Toyota Small Cars Vs. Hyundai & Kia Small Cars

Toyota‘s small cars are useful to own for several reasons: they are conveniently sized yet still boast enough room to ferry you around, they are famously reliable, they can be very fuel efficient, certain models can be exceptionally fun to drive, and, maybe most importantly for buyers, they are reasonably priced. However, they are not alone in turning out small cars; tough competition comes from two of their fiercest rivals: Kia and Hyundai.

Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai all produce some of the best small cars on the market and can be seen as well-matched counterparts, so as we did when comparing Honda small cars with their rivals, we are doing the same for small cars made by Toyota. Below is every Toyota small car compared with every Hyundai and Kia small car.

2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Vs. 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback

Toyota

As one of the most compact Toyota cars on the market in 2026, the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback faces tough competition from the 2026 Kia K4. Prices are similar to each other, but it is the Corolla Hatchback that is ever so slightly cheaper to buy from build.

• 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback. MSRP: $24,180.
• 2026 Kia K4 Hatchback. MSRP: $24,890.

2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Toyota

There are three grades of the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hatchback to choose from: the Corolla SE, the Corolla FX, and the Corolla XSE, with starting prices topping out at $27,175. All models come equipped as standard with a well-appointed cabin that boasts wireless smartphone connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

A 169-horsepower NA 2.0-liter inline-four mated to a CVT provides driver-friendly power, and while there is no hybrid model for the Corolla Hatchback, fuel efficiency hasn’t taken a hit. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2026 Corolla Hatchback can achieve a combined mpg rating of 35 mpg (32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway), which means low fuel costs as well. Current EPA estimates predict that the 2026 Corolla Hatchback will cost you just $1,250 a year for gas. In typical Corolla fashion, it is well-equipped, useful, and offers wallet-friendly small car ownership costs.

2026 Kia K4 Hatchback

Kia

2026 sees the first MY of the Kia K4 Hatchback models, and for the relatively low price, we are excited to see another hot hatch enter the small car market. There are three trims to choose from: the K4 Hatchback EX, the K4 Hatchback GT-Line, and the K4 Hatchback GT-Line Turbo (which will be covered in a different section of our small car comparison). Starting prices top out just shy of $29,000 for the GT-Line Turbo, and regardless of what trim you opt for, you get a sporty-looking ride.

As standard, both the EX and the GT-Line come equipped with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four under the hood and front-wheel drive, and thanks to a light curb weight of approximately 3,080 pounds, it is estimated that the two naturally aspirated K4 hatchback models can hit 60 mph in 7 to 8 seconds. Proper hot hatch stuff. There are currently no EPA estimates for fuel economy, but considering the heavier and larger K4 sedan can achieve around 34 combined mpg, we can presume that the smaller K4 will do slightly better and rival what the Corolla Hatchback can muster.

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2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan Vs. 2026 Hyundai Elantra Vs. 2026 Kia K4 Sedan

Toyota

Tussling for the compact sedan market this year are the Corolla Sedan, the Hyundai Elantra, and the sedan flavor of the Kia K4. All are again reasonably priced, as we have become accustomed to with Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai, but this time, it is the Kia that is the cheapest option.

• 2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan. MSRP: $22,275.
• 2026 Hyundai Elantra. MSRP: $22,625
• 2026 Kia K4 Sedan. MSRP: $22,190.

2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan

Toyota

There are six available grades for the 2026 Toyota Corolla Sedan: three gas-engine models and three hybrid models. The gas-powered Corolla Sedan grades are the LE, the SE, and the XSE, and the hybrid models are the Hybrid LE, the Hybrid SE, and the Hybrid XSE. Starting prices range from just shy of $22,300 for the base trim to a still-reasonable $28,940 for the top-tier Corolla Hybrid XSE. As standard, the Corolla Sedan is well kitted out and boasts Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch driver’s display, and automatic climate control.

The gas-engine Corolla Sedan models come equipped with a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter DOHC inline-four paired with a CVT, while the hybrid models are equipped with a less powerful but more fuel-efficient 138-horsepower inline-four mated to a hybrid rig. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the FWD gas-engined Corolla can achieve a staggering 44 combined mpg; the AWD Corolla Hybrid can achieve up to 48 combined mpg, and the FWD Corolla Hybrid can muster 50 combined mpg. It is estimated by the EPA that the most efficient Corolla Hybrid model will only cost you $900 a year for gas, making it one of the cheapest cars to own in 2026.

