Car shoppers flocking to small SUVs and crossovers might be surprised by how nice it is to drive a sedan. Those vehicles promise a “car-like experience,” but the redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra compact sedan, with its lower center of gravity and better aerodynamics, offers the real deal.

The seventh-generation Elantra stands over its rivals with better styling, driving dynamics and fuel economy.

The seventh generation of the Hyundai Elantra offers dynamic styling. Hyundai

Its interior has a pleasingly linear design and plenty of room for four adults. Thanks to a 2.3-inch increase in rear legroom and slightly more shoulder room for both seating rows, the passenger cabin is as large as some small SUVs. Still, the front seating area and door pockets need more space to stash personal items.

While the cabin is comfortable, the car is noisy, forcing passengers to speak louder than expected and a solo driver to crank up the sound system volume.

The new Elantra has three powerplant choices. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a continuously variable transmission that produces up to 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. . Hyundai engineers have done an excellent job removing the typical whine of a variable transmission.

Hyundai also has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder hybrid version with a powertrain rated at 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai has done an admirable job of packing the hybrid’s battery into the vehicle’s rear without cutting into passenger or cargo space. The new model is a true no-compromise hybrid.

The South Korean automaker also is adding a performance-focused N Line version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra’s interior is logically designed, with clean and linear styling, but some passengers might find the large grab bar in the Elantra’s front row awkward. Hyundai

Regardless of the powertrain, the Elantra’s fuel economy is among the best in the segment. The base SE model has an EPA rating of 37 mpg in combined city and highway driving. That drops to 35 mpg for higher trim levels with more equipment. The hybrid SEL trim level—the base model for the hybrid—gets 54. The Limited is rated at 50 mpg.

Hyundai is offering the 2.0-liter Elantra in three trim levels. The entry SE model gets a decent advanced driver-assistance suite of safety technology that includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking as well as rear cross-traffic and blind-spot warning. There’s also a new feature called safe exit warning that looks for vehicular or bicycle traffic that might collide with a suddenly opened door and provides an alert.

Hyundai also has added some superior technology to the lineup. A wireless key option lets owners used a phone or an NFC card—like a hotel room card—to start and access car functions. It conveniently gives friends or relatives short-term access to the car without use of the key fob. The digital key is standard with the top Limited trim level but requires $3,050 in option packages on the mid-trim SEL. It isn’t available on the SE.

The 2021 Elantra has controlled handling and a smooth ride, with good road manners. Hyundai

The SE comes standard with a 4.2-inch instrument display and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also are standard, a first in the compact sedan segment.

The SEL trim adds a handful of minor features and allows buyers to purchase additional option packages. The $950 Convenience package layers on automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition as well as adaptive cruise control, which is standard on rivals such as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The upgrade consists of a larger 10.25-inch instrument display and an 8-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats and a wireless charging pad, among other features.

Another $2,100 premium package buys 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, a sunroof, folding rear seats, a power driver’s seat and the digital key. The Premium package requires the purchase of the Convenience package, bringing the total addition to $3,050.

The slick dashboard of the Elantra Limited uses a pair of 10.25-inch screens fused together under a single sheet of glass. Hyundai

Standard features for the Limited include more parking warnings and navigation, the digital key and an upgraded leather interior. The Limited has dual 10.25-inch screens, one for the instrument panel and the other for infotainment. They are slickly joined by a single sheet of glass. But there is one quirk: The fancier tech system with the larger screens is built on a different digital architecture and lacks wireless phone connectivity that comes standard on the SE and SEL models.

From the entry-level model to the fully tricked out hybrid, the price climbs almost $9,000. Those looking for a premium drive will like the leather and soft cabin materials and the tech of the Limited model. Regardless of the trim level, Hyundai’s fit and finish are top-notch.