Archived model-year dossier
2021 Hyundai Elantra
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is an all-new generation on a new platform with a longer wheelbase, a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine rated 31 to 33 mpg city and 41 to 43 highway, and a hybrid rated up to 54 mpg combined. Six recalls apply, four of them for seat belts or seat recliners. Resale value is about $13,350.
Configurations6
Model/option labels3
Combined efficiency28–54 MPG/MPGe
Electric rangeNot listed
Decision answers5
What changed on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) describes an all-new model on a new platform that gives the 2021 Elantra a longer wheelbase than its predecessor, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. MotorTrend puts fuel economy at 31 to 33 mpg city and 41 to 43 highway, and the EPA's combined figures on this site's data run 28 to 54 mpg, which includes the 1.6-liter turbo version and the hybrid at the top.
Recalls on the 2021 Elantra
NHTSA lists six recalls. Three involve seat belts: 21V796 (the front driver-side seat belt on 2021 Elantra, Elantra HEV, Venue and Genesis models), 22V218 (pretensioners on 2021 to 2022 Elantra and 2020 Accent) and 22V354 (front seat belts on 2020 to 2022 Accent and 2021 to 2022 Elantra and Elantra HEV). 21V302 covers driver and passenger seat back recliners that may have been improperly welded. 21V00M covers a windshield that may not have been properly bonded, and 24V879 covers a rearview camera fault on 2021 to 2022 Elantras and other Hyundai models. The seat and belt campaigns are the ones to confirm on a used car, since they concern crash protection.
Complaints and reliability
NHTSA holds 130 complaints on the 2021 Elantra: forward collision avoidance 32, electrical system 30, unclassified 29, seat belts 27, engine 13 and vehicle speed control 10. VinSpectorAI (opens in a new tab) counts 126 complaints, 8 crash-related, and names forward collision avoidance and automatic emergency braking as the top issue. The seat belt complaints line up with the three belt recalls above, and the forward collision complaints are worth checking with a test drive on an ordinary road.
What a 2021 Elantra costs today
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) says a 2021 Elantra has depreciated $3,449, or 20 percent, in the last three years, leaving a resale value of $13,350 and a trade-in value of $9,575, in the top 10 to 25 percent for depreciation among 2021 sedans. Against the 2021 Honda Civic at 25 to 36 mpg ($1,750 to $3,100 a year) and Toyota Corolla at 31 to 52 mpg ($1,200 to $2,000), the Elantra's $1,150 to $2,250 a year on fueleconomy.gov (opens in a new tab) is competitive with both, and its hybrid reaches the lowest annual fuel cost on that page.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra: 7 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | FWD | 147 | 132 | 33 / 43 / 37 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | FWD | 147 | 132 | 31 / 41 / 35 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Blue HEV | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, GDI) | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT | FWD | 139 | 109 | 49 / 52 / 50 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| SEL HEV | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, GDI) | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT | FWD | 139 | 109 | 49 / 52 / 50 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Limited | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Automatic, IVT | FWD | 147 | 132 | 31 / 41 / 35 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| N Line | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo, GDI) | Automatic, 7-Spd Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | FWD | 201 | 195 | 28 / 36 / 31 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Limited HEV | 1.6-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, GDI) | Automatic, 6-Spd EcoShift DCT | FWD | 139 | 109 | 49 / 52 / 50 mpg | 5 | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 2,868 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 12.4 gal | 40.6 in | 42.3 in | P195/65R15 |
| SEL | 2,868 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 12.4 gal | 40.6 in | 42.3 in | P225/45R17 |
| Blue HEV | 3,031 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 11 gal | 40.6 in | 42.3 in | P205/55R16 |
| SEL HEV | 3,031 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 11 gal | 40.6 in | 42.3 in | P205/55R16 |
| Limited | 2,868 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 12.4 gal | 38.7 in | 42.3 in | P225/45R17 |
| N Line | 3,020 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.5 in | 34.8 ft | 12.4 gal | 38.7 in | 42.3 in | P235/40R18 |
| Limited HEV | 3,031 lb | 184.1 in | 55.7 in | 107.1 in | 5.3 in | 34.8 ft | 11 gal | 38.7 in | 42.3 in | P225/45R17 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 Hyundai Elantra trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | SE | SEL | Blue HEV | SEL HEV | Limited | N Line | Limited HEV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | – | Opt | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Pedestrian detection | Std | Std | Std | Std | – | Std | – |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear parking sensors | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Real-time traffic information | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Satellite radio | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Touchscreen | – | – | – | – | Std | – | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||||
