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The gas-electric version of the modern bold compact car drove well, but it did not absorb fuel as efficiently as we expected.
Like many other small cars, Hyundai’s latest Elantra sedan is doing its best to behave like a compact car with a luxurious badge, rather than a normal commuter cabin. Its sharp crease appearance and high-tech interior have successfully exuded a high-end atmosphere, especially at a higher level of decoration. But the Elantra has not forgotten that it is still an economical car. It now offers a hybrid version that prioritizes fuel economy, with an impressive EPA rating of 54 mpg.
It is one of several new hybrid models recently launched by Hyundai Motors. The Elantra's drivetrain is most similar to the gas-electric setting in the Ioniq hatchback. The 104-horsepower Atkinson cycle gasoline inline four-cylinder engine combined with a 43-horsepower electric motor and a small battery pack provides a total of 139 horsepower, slightly lower than the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine of the non-hybrid Elantra. We got the Elantra Hybrid to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, which is not fast, but not as slow as the 10.7-second hybrid of the slow Toyota Corolla Hybrid (we have not tested the non-hybrid 2021 Elantra ).
Advantages: stylish inside and out, satisfactory driving, stable power system.
The biggest difference between Elantra and hybrid competitors such as Honda Insight and Corolla hybrids equipped with CVTs is its six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which makes acceleration more like ordinary cars. Although many hybrids have gearless gearboxes, when you step on the accelerator, the engine will make a loud hum, but we appreciate the obvious but unobtrusive shifting of the Elantra Hybrid, which helps avoid this auditory annoyance. .
Our test car is a loaded limited edition model, and it has a lower EPA fuel economy rating compared to the lighter blue base trim level. But we can't even reach the reduced estimates of 50 mpg, 49 mpg in the city, and 52 mpg on the highway. In our hands, the Elantra averages 40 miles per gallon, reaching 48 miles per gallon in our real-world highway fuel economy cycle of 75 mph. In the same test, the Corolla Hybrid reached a staggering 56 mpg, and Hyundai's larger Sonata Hybrid even beat its little brother with a score of 51 mpg. However, Sonata’s hybrid power system uses a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine and a traditional torque converter six-speed automatic transmission. In our experience, it is not as smooth as the Elantra. The awkward low-speed operation makes us suspect that the engineers have not fully completed it. Tuning and calibration.
Low point: Disappointing real-world fuel economy, hybrid cars are an expensive upgrade.
As a compact car, the Elantra Hybrid is quiet and refined, impressive, and walks confidently on the road. Its 0.85 grams of anti-skid pad results and 70 mph of 171 feet of braking distance are not groundbreaking, but we enjoyed very good weighted steering and calm ride quality.
Hyundai said that compared with non-hybrid models, hybrid models did not sacrifice any passenger or cargo space, and the rear seats were still folded in a 60/40 split arrangement. Due to the wide front view, the Elantra’s cabin feels airy and bright, and the driver’s seat is also very comfortable. The optional digital instrument cluster and 10.3-inch infotainment screen use clear, modern graphics, and the look and feel of the buttons and knobs are high-quality.
The steep price point of the hybrid is the only thing that can stop us when buying the Elantra. The Blue model starts at US$24,555, but lacks many of the details we enjoyed in the limited-edition test car, which is priced at US$29,260. Since the non-hybrid Elantra Limited (US$26,455) and the 201-horsepower turbocharged Elantra N Line (US$25,105) are both thousands of dollars cheaper, we think it is difficult to justify buying a hybrid based on its mpg bumps.
This is not to say that the Elantra hybrid is not worth the price; on the contrary, it illustrates the value of other parts of the Elantra product line. Regardless of which version we are discussing, Hyundai has successfully improved the appeal, technical products and driving experience of its compact cars. If you are particularly eager to get as close as possible to 50 mpg, if you think the hybrid is worth a try, we won't judge you.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited models: front engine, front motor, front-wheel drive, 5-seater, 4-door sedan
Basic/Test Price: $29,105/$29,260 Option: Carpet Floor Mat, $155
Powertrain DOHC 16-valve Atkinson Cycle 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder, aluminum cylinder block and cylinder head, direct fuel injection, 104 horsepower, 109 pound-feet + AC motor, 43 horsepower, 125 pound-feet (combined output: 139 horsepower, 195 lb-ft; 1.32-kWh lithium-ion battery pack) Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic
Chassis suspension, front/rear: strut/multi-link brake, front/rear: 11.0 inch ventilated disc/10.3 inch disc Tire: Hankook Kinergy GT 225/45R-17 91W M+S
Dimensions Wheelbase: 107.1 inches Length: 184.1 inches Width: 71.9 inches Height: 55.7 inches Passenger volume: 100 cubic feet Luggage volume: 14 cubic feet Curb weight: 3088 pounds
C/D test results 60 miles/hour: 8.4 seconds 1/4 mile: 16.5 seconds @ 85 miles/hour 100 miles/hour: 24.4 seconds The above results omit 0.3 seconds of 1 foot rollout. Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 9.0 seconds top gear, 30-50 mph: 4.7 seconds top gear, 50-70 mph: 6.2 seconds top speed (government limited company): 116 mph braking , 70-0 mph: 171 feet of road maintenance, 300 feet of anti-skid pad: 0.85 grams
Observed C/D fuel economy: 40 mpg 75-mph Highway driving: 48 mpg Highway range: 520 miles
EPA Fuel Economy Comprehensive/City/Highway: 50/49/52 mpg