2025 Hyundai Elantra N vs 2026 Toyota GR Corolla
Comparison Overview
Torn between high-strung front-wheel-drive fun and grippy all-wheel-drive aggression? That's the core choice between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla. The Elantra N is significantly more budget-friendly, starting at $34,350 compared to the GR Corolla's $39,920 MSRP, saving you $5,570 right out of the gate. While the GR Corolla boasts a slight edge in power with 300 horsepower versus the Elantra N's 276 hp, both demand premium unleaded fuel, and neither excels at fuel economy, netting a combined 24 MPG. The Elantra N is a bit longer at 185.4 inches, while the GR Corolla offers superior utility with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft. Ultimately, performance fanatics must weigh outright grip from AWD against cost savings and a more traditional sedan profile.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Elantra N wins for commuters primarily due to its lower $34,350 MSRP, making the daily drive more financially sensible.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla's hatchback design offers a more practical 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Elantra N's 14.2 cu ft, suiting family hauling better.
2026 Toyota GR Corolla
The GR Corolla edges out the Elantra N with slightly more power, generating 300 horsepower and the superior traction of standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Hyundai Elantra N
The Hyundai Elantra N provides 276 horsepower for $5,570 less than its AWD competitor, resulting in a better dollar-per-horsepower ratio.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra N if...
- You need to save $5,570 on the initial purchase price, as the Elantra N starts at $34,350.
- You prefer the classic trunk design of a sedan over a hatchback body style.
- You are confident handling performance on front-wheel drive through spirited driving.
Choose the Toyota GR Corolla if...
- You absolutely require the enhanced grip and stability provided by the GR Corolla's All-Wheel Drive system.
- You need maximum flexibility, leveraging the GR Corolla's 17.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You want the highest output available, as the GR Corolla delivers 300 horsepower.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra N | Toyota GR Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 173.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.8" |
| Height | 55.7" | 57.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Integrated Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5500 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 289 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Front Differential Type | Limited Slip | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/29 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 260.4/359.6 mi. | 277.2/369.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Premium Stereo System | Bose | โ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Bose | โ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
| Stereo Power | โ | 160W |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Leather/Sueded Microfiber | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Sueded Microfiber | โ | โ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 29.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 45.5 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | 18 x 8.5 in |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 245/35R | 235/40R18 |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N and 2026 Toyota GR Corolla.
Which car is genuinely quicker in a straight line?
While both use 6-speed manuals and premium fuel, the 2026 Toyota GR Corolla technically holds the advantage with 300 horsepower compared to the 2025 Hyundai Elantra N's 276 hp. This, combined with AWD traction, usually translates to better launches.
How does the cargo space difference affect usability?
The GR Corolla hatchback is significantly more accommodating, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The Elantra N sedan provides only 14.2 cubic feet, which might feel restrictive when loading larger items.
Are the fuel costs drastically different between these two cars?
No, both vehicles are rated at a combined 24 MPG, though both require the more expensive premium unleaded fuel. Your real-world costs for fuel should be nearly identical.
Is the $5,570 price difference between the two worth the trade-off?
For buyers prioritizing budget, the $34,350 Elantra N is a strong value, offering nearly comparable power in a FWD package. If you must have AWD and 300 hp, the extra cost for the GR Corolla might be justified.
Do these cars have similar exterior footprints?
Not exactly; the Elantra N is quite a bit longer at 185.4 inches, while the GR Corolla is slightly shorter. However, the GR Corolla is a touch wider (72.8 inches vs. 71.9 inches) and taller (57.2 inches vs. 55.7 inches).
Which car offers a better city vs. highway MPG split?
The Elantra N shows a slightly better highway rating at 29 MPG compared to the GR Corolla's 28 MPG. For city driving, both are rated identically at 21 MPG.
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