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| Meta Title | Tested: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Impresses but Doesn’t Hit 50 MPG |
| Meta Description | We like driving Hyundai's daringly styled compact, but it's not as efficient as we expected. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Like many other small cars,
Hyundai's latest Elantra sedan
is trying its hardest to act like a luxury-badged compact car rather than a plebian commuter pod. Its sharply creased exterior and high-tech interior both succeed at giving off an upscale vibe, especially in higher trim levels. But the Elantra hasn't forgotten that it's still an economy car, and it now offers a hybrid version that prioritizes fuel economy, with impressive EPA ratings of up to 54 mpg combined.
It's one of several new hybrid models Hyundai has introduced recently, and the Elantra's drivetrain is most similar to the gas-electric setup found in the
Ioniq hatchback
. A 104-hp Atkinson-cycle gasoline inline-four combines with a 43-horsepower electric motor and a small battery pack to provide a total of 139 horsepower, a bit less than the nonhybrid Elantra's 2.0-liter inline-four offers. We got the Elantra hybrid to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds, which isn't exactly quick but also isn't nearly as slow as the sluggish
Toyota Corolla hybrid's
10.7-second dawdle (we've yet to test a nonhybrid 2021 Elantra).
HIGHS: Stylish inside and out, satisfying to drive, smooth powertrain.
What most differentiates the Elantra from hybrid rivals such as the
Honda Insight
and the Corolla hybrid, which have a CVT, is its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes it accelerate much more like a normal car. While many hybrids have a gearless transmission that causes the engine to drone loudly when you step on the gas, we appreciated the Elantra hybrid's noticeable but not obtrusive shifts that help avoid that auditory annoyance.
Our test car was a loaded Limited model, which receives lower EPA fuel-economy ratings than the lighter Blue base trim level. But we weren't able to match even the reduced estimates of 50 mpg combined, 49 mpg city, and 52 mpg on the highway. In our hands, the Elantra averaged 40 mpg overall and hit 48 mpg on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy loop. The Corolla hybrid hit a whopping 56 mpg in this same test, and
Hyundai's larger Sonata hybrid
even beat its little sibling with a 51-mpg result. But the Sonata's hybrid powertrain, which uses a 2.0-liter inline-four and a conventional torque-converter six-speed automatic, wasn't as smooth as the Elantra's in our experience, with clunky low-speed operation that made us wonder if the engineers didn't quite finish the tuning calibration.
LOWS: Disappointing real-world fuel economy, hybrid is a pricey upgrade.
Impressively quiet and refined for a
compact sedan
, the Elantra hybrid goes down the road confidently. Its skidpad result of 0.85 g and stopping distance of 171 feet from 70 mph aren't groundbreaking, but we enjoyed the nicely weighted steering and composed ride quality.
Hyundai says the hybrid doesn't sacrifice any passenger or cargo space compared with the nonhybrid model, and the rear seats still fold in a 60/40 split arrangement. The Elantra's cabin feels airy and bright thanks to a clear view out front, and the driver's seating position is comfortable. Both the optional digital gauge cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screens use clear, modern-looking graphics, and the buttons and knobs look and feel high-quality.
The hybrid's steep price point is the only thing that would give us pause when shopping for an Elantra. The Blue model starts at $24,555 but lacks many of the niceties we enjoyed in our Limited test car, which stickered for $29,260. Because the nonhybrid Elantra Limited ($26,455) and the 201-hp, turbocharged Elantra N Line ($25,105) both go for several thousand dollars less, we think it's difficult to justify buying the hybrid based on its mpg bump alone.
That's not to say the Elantra hybrid doesn't feel worth its price; instead, it illustrates the value available elsewhere in the Elantra lineup. Hyundai has succeeded in increasing its compact sedan's curb appeal, technology offerings, and driving experience no matter which version we're discussing. And if you're particularly keen to get as close to 50 mpg as you can, we won't judge you if you decide the hybrid is worth ponying up for.
