Hyundai Demonstrates That AWD Isn't Necessary, Even When Competing with a GR Corolla | Carscoops

      It appears that Hyundai's flagship hot hatch/sedan delivers more performance than the manufacturer suggests.

      The GR Corolla boasts higher horsepower and torque than the Elantra N, making both vehicles among the best value performance cars on the market.

      Last year, Toyota refreshed the GR Corolla, introducing an 8-speed automatic transmission.

      On paper, the upgraded Toyota GR Corolla, equipped with the optional 8-speed automatic, should outperform the Hyundai Elantra N significantly. However, results from a recent U-drag test by Edmunds highlight that figures on paper do not always translate to actual performance.

      Featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, the new GR Corolla produces 300 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It also comes standard with all-wheel drive and limited-slip differentials at both the front and rear.

      In contrast, the Elantra N’s larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers 276 hp and 289 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque, with a temporary boost to 286 hp for 20 seconds when the N Grin Shift is activated. Besides having less horsepower and torque compared to the GR Corolla, it also only drives the front wheels.

      At the start, one might expect the Toyota to have a significant traction advantage. While it did have a brief lead over the Hyundai, this was short-lived as the Elantra N struggled to transfer its power to the ground. Soon enough, the Hyundai surpassed the Toyota and maintained its lead down the track, allowing it to enter the U-turn section first and accelerate back to the finish line, ultimately winning by several hundred feet.

      The second race followed a similar pattern. The Toyota took a slight lead off the line, but the Hyundai quickly accelerated past and secured another easy victory.

      In recent years, numerous reports have suggested that Hyundai has significantly downplayed the power output of the Elantra N, a claim supported by various dyno tests. While it may not handle as sharply as the Toyota, its performance is still quite competitive.

      We will soon have the chance to test the 2025 GR Corolla in both automatic and manual configurations, and we will provide an update on its performance. With the hot hatch market more competitive than ever, it needs to impress.