A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Historical comparison
Every selected record is historical. Verified South African specifications and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
Toyota Corolla Sedan
Discontinued model
Hyundai Elantra
Discontinued model
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 85 kW🔧 143 Nm⛽ 17.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceCorolla Sedan
⛽Fuel EconomyElantra
🛡SafetyCorolla Sedan
📦PracticalityTie
🔑OwnershipElantra
Recorded price context
Corolla Sedan:
last listed from
ZAR 512,700
·
Elantra:
last listed from
ZAR 448,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Maximum Power
125 kW
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque
200 Nm
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Engine Size
1987 cc
1497 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
13.5 km/l
17.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
130 mm
130 mm
Boot / Load Bay
470 l
473 l
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
1430 kg
1355 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3
5
= leads in this spec
Archived vehicles remain available for comparison. Verified specs stay visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Corolla Sedan and Elantra are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Corolla Sedan
+16 pts
Efficiency
Elantra
+13 pts
Safety
Corolla Sedan
+11 pts
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Elantra
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
Corolla Sedan
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published Performance
Elantra
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Corolla Sedan
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Elantra
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Model Introduced Year
2019
1990
Generation
E210 twelfth generation on TNGA-C platform
Seventh generation Elantra on Hyundai's K3 platform; bold parametric design language marks a clear break from the conservative sixth gen
Facelift History
2022 mid-cycle refresh with updated infotainment and driver assistance features
Seventh generation launched globally in 2020 and brought to SA; significant leap in styling and interior quality over the previous generation
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2020
Tare Mass Kg
1430 kg
1355 kg
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Length
4650 mm
4680 mm
Width
1780 mm
1825 mm
Height
1430 mm
1415 mm
Wheelbase
2640 mm
2720 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
130 mm
130 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
47 l
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
473 l
Kerb Weight
1430 kg
1355 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1855 kg
1860 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
Not confirmed
Doors
Not confirmed
4 doors
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Engine
2.0L Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1987 cc
1497 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
125 kW
85 kW @ 6300 rpm
Maximum Torque
200 Nm
143 Nm @ 4500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
CVT
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
200 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.5 sec
11.2 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
87.4 kW/tonne
62.7 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
139.9 Nm/tonne
105.5 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Gearbox
CVT Automatic
IVT Intelligent Variable Transmission
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
No
Transmission Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
CVT Automatic
Automatic
Engine Position
Not confirmed
Front
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Claimed Mileage
13.5 km/l
17.5 km/l
City Mileage
11 km/l
14.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
14 km/l
21.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
47 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
Fuel Tank Litres
60
47
Distance To Empty
Not confirmed
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Not confirmed
Central Locking
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not confirmed
Yes
Speed Alert System
Not confirmed
Yes
Safety Rating
Not confirmed
Not Rated (SA)
BA
Not confirmed
Yes
Driver Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
EBD
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not confirmed
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Not confirmed
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not confirmed
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
No
Auto Wipers
Standard
No
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
No
Auto Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Eco Mode
Not confirmed
Yes
EV Mode
Not confirmed
No
Sport Mode
Not confirmed
No
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Seat Material
Fabric/Synthetic Leather
Leather-Look
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Power Driver
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
No
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Rear Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Not confirmed
No
Cup Holders
Not confirmed
4
Steering Wheel Material
Not confirmed
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Not confirmed
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
Not confirmed
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Not confirmed
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Not confirmed
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Not confirmed
Manual
Cooled Seats
Not confirmed
No
Fabric Seats
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Headrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Leather Seats
Not confirmed
No
Memory Seats
Not confirmed
No
Rear Headrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Climate Control
Single-zone Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All Doors
All
