A 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a dual-clutch transmission make this a powerful combination.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra will now offer a hybrid model, giving the Korean automaker an additional gas-electric option to expand its range of compact cars. The Elantra Hybrid will go toe to toe with alternatives like the Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla hybrids, offering a manufacturer-estimated combined fuel economy rating of “more than 50 miles per gallon.” For comparison, both the Insight and the Corolla hybrid peg 52 mpg combined, per the EPA.

Relative to its most natural competitors in the hybrids-that-don’t-look-like-hybrids segment, the Elantra finds itself in mixed company. The Honda Insight, which is also quite the sight, promises more ponies at the corral at 150 (113 kW), and it beats the Elantra by 2 Lb-ft for total of 197 (267Nm). The Corolla Hybrid is a little less impressive than the Elantra. Although Toyota doesn’t publish the total torque figures, the small sedan produces only 121 horsepower (90 kW) from both the electric motor and the gas engine.

Both the Insight and Corolla have continuously variable transmissions, which works in favor of the Elantra. While the Toyota and Honda have the best CVTs, they are less fun to drive than traditional gearboxes. The Elantra hybrid’s dual-clutch transmission should provide reasonable responses and allow for driver involvement if it is any like the Ioniq.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra hybrid is a great choice for those who prefer their efficiency in a more traditional package. Toyota and Honda both have had some success with their hybrids, so it is understandable that Hyundai would also want to take a look at the market. The Hyundai Elantra hybrid joins an electrified lineup which also includes the Sonata Hybrid and Kona EV (hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EV), as well as three versions of Ioniq – and the limited-availability Nexo fuel cell vehicle.