2026 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Elantra is available in five gas-engine grades before getting to the very sporty Elantra N and three hybrid models. The available gas-engine Elantra trims are the SE, the SEL Sport, the SEL Sport Premium, the Limited, and the N-Line. Prices range from just over $22,600 for the base SE to just under $29,500 for the N-Line, so it’s not so expensive any way you look at it. The Elantra Hybrid trims are the Blue, the SEL Sport, and the Limited, with prices ranging from $25,450 to $29,800.

As standard, the 2026 Elantra comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, where the 2026 Elantra does well in the compact sedan market is in terms of fuel economy, making the hybrid models, especially, the ideal compact sedan for first-time buyers. According to FuelEconomy.gov, gas-engine models can achieve a maximum combined mpg rating of 34 mpg, costing you approximately $1,300 a year for gas. The Elantra Hybrid models do even better, with top-end EPA estimates for the Elantra Blue of 54 combined mpg, costing you just $800 a year for gas.

2026 Kia K4 Sedan

Kia

With a starting price of just over $22,000, the 2026 Kia K4 is the slightly cheaper and larger variant of the new K4 Hatchback. There are five trims available this year: the LX, the LXS, the EX, the GT-Line, and the GT-Line Turbo (which, like the hatchback, will be covered below). Prices top out at $28,290 for the top-grade GT-Line Turbo, and to complement the low prices, you are well taken care of in and out of the cabin. The 2026 Kia K4 boasts a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, LED headlights, LED taillights, and Smart Cruise Control. It is a lot of small sedan bang for your buck.

For all the K4 sedan trims except for the GT-Line Turbo, a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) provides city-friendly and driver-friendly power. 0–60 mph times are not what you’d call quick, taking you up to 8.4 seconds to get to speed, but it is certainly enough for joining a highway and zipping about town. Like we love about a lot of affordable small sedans, though, it is fuel efficiency that makes up for the low power output. According to EPA estimates, the Kia K4 can achieve a combined mpg rating of 34 mpg, costing you approximately $1,300, putting it on par with the gas-engine Elantra models.

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2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Vs. 2026 Hyundai Kona Vs. 2026 Hyundai Venue Vs. 2025 Kia Soul

Toyota

Like it is for most automakers today, the SUV lineup is booming. Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia have all bolstered their small vehicle lineups and have turned out a healthy variety of subcompact SUVs and crossovers. The Corolla Cross, the Kona, and the Venue are all available as a 2026 model, while the Kia Soul faced its curtain call at the end of 2025. However, you can still get the 2025 Kia Soul in 2026.

• 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross. MSRP: $24,935.
• 2026 Hyundai Kona. MSRP: $25,350.
• 2026 Hyundai Venue. MSRP: $20,550.
• 2025 Kia Soul. MSRP: $20,490.

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

The 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross is available in six trims: three gas engine grades and three hybrid grades. Prices range from just shy of $25,000 to $33,300 for the top-tier trim. The available Toyota Corolla Cross trims are the L, the LE, the XLE, the Hybrid S, the Hybrid SE, and the Hybrid XSE. As standard, the Corolla Cross is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to a 10.5-inch one, LED lights front and back, and smartphone connectivity. So well-equipped for an affordable and handy compact SUV.

The Corolla Cross only measures in at 176.1 inches in length by 71.9 inches in width, so it is small enough to zip around the city, while still being big enough to carry what you need in the back. The gas-engine Corolla Cross models boast a 160-horsepower/150-pound-foot 2.0-liter inline-four that can muster a maximum combined mpg rating of 34 mpg, costing you $1,400 a year for gas, while the AWD Corolla Cross Hybrid does somewhat better. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the hybrid Corolla Cross can achieve 42 combined mpg, and it will cost you approximately $1,050 a year for gas.

