Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received significant updates, including a new all-wheel-drive option standard on all trims except the base LE. The hybrid system saw a power increase, and the Corolla Hybrids underwent a subtle style refresh with changes to the grille patterns and rear bumpers. The exterior design was more appealing than previous generations, with a sculpted front end featuring wraparound headlights and sharp creases for a sporty look. However, the side and tail remained conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's design was minimalistic, with an abundance of hard plastics, though the SofTex synthetic leather in the XSE trim added a touch of sophistication. Despite its simplicity, the Corolla Hybrid focused on efficiency and affordability, though it fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra showcased Hyundai's bold design approach, with dramatic exterior styling that evolved significantly from previous models. The Elantra's side featured numerous hard creases, creating a sense of depth, though some found it excessive. The N Line Ultimate trim, with its Exotic Green paint and dark grey wheels, exuded a wild and aggressive character. The 2024 refresh included a redesigned grille and headlights, adding a premium touch with stainless steel badges. The Elantra's proportions mimicked a more expensive sports sedan, with a low and elongated body and a fastback-inspired rear end. Inside, the Elantra offered a mix of analog and digital controls, with a thin centre stack angled toward the driver. While the interior featured hard plastics, the design conveyed a sense of movement, and the build quality was commendable for its price.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. This marked an increase of 13 hp and 10 lb-ft over the previous model. The powertrain included a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to front-wheel drive, with an additional 40-hp electric motor providing on-demand all-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain responded quickly to throttle input, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The Corolla Hybrid featured a dedicated EV drive mode for maximum efficiency, though it was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate, though not particularly engaging. Road noise was present, and larger road imperfections impacted the cabin.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre inline-four with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim featured a 1.6-litre turbo-four with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft, delivering a spirited driving experience with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Elantra N boasted an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, producing 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The Elantra Hybrid combined a 1.6-litre inline-four with a 1.3-kilowatt-hour battery pack, generating 139 hp and 125 lb-ft. Fuel economy was impressive, with the hybrid achieving 4.8 L/100 km in the city and 4.5 on the highway. Non-hybrid trims also offered commendable fuel efficiency, while the N was more fuel-thirsty.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample front space, though taller drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range limited. The cabin's simplicity was user-friendly, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray for phones, cupholders, and a medium-sized centre armrest bin. Rear seats accommodated average adults, though headroom was limited when entering or exiting. The trunk offered 371 litres of capacity, with rear seats folding for additional space, though not flat with the floor.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra featured a mix of analog and digital controls, with a mechanical parking brake and conventional shifter. Shortcut buttons for navigation and audio were conveniently placed, while climate and heated seat controls had a dedicated space. Visibility was good, and headroom was ample in all seating positions. The rear seat offered generous legroom, with USB-C ports for passengers. The trunk held 402 litres of cargo, with 60/40 folding rear seats standard. The N trim included a red X-brace that limited seat pass-through.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came with an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, upgraded for 2023 with on-screen controls and improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with enhanced voice commands and over-the-air software updates. The system could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, though the JBL audio system was unavailable in Canada.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the Luxury trim and above, with an 8-inch screen on lower trims. The larger system lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the wired version was quick. The infotainment system offered customization options, though icons were small and similarly coloured. An eight-speaker Bose stereo was standard from the Luxury trim, along with a wireless charging pad and Highway Driving Assist.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS named the standard Corolla sedan a Top Safety Pick+. The Corolla Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor.

The 2024 Hyundai Elantra also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick, though not all crash tests were conducted. Standard safety features included forward braking assist, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and highway driving assist.