Toyota Corolla vs. Hyundai Elantra Review

Utility
The Elantra is a significantly larger vehicle than the Corolla, beating it in every interior metric except rear legroom. The Elantra offers nearly two full cubic feet more cargo room and more than an extra inch of front headroom.

Performance
Powering the 2010 Toyota Corolla is your choice of a 132-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline-four or a 158-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder. The Elantra lags in the power department, offering a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with available power ratings of 132 and 138 horsepower. Both vehicles offer a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual, while the Corolla also has a five-speed automatic in its stable.

Fuel Economy
The Elantra offers one stellar fuel economy rating of 26 mpg city and 34-35 mpg highway. The Corolla at its best can match the Elantra on fuel economy with 22-26 mpg city and 30-35 mpg highway. Corolla models emit between 6.1 and 7.3 metric tons of CO2 annually, while the Elantra weighs in at 6.3 metric tons per year.

Technology
Elantra and Corolla sedans come about comparably equipped with electronics and entertainment features at equivalent model levels. The entry level Elantra offers on optional stereo upgrade and satellite radio, which the base Corolla does not, while the Corolla does include a CD player standard to trump the Elantra's optional CD player. Both models make available a USB port so you can plug in your media player. Top end models offer a sunroof, but only the Corolla makes available a navigation system.

Safety
Both sedans have antilock brakes with brake assist (equipped on all Corollas but only some Elantra models) and a full set of airbags. The Elantra's equipment advantage is in rear disc brakes, where the Corolla has inferior drums. The Corolla got Four-Star ratings in three of four government crash tests, while the Elantra delivers superior results with two Five-Star and two Four-Star impact ratings.

Other
At their best, the Corolla and Elantra sedans are highly competitive. The Corolla offers some items the Elantra makes optional or not available, and has more available horsepower. The average fuel economy across the Elantra model line is higher, and interior space is significantly higher. The cost of an Elantra is also significantly less. Thus, the Elantra gives you more room and a lower price, while the Corolla can be yours with more power and available features.