10 Biggest News Stories of the Week: Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra Hybrids Efficiently Outdo BMW X3

While buying a new car in recent years has become more expensive than ever (notwithstanding incremental decreases here and there), an argument could be made that cars are also better than ever — safer, longer-lasting, technology-packed — and that consumers have many more appealing options. And if you’re a car shopper considering two of the top contenders in the compact hybrid sedan class, you’re in for a treat because the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid and the 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid not only reflect the stellar state of cars, they offer two excellent options as well as a way to offset some of that aforementioned all-time expensiveness by fuel-sipping their way to savings.

Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Ford Explorer Freshens Up, Kia EV9 Doubles Down

To help out would-be buyers with scale-tipping suggestions, we put these two hybrids head-to-head to determine which we’d rather take on a long drive and how well each car keeps its EPA-estimated mpg promise. Cutting to the chase — albeit one on a conservatively driven, predetermined route using the most middle-of-the-road drive mode — both sedans returned gas mileage far beyond their highest ratings under the specific conditions or our test, the Elantra over 60 mpg at its best and the Corolla over 53 mpg at its best. Ultimately, our editors selected the Corolla as the hybrid they’d prefer to take for a drive due to ride comfort and the inclusion of wireless smartphone connectivity — this despite the Elantra’s superior gas mileage.

For full details on our fuel-economy face-off between the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid and 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, follow the link below to the No. 1 news story on this week’s countdown of most read articles.

Closer to the opposite end of the spending and fuel-sipping spectrum is this week’s fifth-place finisher, a breakdown of the various options and add-ons for the 2025 BMW X3 aimed at helping shoppers decide which trim level best suits them. The two trim levels are the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive, starting at $50,675 and $65,275, respectively (including destination charge). The 30 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine compared with the M50’s remarkably more powerful 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Apropos of that power disparity, if you’re looking for a wilder ride (and are willing to pony up the nearly 15 grand extra), you’ll want to opt for the M50 xDrive, which in addition to its more robust powertrain includes performance bits like bigger wheels, sport suspension and sport brakes, as well as sexy black exterior flourishes and sleek aluminum trim inside.

For a comprehensive model breakdown of the 2025 BMW X3, including trim offerings, options packages and their respective prices, follow the link below to the No. 5 news story of the week.

As for the rest, below are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:

1. 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Vs. 2024 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid: Effortless Efficiency Compared

2. Here Are the 11 Cheapest Electric Vehicles You Can Buy

3. 2025 Toyota GR86 Hakone Up Close: I Want It, Please

4. These 10 SUVs Have the Highest Towing Capacity

5. Which Trim Level of the 2025 BMW X3 Should You Buy?

6. Is the 2024 Lexus GX 550 a Good SUV? 5 Pros, 2 Cons

7. Redesigned 2025 Buick Enclave: A Little Bigger, a Little More Expensive

8. Is the 2025 Ram 1500 a Good Pickup Truck? 5 Pros and 3 Cons

9. Electric Cars With the Longest Range

10. 2025 Ford Maverick Up Close: It Just Keeps Getting Better

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