2022 Hyundai Elantra vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its SE and XSE trims, was noted for its sporty and attractive design, featuring sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite metallic paint added a beautiful blue undertone, enhancing its appeal. However, some design elements, like the hood shut line and the over-styled rear bumper, detracted from its overall aesthetic. The Corolla offered a range of trims, including the more anonymous L, LE, and XLE, as well as a hybrid version. The interior of the XSE trim was praised for its use of quality materials, such as soft leatherette and robust switchgear, creating a sense of substance and simplicity, though it lacked practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra underwent a significant redesign, transforming it into a striking vehicle with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and lower roofline, giving it a four-door-coupe silhouette. The Elantra's exterior styling was unique, with a "Z" shape created by the creases and folds on the doors. The interior was also improved, offering material quality slightly above the norm for its class, despite some hard plastics. The Elantra was available in four trims in Canada, including the sporty N Line, which featured N Line design elements and sport seats. The Elantra's interior was noted for its comfort and practicality, with excellent visibility and ample storage options.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE models were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Dynamic Shift CVT, paired with paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode, provided a smooth driving experience, although it occasionally exhibited characteristic CVT droning. The Corolla's TNGA platform contributed to its low centre of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics, with electric steering, vented front brakes, and a multi-link rear suspension. The Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling and was quick enough for everyday driving, with a fuel efficiency rating of 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered multiple powertrain options, including a standard 2.0-litre engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid featured a 1.6-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed DCT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The N Line's sport-tuned suspension and multi-link rear suspension enhanced its handling dynamics, while the DCT provided crisp shifts. The Elantra's drive modes offered a noticeable difference in driving experience, with Sport mode providing more steering feedback and engine responsiveness.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered upgrades such as SofTex leatherette seats, heated rear seats, and an eight-way power driver's seat, providing added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but limited headroom and legroom, with no climate control vents for rear passengers. The Corolla's trunk provided 371 litres of cargo space, with no handle on the inside of the trunk lid.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra was praised for its practicality and ease of use, with clear instrumentation and controls. The N Line's low seating position made entry and exit slightly challenging, but the Elantra offered excellent visibility and ample storage options. The rear seat accommodated three children comfortably, though taller adults might find headroom limited. The Elantra's trunk offered 402 litres of cargo space, with a narrow opening due to the sloping roofline. The power tilt-and-slide moonroof produced a noticeable droning noise when fully open, and the lack of USB ports and rear air vents were minor inconveniences.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla featured an impressive infotainment package, including Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth as standard. The SE trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while the XSE offered additional features like SiriusXM, navigation, and Remote Connect. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and shortcut buttons, though the radio knobs could be difficult to grasp.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a surprising level of technology for its price, with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard on the Essential trim. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, a Bose audio system, and a digital instrument cluster. The N Line's infotainment system was easy to use, with seamless Apple CarPlay integration, though the six-speaker audio system was only adequate.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The addition of rear side-impact airbags required re-testing for new ratings.

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features, with most standard on all trims except the Essential. The Elantra received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, with some trims receiving a "Marginal" rating for halogen headlights.