2023 Hyundai i30 vs Toyota Corolla

The 2023 Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla are two of the most popular mid-size sedans in the market. Both cars have been around for decades, with the Corolla being one of the longest-lived production vehicles ever. The two competitors have evolved over time to become some of the best all-around options available today, but which is better? 

We’re here to find out by comparing them side by side.

The Basics

Hyundai i30

Price: $46,200 - $56,200

Drive train: 2.0L ULP, 6 SP Auto

Body type: Sedan

Dimensions: 4340x1455x1795mm

Toyota Corolla

Price: $28,130 - $39,120

Drive train: 2.0L ULP, CVT, Auto

Body type: Sedan

Dimensions: 4630x1435x1780mm

When it comes to the basics, the Hyundai I30 is the more expensive of the two cars. It also has a larger body size, which could be beneficial for those who are looking for a bigger car. The Corolla, on the other hand, is slightly less expensive and smaller in size. 

In terms of value for money, the Corolla is significantly less expensive and still offers great features such as an overhauled infotainment system, more power, and the MyToyota Connect smartphone app, making it a great option for those looking to get the most bang for their buck. 

However, we suspect that most people will be buying the Hyundai I30 for its performance. It has a 6-speed automatic transmission, which means faster acceleration and smoother shifting. The Corolla is equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which doesn’t have the same level of responsiveness as the I30’s 6-speed.

Interior

When it comes to the interior, both cars have a similar layout. They have a dashboard that is easy to use and understand, as well as comfortable seating for up to five passengers. 

The I30 has slightly more legroom in the back than the Corolla, but overall there isn’t much difference between them. The Hyundai I30 also features leather seats as standard which gives it an edge over the Corolla. 

However, if you are looking for a more luxurious interior then the Toyota Corolla might be a better choice. We’re talking dual-zone climate control, heated seats and a power moonroof, and an overall sleek and modern interior design. 

Exterior

Both cars have a sleek silhouette and look, but the I30 has a more aggressive look to it. The front grille is wider and more pronounced, which gives it an athletic appearance. The Corolla looks more like a traditional sedan with its angular headlights and tidy lines. 

In terms of size, the I30 is larger than the Corolla but not by much. It has slightly longer wheelbases (the distance between the centre of the front and rear wheels) which means it has more room for passengers. 

Performance

Hyundai i30

Engine: 2.0 Petrol

Transmission: 6 sp automatic FWD

Power: 172 Nm @ 1,500 - 4,000 rpm

Power to weight ratio: 141 Kw/t

Toyota Corolla

Engine: 2.0 Petrol 

Transmission: 7 sp CVT FWD

Power: 169 Nm @ 6,600 rpm

Power to weight ratio: 149 Kw/t

It’s no surprise that the I30 has better performance than the Corolla. It is equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine which produces up to 206 kW of power and 392 Nm of torque. On the flip side, Corolla has a 2.0L engine that makes up to 126 kW of power and 202Nm of torque, making it less powerful than its competitor. 

In terms of fuel economy, both cars are excellent. The Corolla is rated at 6.0L/100km while the i30 gets 6.8 - 8.5L/100km, making it slightly more efficient than its rival.

On the road, the I30 is the more responsive car. It has precise steering and good handling, making it a great choice for city driving. The Corolla can feel slightly sluggish due to its CVT transmission, depending on the situation. If you're driving long distances, then the Corolla is the better choice as it is more comfortable and offers a smoother ride.

Find Out How Reliable A Used Toyota Corolla Is

Tech & Safety

Both cars offer a good selection of tech and safety features. The Hyundai i30 is loaded with tech and safety features, including an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and LED headlights. It also comes with performance brakes, adaptive suspension, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

The Toyota Corolla also has plenty of tech to offer. It comes with an 8” touchscreen display, USB-C port, DAB digital radio, and auto-dimming rear-view mirrors. The Corolla has a more advanced suite of safety features such as an autonomous emergency braking system, lane trace assist, emergency stop function, adaptive cruise control, and cross-traffic alert as well.

Highlights

Hyundai i30

Spacious and comfortable interior

Good performance and handling

Refined ride quality

Excellent fuel economy 

Toyota Corolla

Roomy interior with plenty of legroom

Smooth ride quality on the highway

Attractive exterior design

High fuel efficiency

Who Should Buy the Hyundai i30

If you’re looking for a car with good performance and low fuel consumption, the i30 is an excellent choice. Its 6-speed automatic transmission offers smooth shifting and great responsiveness while its smaller engine keeps fuel costs down. Additionally, it has an attractive exterior design that won’t look dated anytime soon.

The car's detail also offers a lot of value for money. It comes packed with additions such as Alcantara trim, red accents, branded floor mats, Hyundai emblems, dark bronze alloy wheels, a decal package, and more.

Search Hyundai i30s On OnlyCars

Who Should Buy the Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is a better option if you’re looking for a car with more power and features. Its larger engine, 7-speed CVT transmission, and higher fuel efficiency make it worth the reasonable price tag.

Additionally, the Corolla comes with several advanced safety features such as an improved autonomous emergency braking system and better camera and radar sensors, making it one of the safest cars in its class.

Search Toyota Corollas On OnlyCars

Final Verdict

Both the Hyundai I30 and Toyota Corolla are great cars that offer excellent value for money. The I30 is an ideal choice for those who want a reliable, comfortable and safe mid-size sedan that performs well in city driving conditions, while the Corolla is perfect for those who need a reliable and fuel-efficient car with plenty of interior space. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference – but either way, you can’t go wrong with either car.

Other Options To Consider

Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 is a great option for those looking for a blend of style, comfort and performance. The exterior has an attractive design with sporty curves and sharp lines while the interior features ample legroom, comfortable leather seats, and an 8.8-inch wide colour display. With Mazda Connected Services, you can enjoy seamless connectivity, entertainment and navigation.

Read Our Match-Up Of The Mazda 3 vs Toyota Corolla

Kia Cerato

If reliability and affordability are important to you, the Kia Cerato is a great choice. The interior of this sedan is comfortable and roomy with plenty of legroom for passengers in the back. It also comes with advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Cerato GT also has a powerful engine capable of producing up to 150 kW of power. 

Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a sporty and reliable mid-size sedan with an aggressive exterior design with sharp lines, LED headlights and taillights, as well as an interior that offers plenty of room. You can look forward to advanced technology such as a 7-inch display and elevated safety features to make your drive more enjoyable.

See The Honda Civic vs Mazda 3 Review

We Recommend Financing Your Next Car Through Credit One - Get Your Quote