Specifications
Specifications
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $29,105/$29,260
Options: carpeted floor mats, $155
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, 104 hp, 109 lb-ft + AC motor, 43 hp, 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT
225/45R-17 91W M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft
3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft
3
Curb Weight: 3088 lb
C/D
TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph
100 mph: 24.4 sec
Results above omit
1-ft rollout
of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
C/D
FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 48 mpg
Highway Range: 520 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg
C/D
TESTING EXPLAINED
Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at
Automobile Magazine
. He has been part of the Hearst Autos team since 2016 and now lives in New York City. Â
Read full bio
This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. |
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3. [Tested: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Impresses but Doesn’t Hit 50 MPG](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a37102342/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers/)
# Tested: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Impresses but Doesn’t Hit 50 MPG
The gas-electric version of Hyundai's daringly styled compact sedan is nice to drive but doesn't sip fuel quite as efficiently as we expected.
By [Joey Capparella](https://www.caranddriver.com/author/220505/joey-capparella/ "Joey Capparella")
Published: Jul 22, 2021
Save Article
[View Photos](https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g37102336/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers-gallery/)
Michael Simari\|Car and Driver
Like many other small cars, [Hyundai's latest Elantra sedan](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/elantra) is trying its hardest to act like a luxury-badged compact car rather than a plebian commuter pod. Its sharply creased exterior and high-tech interior both succeed at giving off an upscale vibe, especially in higher trim levels. But the Elantra hasn't forgotten that it's still an economy car, and it now offers a hybrid version that prioritizes fuel economy, with impressive EPA ratings of up to 54 mpg combined.
It's one of several new hybrid models Hyundai has introduced recently, and the Elantra's drivetrain is most similar to the gas-electric setup found in the [Ioniq hatchback](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/ioniq). A 104-hp Atkinson-cycle gasoline inline-four combines with a 43-horsepower electric motor and a small battery pack to provide a total of 139 horsepower, a bit less than the nonhybrid Elantra's 2.0-liter inline-four offers. We got the Elantra hybrid to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds, which isn't exactly quick but also isn't nearly as slow as the sluggish [Toyota Corolla hybrid's](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a28442604/2020-toyota-corolla-hybrid-by-the-numbers/) 10.7-second dawdle (we've yet to test a nonhybrid 2021 Elantra).
### For Sale Near You
See all results for [used 2021 Hyundai Elantra for sale](https://www.caranddriver.com/cars-for-sale/2021/hyundai/elantra) near 20147
[View Photos](https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g37102336/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers-gallery/)
Michael Simari\|Car and Driver
> > HIGHS: Stylish inside and out, satisfying to drive, smooth powertrain.
###### More on Hybrids
- [Affordable, Normal-Looking Hybrid Sedans Compared](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a28316198/2019-honda-insight-vs-2020-toyota-corolla-hybrid/)
- [Hyundai Ioniq Offers an Alternative to the Prius](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a32697438/2020-hyundai-ioniq-hybrid-drive/)
- [Best Hybrid and Electric Cars of 2024 and 2025](https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g27271118/best-hybrid-electric-cars/)
What most differentiates the Elantra from hybrid rivals such as the [Honda Insight](https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/insight) and the Corolla hybrid, which have a CVT, is its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes it accelerate much more like a normal car. While many hybrids have a gearless transmission that causes the engine to drone loudly when you step on the gas, we appreciated the Elantra hybrid's noticeable but not obtrusive shifts that help avoid that auditory annoyance.
Our test car was a loaded Limited model, which receives lower EPA fuel-economy ratings than the lighter Blue base trim level. But we weren't able to match even the reduced estimates of 50 mpg combined, 49 mpg city, and 52 mpg on the highway. In our hands, the Elantra averaged 40 mpg overall and hit 48 mpg on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy loop. The Corolla hybrid hit a whopping 56 mpg in this same test, and [Hyundai's larger Sonata hybrid](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a36830653/2021-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-limited-by-the-numbers/) even beat its little sibling with a 51-mpg result. But the Sonata's hybrid powertrain, which uses a 2.0-liter inline-four and a conventional torque-converter six-speed automatic, wasn't as smooth as the Elantra's in our experience, with clunky low-speed operation that made us wonder if the engineers didn't quite finish the tuning calibration.
[View Photos](https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g37102336/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers-gallery/)
Michael Simari\|Car and Driver
> > LOWS: Disappointing real-world fuel economy, hybrid is a pricey upgrade.