| Heated front seats | – | Opt | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated mirrors | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | – | Opt | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | – | – | – | – | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | – | – | – | – | – | Std | – |
| Remote liftgate or trunk release | Std | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 12-volt power outlet | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Push-button start | – | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Opt | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Dual-clutch automatic transmission | – | – | – | – | – | Std | – |
Complete certification table
6 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43446Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S7) | Regular | 28 | 36 | 31 | N/A |
| 43447Elantra | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Front-Wheel DriveManual 6-spd | Regular | 25 | 34 | 28 | N/A |
| 43046Elantra | 2L 4-cylConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S1) | Regular | 31 | 41 | 35 | N/A |
| 43047Elantra | 2L 4-cyl Stop-StartConventional | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AV-S1) | Regular | 33 | 43 | 37 | N/A |
| 43612Elantra Hybrid | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular | 49 | 52 | 50 | N/A |
| 43613Elantra Hybrid Blue | 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; HybridHybrid | Front-Wheel DriveAutomatic (AM-S6) | Regular | 53 | 56 | 54 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
5 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 Hyundai Elantra versus the 2020 Hyundai Elantra?
Model year
Against the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: Model/option labels added: Elantra Hybrid, Elantra Hybrid Blue. Model/option labels no longer listed: Elantra GT, Elantra SE. Engine descriptions added: 1.6L 4-cyl SIDI; Hybrid, 2L 4-cyl Stop-Start. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 1.4L 4-cyl SIDI, 2L 4-cyl SIDI. Transmissions added: Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (AV-S1). Transmissions no longer listed: Automatic (AM7), Automatic (S6), Automatic (variable gear ratios). EPA size classes no longer listed: Large Cars. Certification records went from 8 to 6. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 31.0 to 41.0 MPG/MPGe. Federal recall campaigns on file went from 3 for the 2020 to 6 for the 2021.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How did the 2021 Hyundai Elantra do in NHTSA's side crash and rollover tests?
Safety record
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra earned 5 stars in the side crash test (5 stars driver side, 5 stars passenger side) and 5 stars for rollover resistance, a 10.1% chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash. Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, read 2026-09-20.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program
Q03What brake fluid, refrigerant and key-fob battery does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra use?
Maintenance
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra owner's manual names DOT 4 brake fluid. Source: 2021 Hyundai Elantra owner's manual.
Source: Manufacturer owner's manual
Q04What size wheels does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra's wheel diameter is 15 inches on the SE up to 18 inches on the N Line, across 7 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How do the 2021 Hyundai Elantra trims differ from one another?
Trims
The SEL has heated mirrors, proximity keyless entry, push-button start and satellite radio as standard equipment over the SE. The Blue HEV has 139 hp against 147 and heated front seats as standard equipment over the SEL. The Limited has 147 hp against 139 and forward collision warning, an integrated garage-door opener, leather seats and 6 more as standard equipment over the SEL HEV. The N Line has 201 hp against 147 and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, pedestrian detection and a rear spoiler as standard equipment over the Limited. The Limited HEV has 139 hp against 201 and forward collision warning, an integrated garage-door opener, a navigation system and 3 more as standard equipment over the N Line.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Hyundai Elantra across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Maintenance and fluidsWhen should spark plugs be replaced?Routine →Hybrid and electric vehiclesHybrid-system or high-voltage battery warningDepends →Buying, records and recallsHow to check open recalls by VINRoutine →OBD codes and emissionsP0171 or P0174 system-too-lean codesSoon →OBD codes and emissionsP0011 camshaft timing over-advanced codeSoon →Driver assistance and infotainmentBlind-spot monitor gives false or missing alertsSoon →