2020 Toyota Corolla vs 2021 Hyundai Elantra

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, with its redesigned look, was not considered particularly attractive, resembling other modern Toyotas with their aggressive styling. However, the SE or XSE trims, especially in the Celestite paint color, were seen as more appealing. The interior quality of the Corolla improved significantly, with soft-touch surfaces replacing the cheap, hard plastics of previous models. Despite these improvements, the transmission shifter reminded drivers of the Corolla's economy car status.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra stood out with its Sensuous Sportiness design language and Parametric surfacing, featuring sharp creases and dramatic angles. The Z-shaped dent in the doors was a unique design element that helped the Elantra stand out. The interior of the Elantra, especially in the Limited or Hybrid Limited trims, was praised for its modern and upscale look, with light gray seats and high-quality materials. However, the black interior of the SEL with the Premium Package was considered drab in comparison.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla offered a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower for the L, LE, and XLE trims, paired with a CVT. The SE and XSE trims featured a more powerful 169-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more sophisticated CVT with paddle shifters. The Corolla XSE's driving dynamics were well-tuned, providing a smooth and stable ride, but the car struggled with acceleration and passing power. The EPA-rated fuel economy for the XSE was 31 mpg city, 38 highway, and 34 combined, though real-world testing averaged 29.8 mpg.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower for the SEL trim, paired with a CVT. The Elantra Hybrid used a 1.6-liter engine combined with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower and achieving an EPA rating of 50 mpg combined. The Elantra N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower, while the high-performance Elantra N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower. The Elantra's driving dynamics varied by trim, with the N Line and N models offering sporty performance and the Hybrid providing impressive fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla, despite being classified as a midsize car by the EPA, had some interior shortcomings. The lack of rear air-conditioning vents, USB charging ports, and privacy-tinted rear glass made it less comfortable for rear passengers. The front passenger seat lacked height adjustment, and the low seating position made entry and exit challenging. The trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of space, which was adequate for most needs.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra, also classified as a midsize car, provided a more comfortable and spacious interior. The height-adjustable driver’s seat and tilt/telescopic steering wheel made it easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear seat offered ample legroom and foot space, though the backrest shape and angle were not ideal for upper back support. The Elantra's trunk measured 14.2 cubic feet, and some versions included a hands-free trunk lid release.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla featured the Entune 3.0 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility, though Android Auto was not available. The system included a high-mounted touchscreen, stereo volume and tuning knobs, and main menu access buttons. Higher trims offered additional features like advanced voice recognition, HD Radio, and a JBL premium sound system. The Corolla also provided a range of connected services with free trial periods.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in SE, SEL, and N Line trims, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited trim featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 10.25-inch digital instrumentation screen, providing a high-tech and visually impressive setup. The Elantra also offered a Bose premium sound system and Hyundai Digital Key for added convenience.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.0, which included features like low-light pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection, road-sign recognition, and Lane Tracing Assist. The Corolla also had a blind-spot monitoring system available on higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the Corolla a 5-star rating for frontal-impact protection, and the IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick for 2019.

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra featured Hyundai's SmartSense suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance. The Elantra also included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and a Rear Occupant Alert system. Higher trims offered additional safety features like cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, and Highway Drive Assist.