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# 2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line - Bottom Line Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2021-hyundai-elantra-n-line-bottom-line-review/
- Published: 2021-12-03T17:55:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-24T23:01:55.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Sedans

#### *VERY WARM HATCH WORK AROUND*: As the number of affordable enthusiast front-drive compact hatchbacks continues to dwindle between Pacific and Atlantic shores, there has been a corresponding rise among their sedan counterparts. The latest among these sporty compact four door Q-ships emerges from the ashes of [**five door sportback** which was judged an *editors' favorite to "juke through traffic in*](https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-hyundai-elantra-gt-n-line-quick-spin-review/)*."* It is with no lesser anticipation that Roadblazing.com approaches a re-designed **2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line**.

#### 

### **\* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \* \***

*WHAT:* **2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line** 7th generation sport compact sedan, built on the K3 platform, follows the AD Mk. 6 Elantra. In the U.S. market, where the 5-door is no more, this CN7 Elantra directly succeeds the PD platform [**Elantra GT (i30) N-Line** hatchback](https://www.roadblazing.com/2019-hyundai-elantra-gt-n-line-quick-spin-review/) previously tested by **Roadblazing.com**.

Powertrain: 1.6L DOHC 16V DI intercooled turbocharged gas I-4 = 201 hp/ 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm **+** 6-speed manual helical transaxle; optional 7-speed manumatic automated wet dual clutch helical transaxle, with steering wheel shift paddles & customizable Sport Plus drive mode.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: amply potent gas 1-4 lets out a low purr, but requires lots of throttle on clutch re-engagement with smooth take-up and shift lever action.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-engine-P2220106-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: amply potent gas 1-4 lets out a low purr, but requires lots of throttle on clutch re-engagement with smooth take-up and shift lever action.

*WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE:*

NOTCHED OUT: This all new Elantra builds on Luc Donckerwolke's emphatic arched lateral panels and coke bottle body with flared lower spats canvas of the larger [**Hyundai Sonata**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-hyundai-sonata-1-6t-limited-bottom-line-review/) family sedan, imbuing the compact family car with genuine 21st century modernist artistry. The wrap around boomerang headlamps feature a winged upper kink, resting above a creased inboard arrow, straked darkened cornered, mid front fascia, cinching the dark lattice tall grille. A body crease rises then arches from fender aft to end of rear quarter panels where it widens into lateral buttresses; The elongated C-pillar curves just above the trunk deck to create a liftgate illusion. The fastback trunk lid bi-folds with raceway LED lighting midsection anchoring wrap around boomerang taillamps. Piano black contrast widening inverted U forms lower license plate valley and wraps to rear wheel arch.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: Luc Donckerwolke's arched panels carry over from larger Sonata, with a fastback rear slope](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-ext-side-P2220055-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: Luc Donckerwolke's arched panels carry over from larger Sonata, with a fastback rear slope

N-Line Specific: Piano black grille and lower front fascia, window frames, body spat extensions, lower rear diffuser, trunk lid spoiler; "N-LINE" chrome + red on black grille and fender badging.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: subtle darkened trunk lid spoiler, followed by raceway unified taillamps, lower valance diffuser](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-ext-rr-P2220084-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: subtle darkened trunk lid spoiler, followed by raceway unified taillamps, lower valance diffuser

*WHY*: *Working around the warm hatch exit from the American enthusiast commuter scene.*

*WHEN:* On-Sale (in the U.S.) since early autumn 2021

*WHERE:* Hyundai new vehicle dealers

*WHERE MADE*: Ulsan, South Korea

*HOW ROADWORTHY:* The 1.6L 16V DOHC inline-4 powerplant’s 201 horsepower is wholly adequate for admission to the super warm sport compact pantheon. Fairly docile while cruising, laying down the aluminum throttle pedal in low gear even dispatches a satisfyingly subtle exhaust snarl through the twin chrome outlet tips. Despite spotting some 63 pound feet to the [**VW Jetta GLI** ](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/), the 195 lb-ft twist absolutely delivers on the promise of meaningful forward lunges. The **2022 Elantra N-Line** tester's light clutch action and light, accurate throw shift lever pattern are aimed at pleasing the enthusiast commuter though turbo lag requires more throttle application on clutch re-engagement to avoid stalling. It is expected that the 7-speed dual clutch automated helical transaxle, likely addresses that lag.

*HOW LIMBER*: An injection of beefed up spring rates by as much as 24% at rear and a 3 mm thicker rear anti-sway bar bring newfound limberness. Damping rates have been re-tuned for wheel control and freedom from harshness. Some tire slap was pronounced over broken concrete. Wind-up benign steering at pedestrian velocities breathes life as the background blurs.

