Compare the2024 Toyota GR CorollaVS 2023 Hyundai Elantra N

The Toyota GR Corolla has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Elantra N doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The GR Corolla 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 Elantra N doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The GR Corolla 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 Elantra N 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 GR Corolla has all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The Elantra N doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The GR Corolla Premium/Circuit Edition has standard Parking Assist to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Elantra N doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

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

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

The battery on the GR Corolla is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the GR Corolla’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The Elantra N’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

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 GR Corolla’s 1.6 turbo 3-cylinder produces 24 more horsepower (300 vs. 276) than the Elantra N’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Toyota GR Corolla is faster than the Hyundai Elantra N (manual transmissions tested):

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota GR Corolla higher (5 out of 10) than the Hyundai Elantra N (3). This means the GR Corolla produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Elantra N every 15,000 miles.

To facilitate fast shifting and allow the driver to focus on the road, the GR Corolla has a standard up-shift light to indicate when the engine is approaching redline. The Elantra N doesn’t offer an up-shift light.

The GR Corolla’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (58.4% to 41.6%) than the Elantra N’s (62.8% to 37.2%). This gives the GR Corolla more stable handling and braking.

For better maneuverability, the GR Corolla’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Elantra N’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The GR Corolla is 10.5 inches shorter than the Elantra N, making the GR Corolla easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the GR Corolla Circuit Edition is quieter than the Elantra N (70 vs. 72 dB).

The GR Corolla has .5 inches more front hip room and .3 inches more rear headroom than the Elantra N.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the GR Corolla’s hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don’t intrude into the cargo area. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Elantra N’s useful trunk space.

The GR Corolla’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The Elantra N’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

The GR Corolla’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Elantra N does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The GR Corolla’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 Elantra N’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the GR Corolla 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 Elantra N can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the GR Corolla has a standard rear wiper. The Elantra N doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

On extremely cold winter days, the GR Corolla Premium/Circuit Edition’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The Elantra N doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The GR Corolla has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Elantra N doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the GR Corolla has a standard Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The Elantra N doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The GR Corolla was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023. The Elantra N has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.