The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: The Best Buy You Didn’t Know You Needed

When you're on the hunt for a hybrid sedan, you might think of the typical heavy hitters like the Prius or maybe even a Honda Insight But there’s a hidden gem in the pack: the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. With its sleek design top-notch fuel efficiency and a budget-friendly price tag it's becoming a go-to choice for anyone searching for a reliable hybrid without breaking the bank But is it the right car for you? Let’s dive in and see why this model might just check all your boxes (or maybe just most of them)!

The Beauty of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Before we get into the nitty-gritty features let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Hyundai went all out with the redesign in 2021—giving the Elantra sharper lines and a more aggressive front end. It doesn't scream "I'm eco-friendly"—it says "I’m eco-friendly and I look good doing it." With an aerodynamic profile and a bold grille it’s a car that could easily make you forget you’re driving a hybrid.

Performance That Surprises

Now let's talk about what’s under the hood The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 139 horsepower. While this might not make you feel like you're about to compete in a NASCAR race it's more than enough for everyday driving. The 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a huge win for drivers who prefer a smooth and responsive drive over the clunky feeling some hybrids can give you.

Pros of Performance:

• Fuel Economy: You’ll be getting an EPA-estimated 53 MPG in the city and 56 MPG on the highway. That’s impressive no matter how you slice it!
• Smooth Drive: The transition between electric and gas power is seamless leaving you wondering why you didn’t switch to hybrid sooner.
• Quick Acceleration: No it’s not a sports car but the Elantra Hybrid accelerates quicker than you'd expect for a car in this category.

Cons of Performance (With a Laugh):

• Not a Speed Demon: If you're looking for a car to win drag races this might not be it. Though to be fair it's great at winning "save money at the pump" races!
• Sometimes Too Quiet: Be careful when driving in parking lots—people might not hear you coming thanks to the near-silent electric mode. Great for sneaky commutes not so great for scaring squirrels away from the road.

Let’s Talk Tech – Features Galore!

Hyundai doesn’t skimp on features when it comes to the 2021 Elantra Hybrid. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just want a few modern conveniences you won’t be disappointed.

Infotainment System That’s Actually Entertaining

The Elantra Hybrid comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that’s easy to use and super intuitive. If you’re a fan of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you’ll be happy to know both come standard. Just plug in your phone and you’re good to go!

Here’s what you’ll love about the tech:

1. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across all trims – no need to shell out extra for basic connectivity.
2. Dual 10.25-inch digital displays in the higher trims – because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re piloting a spaceship?
3. Wireless Charging available in the higher trims – no more tangled cords!

But hey let’s not sugarcoat it—there are a few quirks that might bug you

• No physical volume knob: Hyundai decided buttons were cooler than knobs. If you’re the type who likes to crank up the tunes old-school style this might annoy you a bit.
• Base Sound System: If you’re an audiophile the standard sound system might leave you feeling a little flat.

Safety First (and Second Third… You Get the Idea)

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid comes with a bunch of standard safety features including forward collision warning automatic emergency braking lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. It’s like having a really cautious friend who’s always telling you to "slow down watch the road"—only this friend is built into your car and will actually stop the car if needed.

What’s included in terms of safety?

• Forward collision avoidance assist – This feature helps you avoid an accident before you even know it’s about to happen.
• Blind-spot monitoring – Perfect for highway driving when you need to know what’s in your blind spot before making that lane change.
• Lane follow assist – Because sometimes we all need a little help staying between the lines (especially on long road trips!).

Potential Drawbacks with Safety (in a Fun Way):

• Too Cautious?: Lane-keeping assist might give you a little nudge now and then even when you swear you were perfectly in the middle of your lane. "Hey buddy I’ve got this!"
• Alarms for Days: The car is so safe you might occasionally feel like it’s over-parenting you. Yes car I KNOW there’s a car in the next lane but I wasn’t even planning to change lanes!

Comfort and Space – A Hybrid That Fits Your Life

A hybrid can be efficient but if it’s not comfortable is it even worth it? Luckily the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid doesn’t compromise on interior comfort.

Interior Design: Sleek and Practical

The interior is modern with sharp lines and a layout that’s intuitive. The materials might not scream luxury but they certainly don’t feel cheap. You get the sense that Hyundai really thought about how people use their cars day-to-day and designed something that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Good Stuff:

• Spacious Cabin: There’s plenty of legroom in the front and back so no need to apologize to your tall friends for once.
• Quality Materials: For a car in this price range you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to interior quality.
• Ample Cargo Space: The hybrid battery doesn’t eat into the trunk space as much as you’d expect. You get 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space which is solid for the class.

But… A Few Gripes:

• Seats Could Be Softer: They’re not uncomfortable per se but after a long drive your back might wish for a little more cushion. It’s not a deal-breaker but something to note.
• Road Noise at Higher Speeds: The Elantra Hybrid is quiet around town but once you hit highway speeds you might notice a bit more road noise than you’d like.

Pricing: What’s the Damage?

Now let's talk dollars and cents because let’s be real—you’re here to find out if this is a good deal right? The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at around $23,550 for the base model and goes up to $28,100 for the fully-loaded Limited trim.

For a hybrid that offers this much tech safety and fuel efficiency this is a steal. You could easily spend more on competitors like the Prius and still not get some of the features the Elantra Hybrid offers as standard.

What Alex Collantes Has to Say:

"Honestly for the price you’re getting a lot of car," says Alex Collantes, a long-time automotive enthusiast. "The fuel efficiency alone saves you so much at the pump that you’re making back your money pretty quickly And the tech? It’s impressive. I’ve driven hybrids that cost way more but didn’t have as many cool features."

A Few Final Thoughts (And One Last Drawback)

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is truly an impressive car for its price point. You get the fuel efficiency of a hybrid the tech features of a more expensive sedan and safety features that make you feel like you’re driving in a bubble of protection.

But there’s always one more thing right? If we had to point out another quirk it’s that the regenerative braking might take some getting used to. If you’ve never driven a hybrid before you might find yourself jerking a little when you first take your foot off the gas. It’s not a huge deal but hey—it’s something to be aware of.

To Wrap It Up:

• Fuel Efficiency: Amazing—you’ll be waving goodbye to frequent gas station stops.
• Tech Features: Some of the best in the class—Hyundai really packed this car full of gadgets.
• Comfort: Plenty of space though the seats could use a little extra cushion.
• Price: Hard to beat—especially when you compare it to other hybrids.

So should you buy a 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid? If you’re looking for a reliable hybrid that won’t break the bank is packed with features and looks great while doing it the answer is a resounding yes! Plus who doesn't want to save on gas while driving a car that looks this good?