2021 Hyundai Elantra — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) / 35 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 34–60 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (1.6L 4-cyl), returning around 60 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Hyundai Elantra workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Hyundai Elantra: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 42 mpg (UK) combined. EPA lists new engine options for 2021: 1.6L 4-cyl. No longer listed: 1.4L 4-cyl turbo. The overall NHTSA rating moves from 4★ to 5★. EPA passenger volume changes from 96 to 99 cu ft.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 1.6L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl turbo · 2L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S1) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 99 cu ft (2,803 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 14 cu ft (396 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 42 combined / 37 urban / 49 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 35 combined / 31 city / 41 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 160 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $1,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra across 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 28 to 50 mpg (US), or 34 to 60 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AM-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 60 | 50 (49/52) | 110 | $1,350 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/36) | 179 | $2,150 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/34) | 198 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 | 35 (31/41) | 160 | $1,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Running Costs: 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Hyundai Elantra at 42 mpg combined, expect roughly 866 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Hyundai Elantra Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (3), Back over prevention (1), Visibility (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Back over prevention — campaign 24V879000, reported 21 November 2024. Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of a crash.
- Seat belts — campaign 22V354000, reported 19 May 2022. Risk: An exploding seat belt pretensioner can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
- Seat belts — campaign 22V218000, reported 1 April 2022. Risk: Exploding seat belt pretensioners can project metal fragments into the vehicle, strike vehicle occupants, and result in injury.
- Visibility — campaign 21V00M000, reported 28 December 2021. Risk: A windshield that detaches from a vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 6 campaigns.
Owners have filed 160 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Hyundai Elantra. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (41), Forward collision avoidance (35), Unspecified (33). Complaints include 8 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 3 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 263 complaints across the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Seat belts (3 recall campaigns · 27 owner complaints) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
- Electrical system (41 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Driver-assist sensors (35 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Visibility (1 recall campaign) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Hyundai models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Hyundai Elantra's 42 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 160 g/km CO₂ figure is 47 g/km lower than the 207 g/km Hyundai average.
Of the 17 Hyundai Elantra model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 2nd for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (42 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Hyundai Elantra year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s1).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
The most efficient configuration returns around 42 mpg (UK) combined, or 35 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 34 to 60 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 60 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $1,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Hyundai Elantra (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Seat belts (3), Back over prevention (1), Visibility (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Hyundai Elantra?
Among the 160 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (41 complaints), Forward collision avoidance (35 complaints), Unspecified (33 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Hyundai Elantra have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 99 cubic feet (about 2,803 litres) and luggage volume at 14 cubic feet (about 396 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.