2021 Hyundai Elantra Limited

Hyundai’s compact Elantra sedan was completely redesigned for 2021. Its sleek exterior, with an abundance of sharp angles and creases, is a marked improvement over the previous version. The cabin is comfortable and sports a modern design, which is somewhat marred by the use of cheap-looking hard plastic. Noteworthy Elantra features include a full complement of standard advanced safety systems (including blind-spot warning and driver monitoring) and convenience features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. And, as with many Hyundai vehicles, the Elantra features a competitive price. The Elantra’s standard powertrain is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (147 hp) paired with a CVT. A new hybrid and 2 performance-oriented Elantras are also available. Unfortunately, the standard Elantra doesn’t provide an engaging driving experience—acceleration is slow, handling is lackluster, interior noise is high, and the firm ride turns bumpy on uneven pavement. On the upside, fuel economy is very good (35 mpg combined) and the trunk is equipped with a compact spare tire. The factory warranty (5 years/60,000 miles) and 3 years/36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance are added enticements.