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Yes
Sunroof
Standard
Electric Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not confirmed
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Not confirmed
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
AC Type
Single-zone Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Engine Start Stop
Standard
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Standard
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Spare Wheel
Space Saver
Steel
Air Conditioning
Single-zone Automatic
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Sound System
8
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
Smart Key
Yes
Wireless Charger
Standard
Yes
Load Bed Length
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not confirmed
No
Rear Window Defroster
Not confirmed
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not confirmed
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
Not confirmed
12V
Boot Opener
Not confirmed
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Armrest
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Not confirmed
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Not confirmed
Manual
Headlamp Washer
Not confirmed
No
Power Mirrors
Not confirmed
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Not confirmed
Yes
Service Reminder
Not confirmed
Yes
Tachometer
Not confirmed
Yes
Telescopic Steering
Not confirmed
No
Tilt Steering
Not confirmed
Yes
Trip Computer
Not confirmed
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Not confirmed
Yes
Loadbox Length Mm
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Infotainment System
9-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Standard
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Audio Speakers
8
8 Bose Premium
FM Radio
Not confirmed
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Not confirmed
Yes
Voice Recognition
Not confirmed
Yes
AUX Input
Not confirmed
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Not confirmed
Yes
Infotainment Display
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
LED Headlamps
LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
No
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Not confirmed
Rear Spoiler
GR Sport Spoiler
Yes
DRL
LED
LED
Led Headlights
LED
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Front Fog Lamps
Standard
LED
Headlamps
LED
Full LED
Headlight Type
LED
Full LED
Headlights
LED
Full LED
Wing Mirror Type
Not confirmed
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Not confirmed
No
Door Handle Finish
Not confirmed
Body Coloured
Body Type
Not confirmed
Sedan
Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Not confirmed
Yes
Exterior Mirror Electric
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Tyre Size
225/40 R18
225/45 R17
Wheel Type
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Space Saver
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Space Saver
Steel
Wheel Diameter
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Wheels
18-inch GR Alloy
17-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
Not confirmed
Manual
Tyre Load Index
Not confirmed
91
Tyre Speed Rating
Not confirmed
H
Tyre Type
Not confirmed
Tubeless Radial
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Torsion Beam
Multi-Link
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Warranty Years
3
5
Warranty Kilometers
3
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Warranty
3
5
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
Not confirmed
5 Years
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
CO2 Emissions
148 g/km
126 g/km
Start Stop System
Not confirmed
No
Variable Valve Timing
Not confirmed
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
Not confirmed
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
Not confirmed
Yes
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.5 l/100km
Not confirmed
Real-world City Mileage Max
9 l/100km
Not confirmed
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7 l/100km
Not confirmed
Owner Review Count
7
Not confirmed
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Ground Clearance Max
130 mm
130 mm
Ground Clearance Min
130 mm
130 mm
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not confirmed
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
Not confirmed
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Corolla Sedan
Elantra
Service Interval
Not confirmed
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
Not confirmed
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
Not confirmed
15000
Service Plan Duration
Not confirmed
4
Service Plan Distance
Not confirmed
4
Alternator
Not confirmed
120A
Service Plan
Not confirmed
4
Service Intervals
Not confirmed
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
Not confirmed
Lead-acid
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Corolla Sedan leads by 1 points
Corolla Sedan and Elantra are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Corolla Sedan +16
Efficiency
Elantra +13
Safety
Corolla Sedan +11
Practicality
Level
Ownership
Elantra +22
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Corolla Sedan
Performance
52/100
Efficiency
54/100
Safety
98/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
43/100
Elantra
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
67/100
Safety
87/100
Practicality
64/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Toyota Corolla Sedan
leads the catalogue index with 64 pts
vs 63 pts for Elantra
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Corolla Sedan leads. However, Elantra may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Corolla Sedan and Elantra comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Corolla Sedan 52 vs Elantra 36.
Efficiency index: Corolla Sedan 54 vs Elantra 67.
Safety-equipment index: Corolla Sedan 98 vs Elantra 87.
Practicality index: Corolla Sedan 64 vs Elantra 64.
Ownership-cover index: Corolla Sedan 43 vs Elantra 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.