2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Which Should I Choose?
If you’re in the market for a compact car, you’ve got some options to choose from. Among them are the 2018 Toyota Corolla and 2018 Hyundai Elantra. Both vehicles offer certain advantages and benefits for shoppers in the Alexandria and Arlington, VA areas.
So, what’s the better value: the 2018 Elantra or the 2018 Corolla?
Well, we’ve come up with the answer. Safford Hyundai of Springfield has done the homework and compared each vehicle side by side. You can use this comparison as a buying guide in order to make an informed purchase or lease decision.
Some of what we found out may surprise you. So, read on to learn what happened in this clash of the compact cars when Elantra and Corolla go head to head.
REASON #1 TO CHOOSE ELANTRA OVER COROLLA: PRICE
2018 Hyundai Elantra: $18,835
2018 Toyota Corolla: $19,495
(MSRP plus Destination Charge)
2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Interior Comparison
The 2018 Elantra and Corolla both seat up to five occupants in sedan configuration. Each is offered in a wide variety of trim levels that allow you to choose from more value priced versions all the way up to incredibly well-equipped models.
The Elantra is available with leather seating while Toyota counters with their Sof-Tex® synthetic leather offering. Score a point in the Elantra’s favor for this discrepancy.
The 2018 Corolla also loses points in the interior for its extensive use of hard plastic materials in the cabin. Hyundai stocks the interior of the Elantra with better quality materials that offer a clear advantage over the Toyota model.
In light of these differences, the 2018 Elantra easily wins the interior comparison category.
REASON #2 TO CHOOSE ELANTRA OVER COROLLA: TRUNK SPACE
2018 Hyundai Elantra Cargo Space: 14.4 cu. ft.
2018 Toyota Corolla Cargo Space: 13 cu. ft.
(Sedan configuration)
2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Exterior Comparison
As far as exterior dimensions are concerned, both the 2018 Toyota Corolla and 2018 Elantra both come within an inch or two of each other with the exception of length. The Corolla sports a three to four inch advantage in that category.
When it comes to style, it’s a subjective matter. The Corolla could have been accused of having a rather bland, conservative style in prior years, but Toyota seems to have addressed that with the last redesign. On the other side, the 2018 Elantra was completely redesigned during the previous model year and now sports a polished, upscale appearance.
In our opinion, neither vehicle hold a distinct advantage over either in the exterior category. So, we’re calling this one a tie.
REASON #3 TO CHOOSE ELANTRA OVER COROLLA: WARRANTY
2018 Hyundai Elantra: 10 yr./100,000 mi.
2018 Toyota Corolla: 5 yr./60,000 mi.
(Powertrain Warranty)
2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Technology Comparison
“Tech toys” are a hot item with a lot of new car shoppers these days and both the 2018 Corolla and 2018 Elantra represent well in this category.
At first glance it would appear that Toyota’s compact car would be the definitive winner here. Even the base model Corolla comes with six-inch touchscreen, infotainment system, Bluetooth, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features.
There is, however, a glaring omission from the 2018 Corolla’s tech features. You can’t get Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on any trim in the lineup.
These two highly popular features are available on the 2018 Elantra and allow you to synch up apps from your compatible smartphone to Elantra’s touchscreen. In addition, you can get eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, USB port, and active safety features with the compact car from Hyundai.
The lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is just too big of a factor for the Corolla to overcome. That’s why, in our estimation, the 2018 Elantra takes the technology crown.
REASON #4 TO CHOOSE ELANTRA OVER COROLLA: HORSEPOWER
2018 Hyundai Elantra: 147 HP
2018 Toyota Corolla: 132 HP
(Base model sedan comparison)
2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Performance Comparison
The 2018 Elantra takes this category in a landslide. Not only does Elantra offer a lot more horsepower than the 2018 Corolla, it also delivers better fuel efficiency. You read that correctly. Elantra is more powerful, yet gets better MPG. This one was no contest.
2018 Hyundai Elantra versus 2018 Toyota Corolla: Who’s the Overall Winner?
It’s probably going to come as no surprise that we’re recommending the 2018 Hyundai Elantra as the better overall value versus the 2018 Toyota Corolla. The clear advantage in the interior, technology, and performance areas put the Hyundai model over the top.
That doesn’t even take into account the price advantage that Elantra holds over Corolla, or the better warranty. When you review all the factors, the 2018 Elantra is really a no-brainer for best car in the compact market.
REASON #5 TO CHOOSE ELANTRA OVER COROLLA: FUEL EFFICIENCY
2018 Hyundai Elantra: 38 MPG
2018 Toyota Corolla: 36 MPG
(EPA highway mileage estimate)
2018 Hyundai Elantra for Sale in Springfield, VA
Now that you’ve read all of the reasons why the 2018 Elantra is the better value, it’s time to drive one! Contact us at Safford Hyundai of Springfield and we’ll make all the arrangements for a test drive. Our Hyundai dealership is conveniently located at 7615 Loisdale Rd Springfield, VA 22150.
Data comparisons based on published documentation. 2018 Elantra SE 6AT (2.0L I4 6A) versus 2018 Corolla 1.8L 4-Cylinder (CVT).