As other OEMs drop out of the compact sedan segment to focus more on larger vehicles like SUVs, Hyundai is re-upping its efforts, completely redesigning its long-trusted Elantra sedan for 2021 in hopes to gain market share in an area of the auto market that is shrinking but still has a significant amount of fans, both domestic and worldwide.

Hyundai has jazzed up the styling on the Elantra, ramped up the technology and safety features, and even offers a performance-level version this year. I recently spent time in a 2021 Elantra and I’m back with a full report.

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The redesigned look of the Elantra for 2021 features a bold and futuristic appearance that stands out in a segment where many options are pretty ho-hum. The sprawling, in-your-face front grille in particular gets your attention quickly.

My test vehicle’s exterior featured a sharp blue paint scheme, 17-inch alloy wheels, a sun roof, LED headlights and heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators

Going into the Elantra, you’ll find a roomy vehicle in both front and back seats, so you’re not cramped even with a full load of people. That’s another thing you can’t say about every vehicle in this segment, but Hyundai clearly recognizes that compact doesn’t have to mean dreading getting into the back seat.

For sedans to remain a strong competitor in the battle for customer interest, they have to keep things sharp. So, many are undergoing redesigns. One of those is the Hyundai Sonata, which gets a brand new look for the 2020 model year.

In baseball terms, sometimes automakers hit a double or a triple when they unveil these remodels, but Hyundai has knocked it out of the park here. The 2020 Sonata looks brilliant, drives wonderfully and has a tech bonanza inside. Read on for my full thoughts on the vehicle, which is bound to do wonders for Hyundai and the sedan category as a whole.

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First let's talk about the paint job. The vehicle I tested was a stunning color called Glowing Yellow. I've never quite seen this color on another car and was extremely impressed with the look. 

The overall design of this redesigned Sonata is truly eye-catching and had heads turning when I drove it. With a low and lean profile and a sharp-looking panoramic moonroof, this Sonata looks like a vehicle of the future, not of the past.