2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its bold and distinctive design, characterized by sharp creases and dramatic angles, thanks to Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language. The Z-shaped dent in the doors, a controversial design cue, was intended to break conventional automotive design rules and give the Elantra a unique character. The Elantra's interior varied in quality depending on the trim level, with the Ultimate trim offering a modern and upscale look with light gray seats and contrasting black cabin elements. However, lower-grade interiors were less impressive, with drab black finishes and noticeable glossy plastic.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in the SE and XSE trims, was considered one of the most attractive Corollas in recent history. It featured sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels, enhancing its appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and over-styled rear bumper, were less well-received. The Corolla's interior, especially in the XSE trim, was praised for its use of soft leatherette and robust switchgear, offering a clean, minimalist look. Despite its simplicity, the Corolla's interior lacked practical storage solutions, and the rear seat space was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup provided adequate power for city driving but felt underpowered on the highway. The Elantra Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre engine and electric motor, delivered 139 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though real-world consumption was slightly higher than expected due to mountainous terrain. The Elantra N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 201 horsepower, offered a sportier driving experience, while the high-performance Elantra N, with 276 horsepower, delivered exhilarating performance and precise handling.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models featured a 2.0-litre engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT or an optional six-speed manual transmission. The CVT, with its mechanical first gear and ten programmed ratios, provided a smooth driving experience, though occasional droning was noted. Built on the TNGA platform, the Corolla offered predictable handling and a comfortable ride, though it lacked the power to be considered a true sport sedan. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the XSE averaging 7.6 L/100 km in mixed driving conditions.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was classified as a midsize car by Natural Resources Canada, offering a spacious interior with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The driver’s seat was height-adjustable, and the steering wheel was tilt/telescopic, ensuring comfort. However, the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat and hard plastic upper door panels were drawbacks. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE provided SofTex leatherette seats with fabric inserts, heated front and rear seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat for added comfort. While the front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, it offered good thigh support. The rear seats were supportive but had limited headroom and legroom. The Corolla's trunk had a capacity of 371 litres, which was less than some competitors, and lacked a handle for closing the trunk lid.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with optional satellite radio and Blue Link services. The Ultimate trim offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a digital instrument cluster, though it lacked wireless smartphone integration. The system included a dynamic voice recognition system and a Bose premium audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth, along with a year of Safety Connect services. The XSE trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM functionality, and navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access to various functions, though the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra was built on a new platform with multiple structural collision energy pathways. Most models came with SmartSense, Hyundai’s suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear automatic braking.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 model received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, though the 2021 model required re-testing due to new safety features.