First Look at the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Efficient at Delivering Value and Fun
The Elantra Hybrid is the one to purchase since it combines an economical powertrain with nice appearance.
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| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
We spent a few days driving the Elantra across Texas, first in the Dallas region and later in Houston, getting a taste of both city and highway driving.
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| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Road Trip in Texas
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, which comes in only two trim levels—Blue and Limited—doesn't lose interior room for battery storage. A 1.6-liter normally aspirated engine mated to a 32-kW electric motor produces 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, while a 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery helps the Blue achieve 53/56/54 mpg city/highway/combined and 49/52/50 mpg for the Limited. Those are impressive figures, and with petrol costs skyrocketing in some parts of the country, customers will be relieved to make fewer stops.
While the powertrain's performance stats aren't particularly impressive, the high torque figure and rapid delivery make the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid a pleasurable car to drive. When you press the throttle, the electric motor immediately generates torque, with the initial acceleration feeling snappy. Once you hit around 35 mph, the hybrid takes a little longer to pick up speed, which is more obvious on the highway. The engine's deafening roar as it attempts to develop speed is also noticeable; it seems like it's squeezing everything it can to move the wheels.
In Sport mode, the gearbox shifts fast up and down and holds gears longer. In Sport mode, the steering becomes a little heavier as well, but Comfort mode maintains things more comfortable.
The hybrid Elantra, unlike the normal Elantra, has a rear multilink suspension that gives a more stable and smoother ride. It absorbs bumps efficiently and keeps cabin vibrations under control. The ride is pleasant for a tiny car, especially one with a starting price of $24,545.
However, the first push makes the Elantra Hybrid a fantastic car to drive, especially when you consider the fuel economy figures. We averaged roughly 43 mpg on the 3.5-hour drive from Dallas to Houston in a Limited model, which is a good number given Texas' high speed restrictions and the stiff headwinds we faced.
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| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Insider Information
The fancy interior and dual-screen layout of our 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited test car provide a wonderful first impression once inside. The cockpit has a high-tech vibe thanks to two 10.3-inch screens, one of which serves as the instrument cluster and the other as the infotainment touchscreen. The digital display features good visuals that appear a cut above the competition, and the infotainment system is simple to operate owing to its streamlined menus. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered with the large screen, but you must connect your smartphone to the Elantra through a wire. Although the regular 8.0-inch screen supports wireless networking,This compatibility is not available on the larger screen.
Aside from its remarkable technology, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited is well-equipped. The Limited also has a wireless charger, a Bose eight-speaker premium audio system, and a power driver's seat with lumbar support, which proved useful during the humid Texas summer.
All of this is fantastic, however we'd want to see some improvements in terms of inside materials. Though we enjoy the textured plastic on the door panels and console, it seems cheap in both the front and back seats. The plastics are hard everywhere, whether on the top or bottom of the door, which is an odd contrast to the rest of the cabin.
On the other hand, it's worth highlighting the car's designers' attention to detail on the inside. For example, the air vents run from the middle of the dashboard all the way to the front passenger's door, providing an elegant impression to the cabin. To maintain a clean aesthetic, designers kept all buttons away from the screen's frame, with the hard buttons and volume knob situated between the air vents and HVAC controls. These types of embellishments make the space stand out.
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| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
Should I purchase it?
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid distinguishes out with an excellent interior and sophisticated driving qualities. Despite having just the Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla Hybrid as competitors (both of which drive quite well), the Elantra makes a dramatic statement by providing dynamic styling and unrivalled affordability. Our Limited test model cost $29,260, which was an attractive price for all of the included bells and whistles as well as the excellent fuel efficiency ratings.
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| 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid |
We've spent a significant amount of time with all of the Hyundai Elantra variants, but the Hybrid is the one to get. The Elantra Hybrid is a wonderful all-arounder that provides exceptional fuel efficiency without breaking the bank, from its value to its features to its driving pleasure.
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