2026 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai

Available in four trims, the 2026 Hyundai Kona is arguably one of the most underrated small SUVs for sale this year. Available Hyundai Kona trims are the SE, the SEL Sport, the SEL Premium, and the Limited, with prices that only top out at $34,520. It is more expensive than this year’s Corolla Cross at the high end, but it is more spacious for rear seat passengers, and it can carry the most out of the four with all the seats folded down.

There are two engine options for this year’s Hyundai Kona: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter NA inline-four, available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and a perkier 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo-four, also available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Where the Corolla Cross trumps the Kona, though, is in fuel efficiency. According to EPA estimates, the FWD NA Kona is the most efficient and can muster a combined mpg rating of 31 mpg, costing you $1,400 a year for gas, while the turbocharged Kona fares slightly worse. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the turbo-four-equipped Kona can achieve between 26 and 28 combined mpg, depending on driveline.

2026 Hyundai Venue

Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Venue only stands at 159 inches long and 70 inches wide, so it is an ideal subcompact SUV for city life and easy driving. There is only one engine option for this year’s Hyundai Venue: a 1.6-liter Smartstream inline-four mated to a CVT. The Hyundai Venue is only available with front-wheel drive, and its engine only trickles out 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque, but it is very affordable to buy and run.

There are just three trims of the 2026 Hyundai Venue: the SE, the SE with Two-Tone Roof, and the SEL, and prices only top out at $22,825. According to FuelEconomy.gov, the 2026 Hyundai Venue can achieve a combined mpg rating of 31 mpg (29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway), and will only cost you $1,400 a year for gas. The Hyundai Venue may have a limited set of options compared to the Corolla Cross and the Hyundai Kona, but it has been very highly rated on J.D. Power for reliability, and with Hyundai’s typically affordable parts and labor costs, you are looking at a very affordable, convenient, and reliable small urban-ready SUV.

2025 Kia Soul

Kia

2025 is the last MY of the Kia Soul, and it will certainly be missed as an ongoing model. The 2025 Soul is highly rated for reliability, with the below J.D. Power reliability rating; owners on Kelley Blue Book (KBB) have rated it 4.4 out of 5 overall; it boasts a funky design, and it can carry a reasonable amount for its small city-friendly stature. To top it off, it is also a very affordable small crossover to buy, with prices only reaching $24,790 for the top trim. The 2025 Kia Soul trims and prices are as follows:

• 2025 Kia Soul LX. MSRP: $20,490.
• 2025 Kia Soul S. MSRP: $22,990.
• 2025 Kia Soul GT-Line. MSRP: $24,090.
• 2025 Kia Soul EX. MSRP: $24,790.

There is just one engine option for the 2025 Kia Soul (a 2.0-liter inline-four), and while its 147-horsepower output and pedestrian 0–60 mph times of around 8.3 seconds won’t fill you with adrenaline, it is very useful for low fuel costs and driving around town. EPA estimates say that the 2025 Kia Soul can achieve between 30 and 31 combined mpg, and will only cost you, on average, between $1,400 and $1,450 a year for gas. It is a very worthwhile small crossover for everyday road driving, but you should be aware that the Kia Soul has recently been subject to a major engine recall that should be addressed ASAP.

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2026 Toyota GR86 Vs. 2026 Toyota GR Corolla Vs. 2026 Hyundai Elantra N Vs. 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

It is not just sensible and everyday small cars that Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai are producing this year; they are also turning out some exceptionally fun small cars. Toyota has created the Toyota GR86 and the Toyota GR Corolla; Hyundai has given us a new model year of the almighty Elantra N, and Kia has provided us with some turbocharged options for the K4 Hatchback and K4 sedan. All are based around the everyday small cars we love all three marques for, but with some added grit.

• 2026 Toyota GR86. MSRP: $30,800.
• 2026 Toyota GR Corolla. MSRP: $39,920.
• 2026 Hyundai Elantra N. MSRP: $35,100.
• 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo. MSRP: $28,290 (Sedan)/$28,790 (Hatchback).

