Segment first technologies and a sharp new design language earn the all-new Elantra its second NACTOY title and Hyundai's third. See it for yourself at Ourisman Hyundai in Laurel, near Baltimore and Columbia, MD.
Last fall, NACTOY (North American Car, Truck, and Utility Vehicle of the Year) judges selected 43 vehicles from across the automotive industry for consideration in the prestigious award's annual event.
Founded in 1994, the NACTOY awards are the longest-running new-vehicle awards not associated with a single publication. Juried 50 American and Canadian professional automotive journalists, the awards honor outstanding achievements in innovation, design, safety, performance, technology, driver satisfaction, and value.
From October to early December, they deliberated and voted in two rounds, narrowing the field to 27 semifinalists, then 9 finalists, three for each category. After the final vote tally, the winners were revealed on January 11, 2021, during a virtual event, with the Hyundai Elantra taking the top spot in the Car of the Year category.
2021 Elantra Highlights
Intriguing Design
All-new for its seventh generation, the Elantra wears the sharp stylings of Hyundai's new Parametric Dynamics design language, highlighted by dramatic angles, chiseled character lines, and bold front fascia. One intriguing design element is the Elantra's rear roofline, which creates a gentle curve all the way to the trunk instead of the more angled design of traditional sedans. This design choice gives the Elantra a sporty, fast-back-inspired "four-door-coupe" aesthetic, and even improves aerodynamics as it avoids the chaotic eddies of air that result from a sudden drop-off.
First-in-Class Tech
The 2021 Elantra boasts the first instance of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the compact car segment. Standard on every Elantra model, it allows drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphone with the 8-inch or available 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Elantra is also the segment's first adopter of phone-as-a-key technology. With Hyundai Digital Key, drivers can use their phone to unlock, lock, and start the car without the need for a physical key.
Value and Efficiency
The 2021 Elantra offers excellent fuel economy, achieving EPA-estimated ratings of up to 33 mpg city and 43 mpg highway with the SE trim. Glen Burnie drivers also have access to an extensive array of available features, including standard technologies like:
- Wireless smartphone integration
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping and Following Assist
- High Beam Assist
Test Drive the All-New Hyundai Elantra near Silver Spring and Hanover, MD
Reach out to Ourisman Hyundai to learn more about the all-new award-winning Hyundai Elantra and its available trim levels, options, and special offers. And if you'd like to experience it for yourself, you can schedule an in-person or at-home test drive with Ourisman to Go. We'll be happy to give you a tour.
