If you’re looking for the best compact car around, the temptation to settle on a mainstream option, such as the 2023 Corolla, may be high. But you should take a look around. There are plenty of great compact cars out there from other manufacturers that can offer better value for your money, coupled with increased space, more tech toys, and distinctive style.
One of those options is the 2023 Hyundai Elantra. The Elantra nameplate is no stranger to North America, and the 2023 model is based on the CN7 generation, which debuted for the 2021 model year. It’s certainly newer than the 2023 Corolla, which is based on 2019’s E210 model, albeit with a new engine and styling for 2023.
Let’s compare the Elantra vs. Corolla in terms of interior offerings, performance characteristics, and safety features. And if you're already thinking of a 2023 Elantra, you can learn more about Hyundai's compact car from the Bob Brady Hyundai team in Decatur, IL.
The 2023 Elantra offers a comfortable and spacious cabin for five adults, with a 99.4 cubic foot passenger cabin. In comparison, the 2023 Corolla’s 88.6 cubic foot cabin feels a bit cramped and dark. You’ll appreciate the more dynamic styling in the 2023 Elantra, as well as the standard dual-zone climate control across the range, which is not the case with the 2023 Corolla. Moreover, the 2023 Elantra offers 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space against just 13.1 cubic feet on the 2023 Corolla.
Both cars are equipped with touchscreen infotainment systems that support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ across their respective ranges, but the 2023 Elantra inches ahead with an optional 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Wi-Fi hotspot, and voice recognition. Furthermore, all 2023 Elantra variants come with heated front seats and Hyundai's BlueLink® connected car ecosystem. There’s also a comprehensive options list to pick from.
The 2023 Elantra comes with a choice of four powertrains. The base powertrain is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a CVT automatic transmission. You can step up to a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 201 horsepower and a quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for more performance if desired. There's also a hybrid variant that combines a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with an electric motor and 6-speed automatic transmission for a system total of 139 horsepower.
Performance seekers will love the 2023 Elantra N, which sees a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder pushing out a lovely 276 horsepower via the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering truly thrilling performance in a compact car.
In comparison, the 2023 Corolla offers just two engines, a 2.0-liter Dynamic Force 4-cylinder with 169 horsepower or a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine plus an electric motor combo with 139 horsepower in the Corolla Hybrid. A CVT automatic transmission is present, as is a front-wheel drive. While you may ask about the high-performance 300-horsepower GR Corolla, one major bugbear is that it’s only available as a hatch.
The 2023 Elantra and 2023 Corolla come with at least eight airbags, stability control, traction control, automated emergency braking, child safety locks, daytime running lamps, and lane departure warning. The 2023 Elantra also includes blind spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, and driver attention warning as standard. Furthermore, it offers optional adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Our Hyundai vs. Toyota comparison illustrates why it's important to thoroughly evaluate all options before choosing one if seeking the best compact car. You can see that the 2023 Elantra is worthy of your attention with its sparkling performance, spacious interior, and better safety features. So come over to the showroom of Bob Brady Hyundai in Decatur, IL, and test drive the new Elantra.
