Compare the2023 Toyota Corolla HybridVS 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

The Corolla Hybrid has standard Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Injury Lessening Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Ioniq Hybrid doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Corolla Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Ioniq Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Corolla Hybrid offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Ioniq Hybrid doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

Both the Corolla Hybrid and the Ioniq Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

For its performance in IIHS driver-side and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, updated side impact, headlight, and daytime pedestrian crash prevention testing, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Corolla Hybrid the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2023, a rating granted to only 53 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Ioniq Hybrid has not been fully tested, yet.

There are over 49 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Hyundai dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Corolla Hybrid’s warranty.

The Ioniq Hybrid’s redline is at 5500 RPM, which causes more engine wear, and a greater chance of a catastrophic engine failure. The Corolla Hybrid has a 4000 RPM redline.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Corolla Hybrid’s reliability 43 points higher than the Ioniq Hybrid.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Corolla Hybrid second among compact cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The Ioniq Hybrid isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are better in initial quality than Hyundai vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Hyundai is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Hyundai vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Hyundai is ranked 13th.

The Corolla Hybrid has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Ioniq Hybrid doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Corolla Hybrid stops shorter than the Ioniq Hybrid:

For better traction, the Corolla Hybrid has larger standard tires than the Ioniq Hybrid (205/55R16 vs. 195/65R15).

The Corolla Hybrid’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Ioniq Hybrid’s standard 65 series tires. The Corolla Hybrid SE’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Ioniq Hybrid Limited’s optional 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Corolla Hybrid has standard 16-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Ioniq Hybrid. The Corolla Hybrid SE’s 18-inch wheels are larger than the 17-inch wheels optional on the Ioniq Hybrid Limited.

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the Corolla Hybrid easier. The Corolla Hybrid’s trunk lift-over height is 25.5 inches, while the Ioniq Hybrid’s liftover is 28.8 inches.

The Corolla Hybrid’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Ioniq Hybrid’s parking brake has to be released manually.

The Corolla Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Ioniq Hybrid’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically. With the Ioniq Hybrid Limited’s power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the Corolla Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Ioniq Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Corolla Hybrid’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Ioniq Hybrid’s standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The Ioniq Hybrid doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Toyota Corolla Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Toyota Corolla outsold the Hyundai Ioniq by over 10 to one during 2022.