2026 Hyundai Elantra vs. 2026 Toyota Corolla: Choosing the Best Compact Sedan for Bentonville Drivers

For many shoppers in Bentonville, the decision to stick with a sedan over a bulky SUV comes down to superior fuel efficiency and better overall value. While the market is flooded with crossovers, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra and the 2026 Toyota Corolla prove that a well-designed 4-door sedan is often the smartest choice for daily commuting along I-49 or running errands around the Bentonville Square.

Model Overviews

• 2026 Hyundai Elantra: A modern sedan designed to please everyone with a broad mix of trims and a driver-focused interior.
• 2026 Toyota Corolla: A traditional choice known for its dependable performance and straightforward, athletic styling.

Vehicle Comparison

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Horsepower

147 (Base) / 201 (N Line)

AWD Availability

None

Fuel Economy / Range

Up to 35 combined mpg (city/hwy)

Seating Capacity

5

Top Features

• Dual 10.3-inch Displays
• Standard Blind-Spot Monitoring
• 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty

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2026 Toyota Corolla

Horsepower

169

AWD Availability

None

Fuel Economy / Range

Up to 35 combined mpg (city/hwy)

Seating Capacity

5

Top Features

• 10.5-inch Multimedia Display
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
• 5-Year/60,000 Mile Warranty

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Design and Technology Screens

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra makes a bold statement on Northwest Arkansas roads with its futuristic and edgy exterior design. Inside, the Elantra highlights its advanced technology with available dual 10.3-inch screens that pair a digital gauge cluster with a navigation touchscreen for a seamless, modern cockpit. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Corolla maintains a more conservative and traditional silhouette inspired by the larger Camry. Its tech setup features a standard 8-inch screen, though higher trims can be equipped with a large 10.5-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Dashboard and Tech Breakdown

• Elantra: Features an edgy exterior and available dual 10.3-inch screens for a unified, futuristic dashboard experience.
• Corolla: Offers a contemporary styling approach with a standalone 10.5-inch multimedia display available on upper trims.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra comes standard with a comprehensive suite of SmartSense features, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist that doesn’t just warn you, it can actively intervene to help you avoid a collision. The 2026 Toyota Corolla also provides a high level of protection through Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert as standard equipment for 2026. While both vehicles are safety leaders, the Elantra includes active collision-avoidance aids as standard across more trims.

Safety Suite Analysis

• Elantra: Features standard Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist that can actively help keep you in your lane.
• Corolla: Provides standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, now featuring standard blind-spot monitoring for the 2026 model year.

Ownership Value and Warranty

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra represents exceptional long-term value, anchored by its industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This massive coverage covers major engine and transmission components for twice as long as the 2026 Toyota Corolla, which is backed by a standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Additionally, the Elantra offers 3 years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, giving it a clear advantage for value-conscious drivers in Northwest Arkansas.

Protection and Maintenance Coverage

• Elantra: Features a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the longest in its class.
• Corolla: Warranty: Offers a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain term and 2 years of maintenance through ToyotaCare.

Performance and Fuel Economy

When it comes to daily driving, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra delivers a balance of cost and efficiency with a gas rating of up to 35 mpg combined from its 147-horsepower engine. The 2026 Toyota Corolla provides a bit more standard punch for merging onto I-49, reaching up to 35 mpg combined with its 169-horsepower unit. For those in Bentonville who want more excitement, the Elantra N Line offers a 201-hp turbocharged engine for a more engaging mechanical feel that the standard Corolla does not target.

Interested in maximum efficiency? Explore the 2026 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid and its class-leading fuel economy here.

Performance Specs at a Glance

• Elantra: Provides a quiet, composed feel on the road with a standard 147-hp engine that is more than capable for city driving.
• Corolla: Utilizes a standard 2.0-liter engine producing 169 hp for energetic acceleration.

For those who crave track-ready performance, see what the high-performance 2026 Hyundai Elantra N can do on the roads of Northwest Arkansas.

Interior Comfort and Space

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra offers a roomy cabin that defies its compact classification, providing adult-friendly outboard seats in both the front and rear. In comparison, the 2026 Toyota Corolla interior prioritizes comfort for five adults but offers slightly less rear legroom than its rival. For grocery runs or travel, the Elantra provides a usable 14.2 cubic foot trunk that can fit up to six carry-on suitcases, while the Corolla offers a slightly smaller 13.1 cubic foot trunk.

Cabin and Cargo Capacity

• Elantra: Provides adult-friendly outboard seats and a very usable 14.2 cubic foot trunk that fits up to six carry-on suitcases.
• Corolla: Offers a 13.1 cubic foot trunk, providing less room for gear than the Elantra.

Recommendation: Why the Elantra Wins in Bentonville

While the 2026 Toyota Corolla is a sensible and reliable choice, the 2026 Hyundai Elantra is the superior pick for most Northwest Arkansas drivers. The Elantra offers more interior passenger space, a larger trunk for weekend gear, and the peace of mind that comes with the best warranty in the business. From its bold design to its advanced standard technology screens, the Elantra feels like the more modern investment for your daily drive.

The Final Word

• 2026 Elantra: Provides better rear legroom and significantly longer 10-year powertrain protection.
• 2026 Corolla: Appeals to those who prefer conservative durability and slightly higher standard horsepower.

Hyundai Elantra Trim Level Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fit

FAQs

Which gas sedan has better trunk space? 
The 2026 Hyundai Elantra features 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space compared to the Toyota Corolla’s 13.1 cubic feet.

Do these gas sedans offer All-Wheel Drive? 
No. Both the 2026 Hyundai Elantra (gas) and the 2026 Toyota Corolla (gas) are exclusively Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models.

What is the warranty on the 2026 Hyundai Elantra? 
The Elantra comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3 years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Ready to Experience the Elantra?

The best way to see how the 2026 Hyundai Elantra outperforms the competition is to get behind the wheel. Visit us at Crain Hyundai of Bentonville to explore our inventory and find the perfect trim for your lifestyle.

Looking for even more efficiency? Read our side-by-side comparison of the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid vs. Honda Civic Hybrid to see which one saves you the most at the pump.

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