Impressively quiet and refined for a [compact sedan](https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-sedans/compact), the Elantra hybrid goes down the road confidently. Its skidpad result of 0.85 g and stopping distance of 171 feet from 70 mph aren't groundbreaking, but we enjoyed the nicely weighted steering and composed ride quality.
Hyundai says the hybrid doesn't sacrifice any passenger or cargo space compared with the nonhybrid model, and the rear seats still fold in a 60/40 split arrangement. The Elantra's cabin feels airy and bright thanks to a clear view out front, and the driver's seating position is comfortable. Both the optional digital gauge cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screens use clear, modern-looking graphics, and the buttons and knobs look and feel high-quality.
[View Photos](https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g37102336/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers-gallery/)
Michael Simari\|Car and Driver
The hybrid's steep price point is the only thing that would give us pause when shopping for an Elantra. The Blue model starts at \$24,555 but lacks many of the niceties we enjoyed in our Limited test car, which stickered for \$29,260. Because the nonhybrid Elantra Limited (\$26,455) and the 201-hp, turbocharged Elantra N Line (\$25,105) both go for several thousand dollars less, we think it's difficult to justify buying the hybrid based on its mpg bump alone.
That's not to say the Elantra hybrid doesn't feel worth its price; instead, it illustrates the value available elsewhere in the Elantra lineup. Hyundai has succeeded in increasing its compact sedan's curb appeal, technology offerings, and driving experience no matter which version we're discussing. And if you're particularly keen to get as close to 50 mpg as you can, we won't judge you if you decide the hybrid is worth ponying up for.
#### Specifications
**Specifications**
**2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited**
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
**PRICE** Base/As Tested: \$29,105/\$29,260
Options: carpeted floor mats, \$155
**POWERTRAIN** DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, 104 hp, 109 lb-ft + AC motor, 43 hp, 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
**CHASSIS** Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT
225/45R-17 91W M+S
**DIMENSIONS** Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight: 3088 lb
***C/D* TEST RESULTS** 60 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph
100 mph: 24.4 sec
*Results above omit [1-ft rollout](https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a30085446/acceleration-testing-procedure-change-rollout/) of 0.3 sec.*
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
***C/D* FUEL ECONOMY** Observed: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 48 mpg
Highway Range: 520 mi
**EPA FUEL ECONOMY** Combined/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg
[*C/D* TESTING EXPLAINED](https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/)
[Joey Capparella](https://www.caranddriver.com/author/220505/joey-capparella/)
Deputy Editor, Rankings Content
Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at *Automobile Magazine*. He has been part of the Hearst Autos team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.
[Read full bio](https://www.caranddriver.com/author/220505/joey-capparella/)
This content is imported from OpenWeb. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
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[Cookies Choices](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a37102342/2021-hyundai-elantra-hybrid-by-the-numbers/ "Cookies Choices") |
| Readable Markdown | Like many other small cars, [Hyundai's latest Elantra sedan](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/elantra) is trying its hardest to act like a luxury-badged compact car rather than a plebian commuter pod. Its sharply creased exterior and high-tech interior both succeed at giving off an upscale vibe, especially in higher trim levels. But the Elantra hasn't forgotten that it's still an economy car, and it now offers a hybrid version that prioritizes fuel economy, with impressive EPA ratings of up to 54 mpg combined.
It's one of several new hybrid models Hyundai has introduced recently, and the Elantra's drivetrain is most similar to the gas-electric setup found in the [Ioniq hatchback](https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/ioniq). A 104-hp Atkinson-cycle gasoline inline-four combines with a 43-horsepower electric motor and a small battery pack to provide a total of 139 horsepower, a bit less than the nonhybrid Elantra's 2.0-liter inline-four offers. We got the Elantra hybrid to 60 mph in a respectable 8.4 seconds, which isn't exactly quick but also isn't nearly as slow as the sluggish [Toyota Corolla hybrid's](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a28442604/2020-toyota-corolla-hybrid-by-the-numbers/) 10.7-second dawdle (we've yet to test a nonhybrid 2021 Elantra).
> > HIGHS: Stylish inside and out, satisfying to drive, smooth powertrain.
