BETTER THAN A COROLLA HYBRID? HYUNDAI I30 SEDAN HYBRID / ELANTRA HYBRID 2024 REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid (also known as the Elantra Hybrid) presents a compelling, albeit budget-conscious, alternative to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Priced from $33,000 plus on-road costs in its base 'SE' trim, it offers remarkable fuel efficiency, achieving 3.6L/100km in suburban driving and a maximum of 4.9L/100km even when driven hard. The reviewer highlights its spacious interior, comfortable ride quality, and surprisingly agile handling as significant strengths, making it a practical choice for ride-share drivers or those prioritizing economy. However, the base model's austerity is evident in its hard interior plastics, basic tech features, and notably, unsupportive seats that can cause fatigue on longer drives. While the hybrid system is competent, it lacks the overall refinement of its Toyota rival. The servicing costs are also higher than the Corolla's. Despite these drawbacks, its strong supply and impressive fuel economy make it a strong contender, especially for buyers who can't wait for the higher trims arriving later.