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2021 Hyundai Elantra

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Hyundai Elantra
Pictured: 2023 Hyundai Elantra Limited in Silver, front left, 04-04-2026. Photo: Cutlass, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan, N-Line 4dr Sedan
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower
147 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
54 combined · 53 city / 56 hwy
Length
183.9 in
Curb weight
2,725–3,020 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 54 MPG combined — 97% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 147 hp, versus about 206 hp for similar 2021 models.
  • Many owner complaints162 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,725 lb (4dr Sedan).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 54 MPG combined (53 city / 56 highway), 97% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $1,250 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 162 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

  • New body dimensions: 2.0 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • New hybrid version
  • Engine added: 1.6L 4-cyl
  • Engine dropped: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo
  • Best combined MPG up from 36 to 54
  • NHTSA overall rating up from 4 to 5 stars

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Elantra →

Trims, performance & features

Engine147 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine–1.6L hybrid
DriveFWD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SEL w/ Convenience PkgSELBlue

Safety & driver-assist features

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard

Built in: Ulsan, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Elantra configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan183.9 in71.7 in55.5 in107.1 in62.6 / 63 in2,725 lb61/39
N-Line 4dr Sedan183.9 in71.7 in55.5 in107.1 in62.6 / 63 in3,020 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Elantra Hybrid Blue Hybrid1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive53 / 56 / 54+97%$1,250165
Elantra Hybrid Hybrid1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (AM-S6)Front-Wheel Drive49 / 52 / 50+82%$1,350177
Elantra2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S1)Front-Wheel Drive33 / 43 / 37+35%$1,800244
Elantra2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S1)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 41 / 35+28%$1,900257
Elantra1.6L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM-S7)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 36 / 31+13%$2,150288
Elantra1.6L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 34 / 28+2%$2,400318
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.4 MPG2021 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.1%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2021 Hyundai Elantra 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Hyundai Elantra (this car)54 MPG★★★★★7
2021 Toyota Corolla52 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Honda Accord48 MPG★★★★★4
2021 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated1
2021 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★0

Recalls (7)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Nov 21, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V879000 · 226,118 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Santa Fe HEV, Elantra, Elantra HEV and 2022 Elantra N and Santa Fe PHEV vehicles. Due to a damaged printed circuit board, the rearview camera image may fail to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rearview camera, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 14, 2025. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 271.
Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V589000 · 37,997 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles. A software error in the motor control unit may cause unintended vehicle acceleration after the brake pedal is released.
Risk
Unintended vehicle acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the motor control unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 29, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.
Seat Belts › Front · May 19, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V354000 · 230,233 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Accent, 2021-2022 Elantra, and 2021-2022 Elantra HEV vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure the seat belt pretensioner(s) with a cap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 28, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 229. This recall expands and replaces NHTSA recall numbers 21V-796, 22V-069, 22V-218, and 22V-123 for Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles. All Accent, Elantra, and Elantra HEV vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
Seat Belts › Front · Apr 1, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V218000 · 6,240 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver and passenger-side seat belt pretensioners may explode upon deployment.
Risk
Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed on May 31, 2022. A second notice will be sent once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 223. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 22V-354. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Visibility › Windshield · Dec 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V00M000 · 26,413 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Santa Fe, 2021 Sonata, and Elantra vehicles. During manufacturing, the windshield may not have been properly bonded to the vehicle, allowing it to detach in a crash.
Risk
A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will remove and reinstall the front windshield panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 216.
Seat Belts › Pretensioner · Oct 13, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V796000 · 978 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, Genesis GV80 and 2022 Genesis GV70 vehicles. In the event of a crash, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioner(s) may explode upon deployment.
Risk
An exploding seat belt pretensioner could project metal fragments into the vehicle, striking vehicle occupants and resulting in injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the seat belt pretensioners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 10, 2022. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 211 and 009G. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall numbers 22V-354 for Elantra and Elantra HEV vehicles, 22V-458 for Venue vehicles, and 23V-094 for Genesis vehicles. Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue, and Genesis vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedies completed.
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner · Apr 28, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V302000 · 1,464 vehicles

Problem
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Elantra vehicles. The driver and front passenger seat back recliners may have been improperly welded.
Risk
An improperly welded seat back recliner could separate from the seat back frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the seat back frame assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 21, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-888-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 204.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Hyundai Elantra is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

162Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
19,651 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System37
Unknown Or Other33
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings30
Seat Belts26
Engine22
Vehicle Speed Control20
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control17
Service Brakes13
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 324/09: 224/10: 324/11: 224/12: 325/01: 125/02: 225/03: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 125/07: 225/08: 225/09: 225/10: 125/12: 326/01: 326/02: 226/03: 226/04: 426/06: 226/08: 126/09: 226/10: 224/0724/1125/0225/0525/0825/1226/0326/08max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Hyundai Elantra buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 37 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 30 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
  4. Seat Belts — 26 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 19,651 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Elantra years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Elantra54185.4 inNot rated44
2025 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★234
2024 Elantra54185.4 in★★★★★263
2023 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★4170
2022 Elantra54183.9 in★★★★★8159
2020 Elantra36181.9 in★★★★★3262
2019 Elantra35181.9 in★★★★★1266
2018 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★1335
2017 Elantra35179.9 in★★★★★4796
2016 Elantra31179.1 inNot rated2300
2015 Elantra31179.1 inNot rated3261
2014 Elantra31179.1 inNot rated2378

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →