In March of last year I was just hours away from boarding a flight to Los Angeles to go see the reveal of this all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra. And then Covid hit and I was left watching the presentation on my computer. But now a year later here I am with one on my home turf or the week to see what it is all about and I have to say the value is off the charts. This is the fully loaded, $26,000 Elantra Limited. Whether you want a traditional gas engine, a 54mpg hybrid or a turbo with a 6-speed, the new Elantra has got it covered. With spacious passenger volume and a trunk that’s bigger than that of a Mercedes S-Class, this is an affordable, frugal, do it all kind of sedan that Hyundai decided needed edgier styling. And boy did they deliver on that front. Now, I’m not sure it’s going to age very gracefully because the body is so overly styled with crazy creases and a very prominent grille, but if you’re allergic to boring in the inexpensive, not-so compact car segment this is your cure. Much like Hyundai did with the new Sonata, they’ve reversed course on reigning in the design and instead opted to make a visual splash and that it most certainly does. And though this car’s powertrain is a carryover, the Elantra is built upon Hyundai’s new 3rd gen car platform which facilitates less weight, slightly better fuel economy and a stronger body.
