With the recent push for more electrified vehicles, automakers are introducing more hybrids. Unlike before, consumers can find them in all shapes and sizes. In the compact sedan segment, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid are two of the newer options.
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is all new for the 2021 model year. Like the regular Elantra, the hybrid version features a sharp design, a variety of modern convenience features, and the latest safety features. The Elantra Hybrid adds an efficient powertrain into the mix to be a compelling choice.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is also on the newer side of things. Over the ionic Corolla, the hybrid brings much better fuel economy while retaining everything we’ve come to love with the car over the years. A spacious interior, loads of advanced safety features, and a unique design are things you'll will find with the Corolla Hybrid.
If you’re in the market for a compact sedan with a hybrid powertrain, which one should you choose? That’s what we’ll answer below in this comparison.
See a side-by-side comparison of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid & the Toyota Corolla Hybrid »
What the Corolla Hybrid Gets Right
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid takes a small victory over the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid with a more affordable price tag. The Corolla Hybrid starts at $24,335 including destination, which is $210 cheaper than the Elantra Hybrid. It’s certainly not a wide margin, but being able to save money on a new car is a difficult task these days.
In addition to saving you in the initial purchase, the Corolla Hybrid should also save you money at the gas pump over the higher Elantra Hybrid trim. The Toyota is rated by the EPA to get 52 miles per gallon combined. While the EPA hasn't released its official fuel economy figures, Hyundai expects the Elantra Hybrid Limited trim to return 50 mpg combined. If you do a lot of driving, you save money with the Corolla Hybrid.
What the Elantra Hybrid Gets Right
While performance doesn’t matter much when it comes to efficient hybrids, the Elantra Hybrid has a more powerful powertrain. It comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s paired with an electric motor for a combined output of 139 horsepower. The 1.8-liter four-cylinder and electric motor in the Corolla Hybrid is rated at a combined 121 hp.
The Elantra Hybrid also comes with a few more standard safety features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard, while they cost an additional $500 on the Corolla Hybrid.
Hyundai offers more advanced tech features as well. The Elantra Hybrid is available with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, a 10.25-inch display in the instrument cluster, Hyundai’s Highway Drive Assist system, and the automaker’s digital key. These make it a better choice for consumers that want cutting-edge technology.
Too Close to Call
The Elantra Hybrid and Corolla Hybrid are so evenly matched, it almost comes down to which one you think looks better. Almost. The Corolla Hybrid is still a great car that gets better fuel economy than the Elantra Hybrid Limited and is more affordable, but just barely in both cases.
Our Verdict: Hyundai Elantra Hybrid
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid narrowly gets the victory over the Toyota Corolla Hybrid in this comparison. Its base trim is more fuel efficient, it comes with more standard safety features, and has more available technology features. For the majority of consumers, this makes it the better choice.
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