2025 Hyundai Elantra vs 2026 Toyota Corolla
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Toyota Corolla is the power output, with the Corolla delivering 169 hp compared to the Elantra's 147 hpβa 22 hp advantage. This power difference is paired with slightly lower fuel economy for the Corolla, which achieves a combined 36 MPG against the Elantra's 36 MPG (32/41 City/Highway for both). In terms of physical size, the Elantra is longer at 185.4 inches versus the Corolla's 182.5 inches, though the Corolla offers a slightly higher roofline at 56.5 inches. Pricing shows the Elantra starting $600 cheaper at an MSRP of $22,125. Regarding utility, the Elantra boasts 14.2 cu ft of cargo space, surpassing the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft. Both utilize a front-wheel-drive platform and a CVT, but the torque figures align closely with the horsepower gap (151 lb-ft for Corolla vs. 132 lb-ft for Elantra).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra wins for commuters due to its $600 lower starting MSRP of $22,125.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra provides superior utility for families with 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla's 13.1 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Corolla
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is favored by driving enthusiasts for its superior output of 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra offers better baseline value, combining a lower starting price with slightly better cargo volume.
Choose the Hyundai Elantra if...
- You prioritize the lowest entry price point, starting at $22,125.
- You need maximum utility, as it offers 14.2 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a slightly longer vehicle dimension at 185.4 inches in length.
Choose the Toyota Corolla if...
- You demand higher performance, evident in the 169 hp engine output.
- You prefer a taller cabin, as the Corolla stands 56.5 inches high.
- You prioritize the higher torque figure of 151 lb-ft for acceleration feel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Elantra | Toyota Corolla |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.4" | 182.5" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 55.7" | 56.5" |
| Wheelbase | 107.1" | 106.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | β | β |
| Lane Departure Warning | β | β |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | β | β |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | β | β |
| Driver Attention Alert | β | β |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Head Airbags | β | β |
| Rear Head Airbags | β | β |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | β | β |
| Electronic Stability Control | β | β |
| Traction Control System | β | β |
| LATCH System | β | β |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | β | β |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | β | β |
| Brake Assist | β | β |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | β | β |
| Automatic Headlights | β | β |
| LED Headlights | β | β |
| Daytime Running Lights | β | β |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | β | β |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | β | β |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | β | β |
| Engine Immobilizer | β | β |
| Post-Collision Safety System | β | β |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | β | β |
| Front Fixed Headrests | β | β |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | β | β |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 32/41 MPG | 32/41 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 36 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.8/508.4 mi. | 422.4/541.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | β | β |
| Electric Power Steering | β | β |
| Rear View Camera | β | β |
| Cruise Control | β | β |
| Front Cupholders | β | β |
| Front Door Pockets | β | β |
| Rear Door Pockets | β | β |
| Air Conditioning | β | β |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | β | β |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | β | β |
| Rear Cupholders | β | β |
| Single Zone Climate Control | β | β |
| Interior Air Filtration | β | β |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | β | β |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | β | β |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | β | β |
| USB Port | β | β |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | β | β |
| USB Port with External Media Control | β | β |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | β | β |
| Satellite Radio | β | β |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | β | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | β | β |
| Heated Mirrors | β | β |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 54.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | β | β |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | β | β |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | β | β |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 34.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 51.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.5 in. | 51.3 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | β | β |
| Folding Center Armrest | β | β |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 15 x 6.0 in | β |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 195/65R15 | P205/55R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Cover Type | β | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | β | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | β | β |
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 and 2026 Toyota Corolla.
Which car has better fuel economy between the Elantra and Corolla?
Both vehicles are rated identically for fuel economy in this configuration, achieving 36 MPG combined (32 city/41 highway). Since both use regular unleaded fuel and FWD with a CVT, real-world efficiency should be nearly indistinguishable.
Is the 2026 Toyota Corolla significantly quicker than the 2025 Hyundai Elantra?
Yes, the Corolla is measurably quicker with 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Elantraβs 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. This 22 hp difference should translate to noticeably faster acceleration runs.
How do the starting prices compare for these two sedans?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $22,125. The 2026 Toyota Corolla starts $600 higher, listed at $22,725.
Which vehicle offers more interior storage space?
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra provides superior cargo capacity at 14.2 cubic feet. The 2026 Toyota Corolla offers 13.1 cubic feet, making the Elantra the better choice for hauling extra luggage.
Are there major differences in size or footprint between the two models?
The Elantra is longer (185.4 inches) and slightly wider (71.9 inches) than the Corolla (182.5 inches long, 70.1 inches wide). However, the Corolla sits taller by 0.8 inches (56.5 inches vs 55.7 inches).
Do either of these base models offer all-wheel drive?
No, based on the specifications provided, both the 2025 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Toyota Corolla utilize a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout exclusively for these base trims.
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