Despite the increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs, the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra show that sedans are still relevant, for they continue to sell in high numbers around the world. See how the two compact cars stack up in this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra comparison. With its many advantages, the Elantra schools the Corolla. 

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra

In this 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra comparison, we analyzed several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, reliability, warranty coverage, and price. The Elantra only offers a sedan model in the United States, while the Corolla offers sedan and hatchback versions. We note the differences when applicable.

Corolla vs. Elantra: Performance and efficiency

On the performance front, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra outmuscles the 2022 Toyota Corolla. The 2022 Toyota Corolla offers three powertrains: a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 hp), a 2.0-liter cylinder engine (168 hp), and a hybrid (121 hp). In comparison, powertrain options for the 2022 Hyundai Elantra include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 hp), a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (201 hp), and a hybrid (139 hp). 

Also, the Elantra offers a performance-oriented model with the Elantra N. It features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which generates 275 hp.

The Elantra also has the advantage for efficiency. The gas-powered Elantra gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 33 city/43 highway mpg, and the Elantra Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 53 city/56 highway mpg. In comparison, the gas-powered Corolla gets an estimated fuel efficiency of up to 31 city/40 highway mpg, and the Corolla Hybrid has an estimated gas mileage of up to 52 city/53 highway mpg.

Corolla vs. Elantra: Safety

On the safety front, both the Corolla and Elantra are strong choices. Both compact cars offer safety and driving assistance features like brake assist, electronic stability control, a blind spot monitoring system, and lane-keeping assist. However, unlike the Corolla, the Elantra offers a rear parking aid. 

Corolla vs. Elantra: Passenger and cargo space

While both compact cars seat up to five people, the Elantra provides more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 99.4 cu-ft, compared to 88.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan and 84.6 cu-ft for the Corolla Hatchback.

For storage space, the Elantra has a trunk cargo capacity of 14.2 cu-ft, compared to 13.1 cu-ft for the Corolla Sedan. However, the Corolla Hatchback has a maximum cargo capacity of 23.0 cu-ft.

Corolla vs. Elantra: Interior features and technologies

For interior features and technologies, unlike the Corolla, the Elantra offers HD Radio, a dual-zone climate control system, a navigation system, and an electrochromic rearview mirror. Both compact cars offer a sunroof/moonroof.

Corolla vs. Elantra: Warranty coverage and reliability

For warranty coverage, the Corolla has the backing of a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Elantra has a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Corolla has the advantage for reliability. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 85/100, compared to 80/100 for the Elantra.

Corolla vs. Elantra: Price

Which compact car costs more: the 2022 Corolla or the 2022 Elantra? The starting prices of the 2022 Corolla range from $20,175 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan L trim up to $28,460 MSRP for the Corolla Sedan Apex XSE trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 Elantra range from $19,950 for the SE trim up to $31,900 for the Elantra N model. 

2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra: Which compact car is better?

As you can see in our 2022 Toyota Corolla vs. 2022 Hyundai Elantra comparison, the 2022 Elantra has most of the advantages. This includes performance, efficiency, safety, passenger space, trunk cargo space, and interior features and technologies. For the 2022 Corolla, the only advantages that it has are hatchback cargo capacity and reliability.