rear suspension. Limited models emphasize comfort and technology with two 10.25-inch screens, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and extra parking assistance.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Elantra moves to the new seventh-generation CN7 platform with a longer wheelbase. Rear legroom increases from 35.7 to 38 inches on the SE, SEL, and Limited.
Styling
The redesigned body is longer, lower, and wider, with a more coupe-like roofline. The cabin also gets a more dramatic, screen-focused dashboard.
Powertrain
The first Elantra Hybrid joins the range in Blue HEV, SEL HEV, and Limited HEV forms, pairing a 1.6-liter hybrid system with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The N-Line name changes to N Line, while the Eco and Sport trims leave the lineup.
Safety
More driver-assistance equipment becomes standard, including lane-following assist and an upgraded forward-collision braking system. The Limited gains standard adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic braking.
Tech
Mainstream trims gain an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trims add a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation beside a 10.25-inch digital instrument display; navigation and the touchscreen become standard on Limited.
2021 Hyundai Elantra specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 33 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | 31 mpg | 49 mpg | 49 mpg | 49 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 43 mpg | 41 mpg | 34 mpg | 41 mpg | 52 mpg | 52 mpg | 52 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 201 hp | 147 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp | 139 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft | 109 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft | 14.2 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in | 38 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra a new generation?
Yes. The 2021 Elantra starts the seventh generation on a new platform, with a longer, lower, and wider body, a redesigned cabin, and more rear legroom than the 2020 model.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Elantra add a hybrid?
Yes. The first Elantra Hybrid arrives for 2021 with a 1.6-liter hybrid system, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a multi-link rear suspension. Hybrid trims include Blue HEV, SEL HEV, and Limited HEV.
What technology changed on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
The 2021 Elantra gains an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on mainstream trims. Higher trims add side-by-side 10.25-inch displays, and navigation becomes standard on the Limited.
What made the 2021 Hyundai Elantra N Line different?
The 2021 Elantra N Line is the sport-focused model, with a 201-hp turbocharged engine, a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, a sport-tuned multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch wheels, and distinct body trim.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Elantra meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
Yes. The 2021 model is a full redesign with a new platform, more rear-seat space, updated styling, a more modern touchscreen system, broader standard driver assistance, and the Elantra’s first hybrid versions.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
4.2
2021 Hyundai Elantra
(225 reviews)
“My hyaundai elantra is fun to drive and looks nice I also get excellent gas mileage”
“With the amazing fuel economy, spectacular design of the Elantra, this is a truly amazing vehicle to own.”