My test vehicle had leather-trimmed seating and heated front seats, and quality materials were used. Controls were also very well-designed and easy to use.

There are some odd design quirks which I didn’t quite understand, including a barrier separating the passenger seat from the center console, but nothing that I would consider disqualifying.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

The 2021 Elantra lets drivers choose between Normal, Sport and Smart driving modes, and only comes in front-wheel drive.

My test vehicle featured a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine with totals of 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. (And for more adventurous types, there’s a special “Elantra N” edition featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet; as well as another trim level that tops out at 201 horsepower. There’s even a hybrid Elantra option, so all bases are covered).

By no means does the standard Elantra engine offer a ride that you would call powerful. But compared to other smaller sedans that I have tested, it does tremendously well in terms of responsiveness to driver input, acceleration, speed and handling.

Overall I experienced a very smooth ride, and had a better time behind the wheel than I did with most of its competition (though some competitors, such as the Mazda3, are more performance-focused across all trim levels).

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

For a smaller vehicle, the 2021 Elantra delivers a whole lot of tech and safety features. 

The technology in the Elantra proves to be very intuitive, and voice commands work well for phone, radio and even checking your stocks by voice. My test vehicle featured a 10.25-inch navigation and infotainment system with a high-resolution touchscreen that really impressed me and matches up with the best in the industry right now. 

Other tech features include push button start, hands-free smart trunk release (the trunk will automatically open for you), dual automatic temperature control, a sharp and helpful rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, 12-volt outlet, USB ports, a wireless phone charging pad.

For sounds, the Elantra offers a Bose Premium audio with 8 speakers and subwoofer, a free trial of satellite radio, access to the Hyundai Blue Link connected car system. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are integrated for phone mirroring, and can be connected wirelessly.

Moving on to safety, Elantra offers many helpful systems not always found on its competitors. These include:
— Forward collision avoidance assistance with pedestrian detection
— Parking distance warning reverse
— Parking collision avoidance assistance reverse
— Blindspot collision avoidance assist
— Rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist
— Smart cruise Control with stop and go
— Lane keeping assist and lane following Assist
— Highway driving assist

MPG
Fuel mileage is an area where the new Elantra shines. Its official numbers are 31 city/41 highway/35 combined. I averaged 33 mpg overall, and up to 37 mpg on some trips.

Even when placed against strong competitors like the Honda CIvic, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta, and Nissan Sentra, these numbers hold up very well. 

PRICE
The 2021 Elantra that I tested was priced at $26,600; but base price starts under $20K, something few vehicles can claim. The more powerful Elantra N starts around $25K, and is a formidable opponent for buyers who might have been leaning toward a Honda Civic SI.

As a bonus, you get the very strong Hyundai warranties, including:
— 5-year/60K mile new vehicle warranty
— 10-year/100K mile powertrain warranty
— 3-year/36K mile complimentary maintenance
— 5-Year/unlimited mile roadside assistance

BOTTOM LINE

The latest version of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra offers one of the better driving experiences in its class, great fuel mileage, and stronger tech offerings you will generally find in a compact sedan. All of this comes at a reasonable price, too, making the Elantra a vehicle that belongs on the test drive list for compact sedan buyers.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.