What most differentiates the Elantra from hybrid rivals such as the [Honda Insight](https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/insight) and the Corolla hybrid, which have a CVT, is its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes it accelerate much more like a normal car. While many hybrids have a gearless transmission that causes the engine to drone loudly when you step on the gas, we appreciated the Elantra hybrid's noticeable but not obtrusive shifts that help avoid that auditory annoyance.
Our test car was a loaded Limited model, which receives lower EPA fuel-economy ratings than the lighter Blue base trim level. But we weren't able to match even the reduced estimates of 50 mpg combined, 49 mpg city, and 52 mpg on the highway. In our hands, the Elantra averaged 40 mpg overall and hit 48 mpg on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy loop. The Corolla hybrid hit a whopping 56 mpg in this same test, and [Hyundai's larger Sonata hybrid](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a36830653/2021-hyundai-sonata-hybrid-limited-by-the-numbers/) even beat its little sibling with a 51-mpg result. But the Sonata's hybrid powertrain, which uses a 2.0-liter inline-four and a conventional torque-converter six-speed automatic, wasn't as smooth as the Elantra's in our experience, with clunky low-speed operation that made us wonder if the engineers didn't quite finish the tuning calibration.
> > LOWS: Disappointing real-world fuel economy, hybrid is a pricey upgrade.
Impressively quiet and refined for a [compact sedan](https://www.caranddriver.com/rankings/best-sedans/compact), the Elantra hybrid goes down the road confidently. Its skidpad result of 0.85 g and stopping distance of 171 feet from 70 mph aren't groundbreaking, but we enjoyed the nicely weighted steering and composed ride quality.
Hyundai says the hybrid doesn't sacrifice any passenger or cargo space compared with the nonhybrid model, and the rear seats still fold in a 60/40 split arrangement. The Elantra's cabin feels airy and bright thanks to a clear view out front, and the driver's seating position is comfortable. Both the optional digital gauge cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screens use clear, modern-looking graphics, and the buttons and knobs look and feel high-quality.
The hybrid's steep price point is the only thing that would give us pause when shopping for an Elantra. The Blue model starts at \$24,555 but lacks many of the niceties we enjoyed in our Limited test car, which stickered for \$29,260. Because the nonhybrid Elantra Limited (\$26,455) and the 201-hp, turbocharged Elantra N Line (\$25,105) both go for several thousand dollars less, we think it's difficult to justify buying the hybrid based on its mpg bump alone.
That's not to say the Elantra hybrid doesn't feel worth its price; instead, it illustrates the value available elsewhere in the Elantra lineup. Hyundai has succeeded in increasing its compact sedan's curb appeal, technology offerings, and driving experience no matter which version we're discussing. And if you're particularly keen to get as close to 50 mpg as you can, we won't judge you if you decide the hybrid is worth ponying up for.
#### Specifications
**Specifications**
**2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited**
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
**PRICE** Base/As Tested: \$29,105/\$29,260
Options: carpeted floor mats, \$155
**POWERTRAIN** DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection, 104 hp, 109 lb-ft + AC motor, 43 hp, 125 lb-ft (combined output: 139 hp, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
**CHASSIS** Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 11.0-in vented disc/10.3-in disc
Tires: Hankook Kinergy GT
225/45R-17 91W M+S
**DIMENSIONS** Wheelbase: 107.1 in
Length: 184.1 in
Width: 71.9 in
Height: 55.7 in
Passenger Volume: 100 ft3
Trunk Volume: 14 ft3
Curb Weight: 3088 lb
***C/D* TEST RESULTS** 60 mph: 8.4 sec
1/4-Mile: 16.5 sec @ 85 mph
100 mph: 24.4 sec
*Results above omit [1-ft rollout](https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a30085446/acceleration-testing-procedure-change-rollout/) of 0.3 sec.*
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 9.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.7 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 6.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 116 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g
***C/D* FUEL ECONOMY** Observed: 40 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 48 mpg
Highway Range: 520 mi
**EPA FUEL ECONOMY** Combined/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg
[*C/D* TESTING EXPLAINED](https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a32018270/how-we-test-cars/)
Despite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at *Automobile Magazine*. He has been part of the Hearst Autos team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.
[Read full bio](https://www.caranddriver.com/author/220505/joey-capparella/)
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