If you’re in the market for an economical compact sedan that’s priced less than $30K, take a good look at Toyota’s Corolla, always a top seller for 12 model years.
Corolla is offered in LE, SE, XSE and Hybrid in LE, LE AWD, SE and XLE. We were privileged to test the non-hybrid top-line and sporty XSE.
This annual favorite has classy styling lines with a chiseled front facia and a rear with dual single stack exhausts, a racy trunk lip spoiler that all add for a sporty look.
This classy exterior follows through to Corolla XSE’s interior with its sporty SofTex trimmed seats, brushed aluminum type trim, 10.5-inch infotainment display for the JBL audio system and it’s set in a swoopy dash that encloses the HVAC control panel whose controls are large and easy to use and view. It’s partnered with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster with integrated driver information display for alerts, features, functions and drive mode selections.
Corolla’s console houses the gear selector for the CVT transmission that’s supplemented with paddle shifters. In front of it, there’s a toggle switch for Normal, Eco and Sport driving modes, the latter holds shift points a bit longer and offers livelier acceleration. Included too is a wireless phone charger.
The heated front seats are supportive and comfy. Ditto for the rear seats that have a low transaxle hump so three youngsters can be seated there. Leg room is decent provided the fronts aren’t racked well rearward. The rear doors, however, could open a bit wider for easier ingress/egress.
Back in the trunk, which is on the small size, it’s rated at 13.1 cubic feet for 40 inches of loading depth. Unfortunately, the rear seat-backs don’t fold that could expand trunk space if they did. The trunks’ underfloor houses a hard foam bin to hold the car jack and jack tools.
Corolla XSE gets its grunt from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that generates 169-hp and 151-lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of an impressive 31 city, 38-highway mpg. To better those numbers, the hybrid Corolla offers 53 city, 46-highway mpg. As powered and when coupled to the CVT automatic transmission, acceleration is linear in fashion although Sport mode adds some extra spunk.
Driving the Corolla is a pleasure in that it parks easily with its tight 35.6 curb-curb turning circle and its sporty suspension keeps it planted in sharp turns. It rides smoothly over all road surfaces on Michelin 18-inch tires. Tar strips and unimproved railroad crossings are mere blips.
Price wise, Corolla is one of the most affordable compact sedans on the market. Opt for the LE and it starts at $22,725. The SE prices in at $25,165 while the XSE tested came with a base price of $28,440 before adding the following; JBL Premium Audio w/subwoofer and amplifier ($600); Black Roof ($500); and carpeted mat package ($309) that took the bottom line to $31,644 with delivery. For that price, XSE came with a host of safety features such as Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 w/Pre-Collision, rear cross traffic alert, Star Safety System and more.
Corolla also comes with a three year/36K mile bumper-bumper warranty, a five year/60K mile powertrain and two years free scheduled maintenance coverage.
As a daily driver and with impressive mileage estimates, it’s understandable why Corolla has been a continued top selling compact sedan with Toyota quality.
