The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL has become a popular choice among value-conscious car buyers. This compact sedan offers a compelling blend of style, technology, and efficiency, making it a standout option in its segment. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the Elantra SEL’s key features and evaluate how it stacks up against its competitors, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE and the sportier 2021 Hyundai Elantra Sport.
Design and Styling
A Modern and Bold Exterior
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL’s exterior design is a testament to Hyundai’s commitment to creating visually striking vehicles. Its bold lines and angular details give the car a distinctive presence on the road. The distinctive parametric grille flows seamlessly into the sharp LED headlights, instantly capturing attention. The sculpted bodywork not only enhances the Elantra SEL’s sporty appeal but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency, improving overall performance. The low roofline and wide stance give the car a dynamic look, while the character lines running along the sides add visual interest. Buyers can further customize their Elantra SEL with optional features like LED taillights and stylish alloy wheels to reflect their personal style.
Hyundai offers an extensive palette of color options for the Elantra SEL, ranging from vibrant hues like Phantom Black and Shimmering Silver to more subdued tones like Quartz White and Intense Blue. These diverse color choices allow buyers to select a shade that resonates with their aesthetic, making the Elantra SEL stand out in any parking lot.
A Comfortable and Tech-Forward Interior
Step inside the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL, and you’ll be greeted by a cabin that prioritizes comfort and advanced technology. The spacious interior is designed to accommodate both the driver and passengers, ensuring a pleasant ride whether you’re commuting or embarking on a longer journey. The high-quality materials and user-friendly layout create an inviting atmosphere, while the supportive seating and ample legroom ensure a comfortable experience for all occupants. The low center console further enhances the open feel of the cabin, allowing easy access to the various controls and storage compartments.
The generous trunk space, offering around 14.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, makes the Elantra SEL suitable for everyday errands and weekend getaways. This practical design caters to the needs of a wide range of buyers, from daily commuters to families.
Technology and Features
An Intuitive Infotainment System
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL comes equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that provides seamless integration with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features allow drivers to access their favorite apps, navigation tools, and music effortlessly, creating a connected and user-friendly driving experience. The system’s intuitive interface and responsive touch controls make it easy to navigate, while the clear graphics ensure a pleasant user experience.
For those who desire even more advanced technology, the Elantra SEL offers optional features like a larger 10.3-inch display and a wireless charging pad, further enhancing the car’s tech-savvy environment. The available Bose premium audio system ensures an exceptional listening experience, adding to the overall enjoyment of every drive.
A Comprehensive Suite of Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for many car buyers, and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL delivers with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and a blind-spot monitoring system. These technologies work together to help prevent accidents and provide a greater sense of confidence on the road.
For those seeking even more advanced safety features, the Elantra SEL offers optional packages that include adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. These features enhance the overall safety and convenience of the vehicle, catering to the needs of various driving styles and preferences.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Adequate Power for Everyday Driving
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This power output provides a responsive and adequate driving experience for both city and highway driving. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the engine delivers smooth power delivery and enhances fuel economy, making the Elantra SEL a practical choice for a wide range of driving conditions.
Impressive Fuel Economy Ratings
One of the standout features of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL is its impressive fuel economy ratings. With an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, the Elantra SEL is designed to keep fuel costs low, appealing to value-conscious buyers. These efficiency figures also contribute to the car’s environmental friendliness, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize reducing their carbon footprint.
Comparing the Elantra SEL with Other Trim Levels
The Elantra SE: A More Basic Option
For buyers seeking a more budget-friendly compact sedan, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE serves as the base model in the lineup. While it lacks some of the advanced technology and comfort features found in the SEL, the Elantra SE still offers solid value for those on a tighter budget. With a smaller infotainment screen and fewer standard safety technologies, the SE caters to buyers who prioritize practicality over a more enhanced driving experience.
The Elantra Sport: Performance-Focused
On the other end of the spectrum, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Sport is designed for those who prioritize performance over practicality. Equipped with a more powerful turbocharged engine and a sport-tuned suspension, the Elantra Sport delivers a more engaging driving experience. However, this performance-oriented approach comes at a higher price point, making it less appealing to value-conscious buyers.
The Elantra SEL: A Sweet Spot in the Lineup
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL strikes a balance between the more basic Elantra SE and the performance-focused Elantra Sport. It offers a well-rounded package that caters to a diverse audience, providing a comfortable ride, modern features, and a competitive price point. The SEL trim level represents the best value in the Elantra lineup, delivering a compelling combination of style, technology, and efficiency without breaking the bank.
Price and Value
Competitive Pricing
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL is priced competitively within its segment, with a starting MSRP that makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers. Optional packages allow for further customization, enabling buyers to tailor the Elantra SEL to their specific needs and preferences. This flexibility ensures that value-conscious shoppers can find the right balance of features and pricing to suit their budget and preferences.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Hyundai’s impressive warranty coverage adds significant value to the Elantra SEL ownership experience. With a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, buyers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected. This warranty is among the best in the industry and underscores Hyundai’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, providing an additional layer of assurance for value-conscious buyers.
Comparison with Other Elantra Trim Levels
When considering the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL, it’s essential to compare it with other trim levels in the Elantra lineup, such as the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE and 2021 Hyundai Elantra Sport. This comparison can help potential buyers understand the differences in features and pricing, ultimately aiding in their decision-making process.
Elantra SE Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SE serves as the base model, offering essential features at a lower price point. While it lacks some of the advanced technology and comfort features found in the SEL, it still provides solid value for those looking for a no-frills compact sedan. Standard features include a smaller infotainment screen and basic safety technologies, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, those seeking a more enhanced driving experience may find the Elantra SEL to be a more suitable option.
Elantra Sport Features
On the other end of the spectrum, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Sport is designed for those seeking a more performance-oriented experience. It comes equipped with a more powerful turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, enhancing its driving dynamics. However, this performance comes at a higher price point, which may not be suitable for all buyers. The Elantra Sport’s features cater to enthusiasts who prioritize performance over practicality, making it a great option for those who enjoy spirited driving.
Elantra SEL: The Ideal Balance
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL finds itself in a sweet spot within the lineup, offering a balanced mix of style, technology, and performance without the higher price tag of the Sport model. It provides a well-rounded package that caters to a diverse audience, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of buyers. The SEL trim offers the best of both worlds, delivering a comfortable ride with modern features while remaining budget-friendly.
Conclusion
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL stands out as a compelling option for value-conscious car buyers. Its stylish design, advanced technology features, impressive fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing make it an attractive choice in the compact sedan segment. By striking a balance between practicality and performance, the Elantra SEL offers a well-rounded package that caters to the needs of a wide range of drivers, from daily commuters to weekend adventurers.
Whether you’re in the market for a compact sedan that delivers style, comfort, and technology or you’re simply looking for the best value in its class, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra SEL is definitely worth considering. Visit your local Hyundai dealership to experience the Elantra SEL firsthand and discover why it’s one of the best compact sedan options on the market today.