2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Vs. 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Effortless Efficiency Compared

We recently tested and compared two similar (but nonetheless distinct) approaches to an affordable compact hybrid sedan. The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE is a somewhat sporty variant of the Corolla Hybrid that was equipped with optional all-wheel drive — check out our full review — and the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited is exclusively front-wheel drive and remarkably well equipped for the class. Both have as-tested prices around $31,000.

Related: What Are the Best 2024 Hybrids for the Money?

We also recently named the 2024 Corolla Hybrid the best hybrid for the money in its class, and the Elantra Hybrid was a close second. For this test, we conducted a real-world fuel economy drive, and we also drove the cars separately back to back on the same route to determine what each one does and doesn’t do well, as well as which car our judges — myself and Senior Road Test Editor Mike Hanley — prefer.

Real-World Fuel Economy

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First things first: This is not a direct comparison of the two hybrids’ fuel economy. The Elantra Hybrid Limited is rated at 50 mpg combined, and the Corolla Hybrid SE is rated at 44 mpg combined with AWD. The Elantra should outperform the Corolla every time in a test like this. Instead, we wanted to see whether each car could achieve its EPA combined fuel economy rating in real-world driving. Both did — and then some.

We took both cars on a roughly 200-mile fuel economy loop starting in the north Chicago suburbs. Our route headed north into southeastern Wisconsin, then west and then south back into Illinois before returning to our starting point. Temperatures for our drive were in the mid-70s to low-80s Fahrenheit. Our driving procedures include keeping the air conditioning set to Automatic, all windows up and cruise control off. We also keep the cars in their Normal (or equivalent) driving mode; for this test, that meant putting the Elantra into its Smart mode, though on the final leg of our drive, it did default to Eco mode.

At the end of our drive, both cars had significantly outperformed their EPA estimates. The Elantra’s trip computer showed 60.2 mpg while our pump-based calculations returned 55.9 mpg, which are 20% and 12% higher, respectively, than the Elantra Hybrid’s 50 mpg combined rating. The Corolla also exceeded its 44 mpg combined rating, with its trip computer reading 53 mpg at the end of the drive and our calculations showing a nearly identical 53.3 mpg. These numbers are 20% and 21% higher, respectively, than the car’s combined estimate.

While both cars outperformed their EPA estimates on our route, it’s worth noting that your mileage may vary. Our test was conducted in the relatively flat Midwest in pleasant weather. Your weather, terrain and driving style will all affect your fuel economy — for worse or, perhaps, better.

Pros and Cons of Each Car

While we didn’t compare each hybrid’s fuel economy directly, we did want to compare the cars more generally to see which we prefer.

2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited

We tested a Limited trim; the only other Elantra Hybrid currently available is a base Blue trim level that’s EPA-rated 54 mpg combined. We liked a lot about the Limited: It’s remarkably well equipped, with features like a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual 10.25-inch digital displays for the instrument panel and center touchscreen and more — all for $30,810 (all prices include destination). The digital displays are modern-looking with crisp graphics and are very easy to use. Unlike in other Hyundais, the Elantra has not eschewed physical climate controls just yet, adding to the cabin’s user-friendliness.

Despite being the supposedly more comfort-oriented model in our test, we found the Elantra Hybrid’s ride to be the more brittle of the two, much to its detriment. While it has more direct and communicative steering, the Elantra’s chassis is easily upset by road imperfections.

The car’s most glaring omissions, however, are on the tech front. Despite its advanced screens, the Elantra is only available with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and the data port to connect a smartphone is a USB-A connection. The lack of wireless smartphone connectivity is unfortunate, especially as it begins to proliferate in other Hyundai models.

Hanley sums up the Elantra, stating, “Well equipped and stylish inside and out, the Elantra Hybrid is pleasant to drive and achieves impressive efficiency. The ride can be a bit harsh at times, however, and we’re still scratching our heads at the lack of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the otherwise feature-rich interior.”

2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD

Meanwhile, the Corolla Hybrid we tested is not the car’s top trim. Instead, we have the sporty SE with optional AWD. AWD adds $1,400 to the SE’s price and lowers its EPA-estimated gas mileage from 47 to 44 mpg combined. Our car’s as-tested price was $30,483.

The Corolla SE outshone the Elantra in two main areas. First, its ride quality is significantly better — despite the fact that it has bigger 18-inch wheels and lower-profile tires as well as a sport-tuned suspension. Over bumpy pavement, the Corolla remains impressively composed, and longer driving stretches are less tiring than in the Elantra because of the better ride comfort.

On the tech front, the Corolla’s smaller 8-inch touchscreen is significantly improved over previous generations of the Corolla, but it’s not as modern or user-friendly as the Elantra’s touchscreen. The Toyota does have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, however, which is a massive boost for convenience.

Unfortunately, the Corolla isn’t as well equipped or well appointed inside, and there’s more road, wind and engine noise than in the Elantra. The Corolla is a lower trim than the Hyundai, but given how close these two cars are in price, it’s clear that most of the Toyota’s added cost went to the optional AWD system versus increased refinement.

As Hanley puts it, “Despite its sporty market positioning, the Corolla Hybrid is the more comfortable runabout of these two, with better composure and a more forgiving ride. Its cabin doesn’t seem as high-tech as the Elantra’s at first glance (and isn’t in some ways), but it does have conveniences that the Hyundai lacks, like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”

Which Would We Choose?

The Elantra looks strong on paper and is a much better overall value, but after talking it over, Hanley and I agree we’d pick the Corolla if we had to drive somewhere, and it all comes down to two factors: ride comfort and the convenience of wireless smartphone connectivity. Being able to get in the car and have CarPlay automatically connect without having to take your phone out of your pocket makes short trips so much more enjoyable, and the Corolla’s better ride comfort does the same for longer trips.

More From Cars.com:

• How Much Does a Hybrid Save on Fuel Compared to Its Gas Equivalent?
• Is the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid a Good Car? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
• 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review: An Ideal Appliance
• 2024 Hyundai Elantra Quick Spin: Softened and Sharpened
• 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Priced From $27,400; N Starts at $34,850

Which Should You Choose?

What this test illustrates is the importance of making a vehicle choice based on what’s most important to you. While Mike and I think the Elantra Hybrid is the better vehicle overall, we both preferred the Corolla Hybrid for the reasons mentioned above. Perhaps the Elantra’s screen technology, more upscale cockpit or another of its characteristics matters more to you.

Both of these cars are two of the best hybrid sedans — of any size — for your money, and in our testing, they both exceeded their EPA-estimated combined fuel economy, so owners could get even more bang for their buck. Which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences but rest assured, both are up to the challenge of meeting your fuel-efficiency needs.

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