There are still a few small cars on the market crowded with SUVs and trucks. Small cars are still hard to beat when it comes to fuel efficiency. The all-new 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is among the most efficient small cars available today.

What makes the latest Elantra such a fuel-efficient hit? How well does it match up with the competition? 

What powers the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid?

Recently, the team at MotorTrend put together a list of new small cars in 2021 with the best gas mileage. The list is made up of smaller vehicles with smaller engines and less curb weight which typically makes them more fuel-efficient. To make a list, each compact and subcompact car had to get at least 35 mpg combined per EPA estimates.

The EPA explains that the combined fuel economy as the weighted average of city and highway miles per gallon values determined by taking 55% of the city mpg value and 45% of the highway mpg value.

All 2021 Hyundai Elantra models get at least 35 mpg combined, except the N-Line performance models. The Blue trim hybrid model takes fuel economy to another level. According to EPA estimates, the hybrid models get 53 mpg city, 56 mpg highway with an impressive 54 mpg combined.  

What is the powertrain behind those numbers? A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powers the new Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. It also gets an electric motor, a lithium-ion battery, and a  six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It weighs less than 3,000 pounds and has smaller 16-inch wheels wrapped in environmentally friendly tires only makes it a more efficient system.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is a top 5 pick

It’s not surprising that the top five small cars on the MotorTrend list are hybrids. The Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, Toyota Prius, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Insight round out the top five on the list, with the Elantra in the middle at number three. 

The Hyundai Ioniq tops the list with an impressive 59 mpg, exceptional handling, and a highly comfortable cabin. Right behind it in second place is the popular Toyota Prius with 56 mpg and a lot of cargo space. It also has an optional AWD. 

The new hybrid model of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra isn’t far behind with its 54 mpg and huge available 10.3-inch touch screen. The MotorTrend team appreciated the responsiveness of its continuously variable transmission and the competence of its handling. They felt it offered a quality ride. The only con that the Motor Trend team cited was that its styling might be too bold for some. 

Specs and pricing

The newest Hyundai Elantra got a redesign complete with the hybrid model that’s already a winner on gas mileage. It also got new styling with a bold exterior look and a cabin with a more upscale vibe. The combination makes it more of a match for top competitors like Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla.

The latest Elantra offers several driver-assist features as standard, like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with lane-centering technology along with more advanced technology options are available with upgrades. Its compelling balance of features, value, and performance put it on the Car and Driver‘s Editors’ Choice list.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra ranges in price from $20,655 for the base model to $26,455 for the top-shelf Limited model. The new hybrid model is the best choice if fuel economy is your priority. With a powertrain borrowed from Ioniq, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid offers exceptional value.