2020 Corolla Hatchback vs. Elantra GT Comparison
Despite the Corolla name, the Corolla Hatchback is not exactly like its sedan sibling.
The Corolla Hatchback was new for 2019. Similarly, the Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback is not a direct variant of the Hyundai Elantra sedan. The Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback is a five-door hatchback version of the Hyundai Elantra sedan. Previously known as the Elantra Touring, the Elantra GT entered the U.S. market in 2012 as the 2013 Elantra GT.
The Corolla Hatchback has three trims: the SE, the SE Nightshade Edition, and the XSE. The Hyundai Elantra has two trims: the base model GT and the N-Line.
Below, we will examine how the Toyota Corolla Hatchback stacks up against the Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback in the critical categories of safety, performance, and interior.
Published Date: 02/21/2020
Safety
- The 2020 Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense® 2.0 (TSS 2.0), while comparable features cost extra on the Elantra GT N-Line.
- The 2020 Corolla has a 5-Star Overall Rating from the NHTSA.
Every 2020 Corolla Hatchback comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense® 2.0 (TSS 2.0).
Standard Safety Features
TSS 2.0 includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). 2020 Corolla Hatchbacks with available CVT include Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Tracing Assist(LTA).
Hyundai does have some features comparable to TSS 2.0 like Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and even one that TSS 2.0 does not offer called Driver Attention Warning (DAW). However, these features are only available as an upgrade on the Elantra GT N Line for $3,850 MSRP. The Corolla Hatchback has side-impact door beams to protect cars if they’ve been struck from the side.
For added peace of mind, the 2020 Corolla Hatchback has an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Rating, while the 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback received a 4-Star Overall Rating.
In addition to TSS 2.0, the Corolla Hatchback has the Star Safety System™ that comes with many safety features. These features include Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRAC), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), and Smart Stop Technology® (SST). Hyundai has similar features, including Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS).
Performance
- The Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT has better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 MPG (city/hwy/comb), while the Elantra GT only has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/32/27 MPG.
- The 2020 Corolla HB has a Nightshade trim with style-boosting options, including 18-in. alloy wheels and a shark fin antenna.
- The Corolla Hatchback’s Dynamic Force engine produces 168 HP which is better than the Elantra GT’s 161 HP.
The Corolla Hatchback’s Dynamic Force engine produces 168 HP. The Elantra GT only has 161 HP. The Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT has better fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 MPG (city/hwy/comb) than the Elantra GT having an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/32/27 MPG (city/hwy/comb).
Style Boosting Options
For those seeking unique options to personalize their ride, the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE has a style-boosting trim called the Nightshade Edition. The Nightshade Edition features blacked-out 18-in. alloy wheels, a shark fin antenna, a rear spoiler, front a lower grille surround, and rear rocker panels.
Hyundai does have a performance-boosting trim known as the Elantra GT N-Line. This trim has an inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 201 HP, 195 torque, and larger front and rear brakes. The Elantra GT N-Line with an automatic transmission carries the highest MSRP in this comparison of $24,600. The Corolla Hatchback XSE has an MSRP of $23,240 while the Nightshade Edition is just $22,290 MSRP starting.
Both vehicles have configurations with available manual transmission options.
Interior
- The Elantra and Corolla both have Android Auto™️ and Apple Carplay®, but only the Corolla HB has Amazon Alexa.
- An electronic parking brake comes standard on the Corolla, but is only an option on the Elantra GT N-Line.
- The Corolla comes stacked with many pre-loaded apps, like a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio.
While both Elantra trims have Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™️ compatibility, only the Corolla HB SE delivers these plus the option of Amazon Alexa, Amazon’s own virtual assistant.
Standard Interior Features
Every 2020 Corolla Hatchback comes standard with an 8-in. touch-screen to make connecting to your tech simple.
The higher-grade Elantra GT N-Line has an 8-in. touch-screen, but the navigation system is an add-on option on this trim. It is not available on the Elantra GT.
Also available as an option on the N-Line is an electronic parking brake. An electronic parking brake comes standard on all Corolla Hatchback trims. This feature is not available at all on the base trim for the Elantra GT.
The Corolla also comes standard with many preloaded apps like a three-month trial of SiriusXM satellite radio.
Conclusion: Corolla Hatchback vs. Elantra GT
- Every Corolla Hatchback comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense® 2.0 (TSS 2.0).
- The Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT comes out ahead in fuel economy with 32/41/35 MPG (city/hwy/comb) compared with Elantra GT, which has an EPA-estimated 25/32/27 MPG.
- Every lease and purchase of new Toyota vehicles includes ToyotaCare, while Hyundai’s Blue Link® Connected Care Package is only on the Elantra GT N-Line after purchasing the tech package which costs an extra $3,850.
The Corolla Hatchback SE with CVT also comes out ahead in fuel economy. It has an EPA-estimated 32/41/35 MPG (city/hwy/comb) compared with Elantra GT, which has an EPA-estimated 25/32/27 (city/hwy/comb) MPG. Even the manual trim options for the 2020 Corolla Hatchback get an EPA-estimated MPG of 28/37/31.
All Toyota Corolla Hatchbacks come with Toyota Safety Sense® 2.0 (TSS 2.0), while some comparable safety features are only available on the Elantra GT N-Line as extra-cost options.
Also available as an option on the Elantra GT N-Line is an electronic parking brake. An electronic parking brake comes standard on all Corolla Hatchback trims. This feature is not available at all on the base trim for the Elantra GT.
All leases and purchases of new Toyotas come with ToyotaCare, a no-cost scheduled maintenance program. In comparison, Hyundai’s Blue Link® Connected Care Package lasts for three years, but is only available on the Elantra GT N-Line after purchasing the tech package which costs an extra $3,850.
The 2020 Corolla HB XSE costs less (starting MSRP $23,240) than the Elantra GT N-Line (MSRP $24,600). The base 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback starts at $20,650 and the base 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback starts at $20,290.