If you’re in the market for an economical compact car, you might consider the 2022 Hyundai Elantra or the 2022 Toyota Corolla. The Elantra builds on the admirable fuel economy and acceleration of the previous model, making it a good option for compact car shoppers. However, is the new Toyota Corolla Hatchback a reasonable alternative to the well-established Elantra? 

Key Points: 

• Consumer Reports recommends the 2022 Hyundai Elantra. 
• Base model Corolla Hatchbacks are slightly less expensive than a new Elantra base. Specifically, the Corolla base costs $21,165 and the Hyundai base starts at $21,245.
• While the Corolla Hatchback is only available in three trims, the Elantra is available in seven trims, including a hybrid.
• The new Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue accomplishes an impressive 48 mpg combined, compared to the Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s 36 mpg overall. 
• Both cars have an NHTSA five-star overall crash rating. However, only the Corolla Hatchback has an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating. 

Which car is cheaper? 

The base model Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE starts at $21,165. Consumers get a five-door hatchback with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine for that money. A similarly named Elantra SE will set you back $21,245. However, the similarities don’t stop there; Both cars have a 2.0L four-cylinder engine for that near-identical starting price. 

Furthermore, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra has seven trims. Those trims include a Hybrid Blue model and a sporty N model with 276 horsepower. That provides shoppers with a lot more variety than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s 2.0L gas-powered engine and three trims. 

Is the 2022 Hyundai Elantra or the Toyota Corolla Hatchback more economical? 

Although the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback’s fuel economy isn’t terrible, it isn’t up to the Hyundai’s standards when you count the more economical trims. With its 2.0L four-cylinder engine and continuously variable transmission (CVT), the Toyota hatchback accomplished 24 mpg in the city and an admirable 51 mpg on the highway for a combined total of 36 mpg. Conversely, the base model Elantra SE manages 33 mpg city and 43 mpg highway, and the plusher SEL accomplished 33 mpg overall. 

While the Corolla Hatchback is as efficient as the Elantra SE and SEL, the Hybrid Blue model uses a 1.6L GDI four-cylinder hybrid system to sail way past the hatchback. An Elantra Hybrid Blue is capable of 53 mpg in the city and 56 mpg at highway speeds. Also, the ultra-efficient 2022 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue is nearly the same price as the top trim Corolla Hatchback XSE. 

Which car is safer? 

The 2022 Hyundai Elantra has a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating for crash protection. Also, while the Elantra has an overall five-star rating, it only scored a four-star rating on frontal crash tests. Comparatively, the Toyota Corolla Hatchback scored five stars in every category other than rollover, wherein it received four stars. Finally, the Corolla Hatchback has an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating, while the Elantra does not.  

Should you buy the 2022 Hyundai Elantra over the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback? 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Hyundai Elantra is a far better choice for shoppers than the Toyota Corolla Hatchback. Quite simply, the Elantra offers much more variety than the Corolla Hatchback. The Elantra is available as an affordable base model, an efficient hybrid option, or a sporty N model. Also, Consumer Reports recommends that shoppers opt for an Elantra SEL based on comfort and price. Scroll down to the following article to read more about alternatives to the Toyota Corolla Hatchback and Hyundai Elantra.