Elantra vs Corolla
For compact car shoppers, the Elantra from Hyundai and the Corolla from Toyota are two of the obvious candidates. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corolla wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Elantra wins
- Off-road & Towing Corolla wins
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality4.8
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Fuel Economy & Range6.2
- Space & Practicality4.3
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Corolla has 22 hp more power
Slight advantage to the Corolla: 169 hp compared with 147 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Elantra has 8.4% more cargo space
On cargo (behind rear seats), the Elantra edges out the Corolla, 14.2 cu ft to 13.1 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
-
The Corolla has 19 lb-ft more torque
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. 151 lb-ft against 132 lb-ft is a small but genuine lead for the Corolla. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Corolla has available all-wheel drive
Whether it matters depends on your habits, but only one of these two gives you available all-wheel drive: the Corolla. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning.
Design & Size
- Elantra 184.1 in × 71.9 in × 55.7 in
- Corolla 182.3 in × 70.1 in × 56.5 in
Both come in at nearly the same overall dimensions, so pick on other grounds.
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 182.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 106.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Corolla leads
In this area the Corolla has a lead the Elantra can’t close. The Corolla comes with 22 hp more power. The Corolla’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. If engine & performance is your priority, the Corolla is the car to pick.
Total system output
Elantra: 147 hp Corolla: 169 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Elantra: 132 lb-ft Corolla: 151 lb-ft The Corolla’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
The differences on fuel economy & range are small enough to ignore in daily use. Bottom line for fuel economy & range: it’s a wash.
Fuel tank
Elantra: 12.4 gal Corolla: 13.2 gal Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
Space & Practicality
Elantra leads
A modest lead on space & practicality belongs to the Elantra. The Elantra steps ahead thanks to 8.4% more cargo space. The Elantra’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Anyone shopping mainly on space & practicality should start with the Elantra.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Elantra: 14.2 cu ft Corolla: 13.1 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Off-road & Towing
Corolla leads
The Corolla has the slight upper hand on off-road & towing. The Corolla gives you available all-wheel drive. The Corolla offers all-wheel drive; the Elantra doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters. Prioritize off-road & towing, and the Corolla is where you should land.
AWD / 4WD available
Elantra: no Corolla: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
This section is descriptive. The Elantra and the Corolla list different components for safety & tech, and the table spells them out.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 147 hp | 169 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 151 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | IVT (CVT) | CVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD on Corolla Hybrid) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 36 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 41 mpg | 41 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 12.4 gal | 13.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 14.2 cu ft (winner) | 13.1 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38 in | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 10.5 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Hyundai SmartSense | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 184.1 in | 182.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 71.9 in | 70.1 in |
| Height | 55.7 in | 56.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.1 in | 106.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Elantra | Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $22,925 Lowest price in class |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Elantra if…
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (14.2 cu ft vs 13.1 cu ft)
- you prefer staying with Hyundai
Choose the Corolla if…
- you want more power (169 hp vs 147 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (151 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Elantra or the Corolla?
The Corolla makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if you know that 8.4% more cargo space would make a real difference in your routine.
Which is larger, the Elantra or the Corolla?
The Elantra and the Corolla are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the Elantra from Hyundai and the Corolla from Toyota. Practically speaking, the Corolla’s biggest advantage is 22 hp more power. Add available all-wheel drive to the list, and the Corolla looks even better. Credit where it’s due: the Elantra offers 8.4% more cargo space.
Your priorities do the choosing here: space & practicality points to the Elantra, engine & performance to the Corolla.
My pick: the Corolla is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you’d trade the rest for 8.4% more cargo space.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.