Hyundai Tucson vs Toyota Corolla
Verdict
At RM143,888 versus RM144,800, there is barely a price fight here; the choice is body style and kit. The Hyundai Tucson gives a Malaysian family more metal for the money, with 154 hp, 192 Nm, a 582-litre boot and a taller SUV body. The Toyota Corolla is less powerful at 137 hp and 172 Nm, but it answers with adaptive cruise control with steering assist and Stop and Go, a 360-degree camera and 5-star Euro NCAP, ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP ratings.
Pick the Hyundai Tucson if you want SUV space, the 582-litre boot, stronger 154 hp/192 Nm output and a longer 8-year warranty period.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you prefer a sedan with adaptive cruise, a 360-degree camera, listed 5-star NCAP ratings and unlimited-mileage warranty cover.
Key differences
- Price: Hyundai Tucson RM143,888; Toyota Corolla RM144,800
- Power and torque: Hyundai Tucson 154 hp/192 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp/172 Nm
- Boot space: Hyundai Tucson 582 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres
- Size: Hyundai Tucson 4,630/1,865/1,665 mm; Toyota Corolla 4,630/1,780/1,435 mm
- Cruise control: Hyundai Tucson passive cruise; Toyota Corolla adaptive cruise with steering assist and Stop and Go
- Warranty: Hyundai Tucson 8 years/160,000 km; Toyota Corolla 5 years/unlimited mileage
Tucson
- Stronger 2.0-litre petrol output at 154 hp and 192 Nm
- Bigger 582-litre boot with a 2,755 mm wheelbase
- More charging points, including wireless charging and front/rear USB ports
- Passive cruise only; the Corolla gets adaptive cruise with steering assist and Stop and Go
- Reverse camera only; the Corolla adds a 360-degree camera
- Higher annual road tax at RM440 versus RM279
Corolla
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and Stop and Go
- 360-degree camera and remote boot activation
- 5-year warranty has unlimited mileage
- Lower output at 137 hp and 172 Nm versus 154 hp and 192 Nm
- Smaller 470-litre boot versus the Tucson’s 582 litres
- Only one front power socket; the Tucson adds wireless charging and front/rear USB ports
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 143,888✓ | RM 144,800 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | 154 hp✓ | 137 hp |
| Torque | 192 Nm✓ | 172 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.8 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-speed Automatic | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Top Speed | 181 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,665 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,755 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | 1,488 kg | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 54 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 582 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/65R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | — | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Korea (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2nd Row Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 12.3" Curved Widescreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 440 | RM 279✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Tucson vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Hyundai Tucson or Toyota Corolla better?
The Hyundai Tucson is better for space and punch; the Toyota Corolla is better for driver assistance and listed crash ratings. Choose Tucson for family-cargo use, Corolla for adaptive cruise, a 360-degree camera and unlimited-mileage warranty cover.
What is the price difference?
The Hyundai Tucson is RM912 cheaper: RM143,888 against RM144,800 for the Toyota Corolla. The gap is too small to decide alone, so body style and equipment matter more.
Which one has more luggage space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the larger boot at 582 litres, compared with 470 litres in the Toyota Corolla. Both have 60:40 split-folding rear seats, but the Tucson is the easier pick for bulky family loads.