2021 Toyota Corolla vs. Hyundai Elantra Comparison

Once expensive and exclusive safety technologies are now becoming the standard for even compact cars like the 2021 Corolla and the Elantra. So, which sedan is setting a new safety standard?

Standard Safety Features

The 2021 Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0). TSS 2.0 includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Road Sign Assist (RSA) on all models, plus Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) on models with automatic transmissions. The 2021 Elantra has Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), and High Beam Assist (HBA) standard. For Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC) you'd need to get the optional Convenience Package available with the Elantra SEL for an additional $950, or get it standard on the Elantra Limited.

Aside from active safety features, the Corolla has ten airbags. These include the driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags, driver knee airbag, passenger seat cushion airbag, rear side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags. The competitor Elantra has Advanced dual front airbags (SRS) with Occupant Classification System (OCS), Driver and front passenger side-impact airbags (SRS), and Side-curtain airbags (SRS) (front and rear passengers). You don't get a driver knee airbag on any Elantra model.

While these features might not mean much to you written out in a list, trusted safety organizations have tested these vehicles' safety systems out for you. The 2021 Toyota Corolla and 2021 Hyundai Elantra both received the IIHS Top Safety Pick when equipped with LED projector headlights.

Furthermore, NHTSA rated the 2021 Corolla a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating and 5-Star Overall Front Star Rating. While the 2021 Elantra also received a 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, it only got 4-Star Front Star Rating.

Compact cars are a great practical option for drivers that want great gas mileage estimates and a zippy ride. The 2021 Corolla and Elantra have surprising power under the hood with incredible fuel efficiency ratings.

Estimated Mileage

If you want your sedan to have a little zip, the performance-focused engine on the Corolla is a 2.0L 4-Cyl DOHC 16-Valve engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i). This standard engine for the SE 6MT, SE w/CVT, SE Nightshade Edition, SE Apex, XSE, and XSE Apex provides 169 HP. The Corolla L's standard 1.8L 4-Cyl DOHC 16-Valve with Valvematic technology delivers 139 HP. In comparison, the 2021 Elantra N Line has an impressive 201 HP, but this comes at the cost of fuel efficiency ratings. All other Elantra models have 147 horsepower standard.

As mentioned, the Elantra N Line may have more power than the Corolla, but it loses points in gas mileage. With the standard 6-speed manual transmission it only has an EPA-estimated 25/34/28 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating. The 6-speed manual Corolla SE trim has an EPA-estimated MPG rating of 29/36/32 (city/hwy/comb). The base model Elantra SE has a 33/43/37 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating, while the Corolla L has an EPA-estimated 30/38/33 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating. Additionally, the Elantra SEL and Limited have an EPA-estimated 31/41/35 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating. The Corolla SE w/CVT isn't far behind with an EPA-estimated 31/40/34 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating.

Impressively, the Corolla Hybrid LE trim delivers an EPA-estimated 53/52/52 (city/hwy/comb) MPG rating. The Elantra does have two hybrid models that provide impressive gas mileage as well (53/56/54 city/hwy/combined for the Elantra Hybrid Blue, 49/52/50 for the Elantra Hybrid Limited).

Interior features are what take your drive to the next level. Seamlessly transition from your device to your car using the abundance of connectivity options in the Corolla and Elantra.

Multimedia

The Corolla has standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Plus, try out SiriusXM® with a 3-month All Access trial subscription. In the Elantra, you get Wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® integration standard, but no Amazon Alexa compatibility. Plus, if you want SiriusXM® Satellite Radio you'd need to get the SEL trim or higher. If you're one of those people that always gets lost, the Corolla XLE has available Premium Audio with a 3-year Dynamic Navigation trial. This audio package includes 9 JBL® speakers, subwoofer and amplifier, too. The Elantra Limited has a 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen with navigation and Bose premium audio with 8 speakers including center channel and subwoofer.

While it's nice to have all of the tech to entertain, sometimes the physical functionality of the interior of your car is more important. When something just doesn't have enough room in the trunk, make it fit with the 60/40 split fold-down rear seat standard in the Corolla. For the similar 60/40 split-folding rear seatback with armrest and cupholders standard you'd need to get the Elantra N Line or higher. It is available as an option in the SEL, too.