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Hyundai Ioniq vs Toyota Corolla

What's the difference?

VS
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Ioniq

$29,990 - $47,980

2021 price

Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla

$29,270 - $40,450

2024 price

Summary

2021 Hyundai Ioniq
2024 Toyota Corolla
Safety Rating

Engine Type
0.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Electric

-
Fuel Efficiency
0.0L/100km (combined)

5.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Feels very heavy
  • Design won't be for everyone
  • Still a little too pricey for mass adoption

  • Safety could be better
  • Drony CVT
  • No rear (adjustable) ventilation
2021 Hyundai Ioniq Summary

Hyundai's Ioniq range is nothing if not a flex in the face of Toyota.

Sure, Toyota has a dominating position in the Australian market, with its well-received range of hybrid models, but what happens after hybrid? Hyundai takes on the blocky Prius formula with not only a directly competing hybrid model, but a plug-in and a fully electric version, too.

This expansive range is as though Hyundai is trying to demonstrate it's ready for any future, near or far, and guess what, Toyota? Anything you can do; the Korean juggernaut thinks it can do better.

These cars aren't really designed to sell so much as they are offerings for early adopters, but a few years after its launch, with a host of rivals set to take it on, and an entire sub-brand based on the Ioniq just around the corner, is Hyundai's top-spec Ioniq electric  worth a look? I took one for a week to find out.

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2024 Toyota Corolla Summary

Full disclosure, the Cleary family’s main transport is a Toyota Corolla SX Hybrid hatch, purchased new in mid-2021.

And the chance to catch up with the Corolla Hybrid sedan in entry-level Ascent Sport form, boasting an upgraded motor and battery set-up (added in late 2022) was one I didn’t want to miss.

Four-door sedans of any description are a rarity these days, but Toyota is reluctant to let go of the format with the Camry remaining a popular option (not just with cab and Uber drivers) and the booted Corolla retaining a committed bunch of devotees.

So, how does this car compare to the hatch, and have the recent powertrain improvements made a meaningful difference to its performance and economy? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Hyundai Ioniq 2024 Toyota Corolla

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