Hyundai Elantra 83·Toyota Corolla 92on the MotiveGrid Score·Toyota Corolla about $1,866 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Toyota Corolla is the cheaper one to own — roughly $1,866 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better.
The Toyota Corolla is the stronger all-round pick here — cheaper to own with little given up in return.
Last updated May 2026 · National-average estimates
Hyundai Elantra vs. Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 Hyundai Elantra versus 2026 Toyota Corolla.
Metric
Hyundai Elantra
Toyota Corolla
MotiveGrid Score
83
92
Cost of Ownership
90
92
Powertrain
73
73
Driver Assistance
32
43
Livability
70
70
Safety
79
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$36,472
$34,606
Depreciation (5-yr)
$9,367
$7,909
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$10,263
Insurance (5-yr)
$10,370
$9,310
Maintenance (5-yr)
$1,415
$1,340
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$3,404
$3,479
Registration (5-yr)
$745
$755
Starting Price
$22,625
$23,125
Horsepower
147 hp
139 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
33 mpg
Cargo volume
14.2 cu ft
13.1 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
Gas
2026$22,625
MSRP
$22,625
Mo · 5yr
$608
$36,472 / 5 years
Best for safety-conscious buyers
Gas
2026$23,125
MSRP
$23,125
Mo · 5yr
$577
$34,606 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Toyota Corolla scores higher overall.
Hyundai Elantra
0
/ 100
Toyota Corolla
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
Elantra
90
Corolla
92
Winner: Corolla
$1,866 cheaper / 5 yrs
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
Elantra
73
Corolla
73
Evenly matched
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
Elantra
32
Corolla
43
Winner: Corolla
+11 pts
Strong highway driving support▲
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
Elantra
70
Corolla
70
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Toyota Corolla is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $1,866 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
Hyundai Elantra still wins if your priority is best for safety-conscious buyers.
Daily commuter
Hyundai Elantra
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Toyota Corolla
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
Toyota Corolla
Much stronger safety
Highway driver
Toyota Corolla
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Toyota Corolla
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
Hyundai Elantra
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$608
$36,472 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$608/mo
Toyota Corolla
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$577
$34,606 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$577/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Toyota Corolla comes out about $1,866 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