2026 Toyota GR86

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

What Toyota has created with the 2026 Toyota GR86 is a reasonably powerful, fun-to-drive, stylish, and engaging sports coupe for a relatively low starting price. There are three grades of new GR86: the base trim (GR86), the GR86 Premium, and the GR86 Yuzu Edition. Prices top out at $36,365 for the top-tier Yuzu Edition, and all three boast a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter inline-four that lets loose its power at 7,000 rpm, can get you to 60 mph in around 6.1 seconds, and up to top speeds of 140 mph. It is by no means the fastest sports coupe ever created, but it is built for hands-on small car canyon fun.

The base trim and the Premium trim come equipped with multi-link rear suspension, a MacPherson front strut, and GR-tuned circuit springs to complement the rear-wheel drive layout. The GR86 Premium trim is available with Brembo brakes, while the GR86 Yuzu Edition is fitted as standard with multi-link rear suspension with SACHS dampers, a MacPherson front strut with SACHS dampers, and four-piston Brembo brakes. All models are fitted with a six-speed manual transmission, and all have sizable rear and front stabilizer bars to keep things grounded in the corners. Like we find with many Toyota sports cars, it’s not about the speed, but the feel.

2026 Toyota GR Corolla

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

The 2026 Toyota GR Corolla is available in two trims: the GR Corolla ($39,920) and the GR Corolla Premium Plus ($45,965). Both grades are fitted with a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-three that sends out 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm. Both the base GR Corolla and the GR Corolla Premium Plus are small, lightweight cars that can really take it to the likes of the hot hatch competition this year (minus the driveline for purists). The respective models tip the scales at just 3,296 pounds and 3,360 pounds. This allows the GR Corolla to be agile at speed, while rest-to-60 times of just under 5 seconds are really not to be sniffed at.

All-wheel drive is fitted as standard; you get a choice between a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching or an eight-speed automatic transmission for the best recorded 0–60 mph times, and the handling is kept well in check, thanks to front and rear Torsen limited-slip diffs, double-wishbone suspension, Gazoo Racing-tuned suspension, and a rear strut brace. It may be more expensive than the new GR86, but it is quicker, and for a small and light hatchback, it does boast an awful amount of race DNA for the road.

2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo

Both the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo Hatchback and Sedan are the top-tier choices for the respective lines. Prices are still in the realms of reasonable, as we have mentioned above, and both provide some turbocharged, on-road small car fun for the masses. There is a lot to like about both models. Under the hood, the K4 GT-Line Turbo models are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo-four that pumps out an impressive 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts.

Thanks to the perkier engine, large front and rear discs, and a multi-link rear suspension rig, you can feel the change in driving engagement compared to the other Kia K4 models. GT-Line-specific styling in the shape of alloy sport pedals, exterior glow-ups, and paddle shifters on a GT-Line steering wheel also makes it stand out from the rest of Kia’s compact sedan and hatchback lineups. 0–60 mph times are as you’d expect from a small car of its price, with the 2026 Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo Hatchback completing the dash in around 7.4 seconds, and the sedan adding a few tenths on top. However, thanks to the sportier suspension, and especially in the hatchback’s case, slightly shorter dimensions, the Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo’s handling is very direct and engaging, and very worthy of a small sporty car.

2026 Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai

There is only one model of the 2026 Hyundai Elantra N, but that is all that is needed. This raucous version of Hyundai’s compact sedan may split opinions on looks, but for just a touch over $35,000, you get a huge amount of small car fun for your money. Under the hood is a GDI 2.0-liter turbo-four that turns out 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, which can be mated to a six-speed manual with rev-matching (standard), or you can opt for an N eight-speed DCT automatic with paddle shifters for even faster and more aggressive shifts. Either option sounds good here, but you will benefit from the fastest 0–60 mph times of 4.8 seconds with the DCT.

As standard, the almighty compact performance sedan that is the 2026 Elantra N comes equipped with oodles of performance features in the shape of an electronic limited-slip differential, a MacPherson front strut with coil springs, a multi-link rear suspension, and launch control. However, if you opt for the DCT, you also get N Grin Shift, which gives you a temporary boost in power and gives the Elantra N a far beefier sound from the rear. It won’t break any speed records, but the Hyundai Elantra N is faster to 60 mph than both the small sporty models that Toyota is turning out in 2026, and can be used as a daily-drivable performance car.

Sources: Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, CarEdge, RepairPal, FuelEconomy.gov, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book.