*Manual gearbox equipped Elantra N-Line exclusive* Goodyear Eagle F1-2 summer tires exhibit such sharp turn in without brutishness, despite lacking [**Jetta GLI Autobahn's**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/) e-limited slip differential. Oversized front/ rear brake rotor sizing ensures effective speed reeling but without abruptness, and dive is suppressed. On balance road noise is about as well mitigated as in the larger Sonata.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: switch to fully independent rear suspension for buttoned down body control without rear hop or much harshness](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-wheels-fl-P2220091-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: switch to fully independent rear suspension for buttoned down body control without rear hop or much harshness

*HOW FAR:* **31** combined **m**iles **p**er **g**allon; 420 mile range

*HOW BIG/ LITTLE:* No longer a true compact, now verging on a mid-size family car, offering genuine five strapping adults seating.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: 38.0" inches roomy Row 2 legroom & center armrest](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-seats-Row-2-004c.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: 38.0" inches roomy Row 2 legroom & center armrest

  - Wheelbase: 107.1" inches \= +1.6" vs. [**Volkswagen Jetta GLI**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/)
  - Row 2 Legroom: 38.0" inches = +0.6" vs. [**Volkswagen Jetta GLI**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/)

*HOW USEFUL:* **√** Slight incline folding 60/40% split 2nd Row seatbacks; **√** Cord suspended rear parcel shelf; **+1** Low cowl forward view / **\-1** Wide side pillars & small backlight impede side / aft view; Tow Rating: *Not Rated*.

• Cargo volume: 14.2 cubic feet \= [**Volkswagen Jetta GLI**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/)

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: class average trunk cargo capacity](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-cargo-trunk-P2220140-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: class average trunk cargo capacity

*HOW SAFE*: **√** 7 airbags; **STD:** **√** Rear camera w/ predictive grid; **√** Lane departure warning, Lane Keep Assist; **√** Forward Collision warning, assist; **√** Auto high beam lights; **√** Sonar rear park assist, **√** Blind spot, rear cross traffic warning, **√** Pedestrian avoidance braking; **√** Rain sensing windshield wipers

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: red on white gauge dial markings supplement red piping and contrast stitching](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-gauges-shift-lever-004c.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: red on white gauge dial markings supplement red piping and contrast stitching

  - **\-1** Adaptive cruise control only available in twin clutch automatic transaxle **Elantra N-Line**.

*HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:* The latest Elantra earns more artful interior accenting and a more cohesive dashboard and supportive without being constraining N-Line specific ballistic fabric front bucket seats. Fitted with a more base-line finish, the N-Line cockpit retains traditional white on black dual analog gauges and a center stack with knobs controlling audio and dual climate zone temperatures. However cost cutting is apparent in a plethora of hard, if tightly grained, dark plastics on mid dash, door panels and all non upholstered panels.

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: all business cockpit business attire cockpit with rakish lines and cohesive informative displays and controls](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-cockpit-P2220218-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: all business cockpit business attire cockpit with rakish lines and cohesive informative displays and controls

**√** Keyless entry & ignition, cruise control, power windows, driver’s express; **√** 8.0″ dashtop touch LCD infotainment display; **√** Automatic 2-zone climate control; **√** N-Line ballistic fabric + leatherette sport heated front bucket seats, 8-way power driver's adjusting; **√** Power moonroof

*Cool Gizmo(s)*: **√** Aluminum pedals; **√** Red on white on black dual analog gauges; Wet suit grip material on N-Line front bucket seat thigh and shoulder bolsters

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: driver entry](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-entry-driver-003c.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: driver entry

Details Done Right: Mid dashboard triple horizontal chrome banding integrates climate vents; Door panel metallic audio speaker grille; Front passenger center console grab bar; tandem contrast red stitching on door panel, steering wheel, gear shift lever boots and seats; **√** Thick leather sport steering wheel w/ perforated side grips; distinctive horizontal spoke multimedia, MFD & cruise control toggles, switches; Toggle style lower center stack climate switches

*Nearly Non-Descript*: Hard door, mid-lower dash, wall & pillar plastics

*HOW "APP" -LICABLE:*

**√** Bluetooth handsfree communications; **√** 6 speaker HD radio streaming audio; **√** Android Auto, Apple CarPlay mobile phone projection; **√** USB-A x 2, 12V x 2

![2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: driving with Android Auto navigation](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2021/12/RB-2021-Hyundai-Elantra-N-Line-1.6T-driving-PXL-20211113-190347170-bc.jpg)

2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line 1.6T: driving with Android Auto navigation

Apps = Pandora radio; HD Real time traffic, HD Weather radar;

Subscriptions: Sirius XM radio (90 days trial), BlueLink telematics & remote access

  - **+1** Deep lower front center stack wireless device storage;
  - **\-1** No 2nd Row electronics power source
  - **\-1** This base infotainment setup lacks SMS messaging

*HOW MUCH: *$25,260** \= as tested **2021 Hyundai Elantra N-Line**

*WHAT'S MISSING:* Pliable cabin plastics; Front seat back aft pockets; Potential for all-wheel drive?

*ANY COMPETITION:* **Honda Civic Si:** **+1** build quality, sporty cockpit; [**Volkswagen Jetta GLI**](https://www.roadblazing.com/2020-volkswagen-jetta-gli-autobahn-re-driven-stealth-in-sedan/)**: +1** Solid Teutonic build (in Mexico), digital cockpit, electronic adjust dampers  

*BOTTOM LINE:* Stylish four door workaround for very warm five door sport compact hatchback absence.