Overview

The Toyota Corolla of the 12th generationblends great fuel efficiency with hordes of standard safety features in a small package that looks sizably more attractive than it is to drive. The most powerful engine available for the Corolla gets from a four-cylinder, boasting only 169 horses which does not manage to power the car with much vigor.

In comparison to other small cars such as the Honda Civic and Mazda 3, the Corolla is less nimble, responsive, and peppy. However, its vast range of models sets it apart from other compacts. The Corolla can be bought as a sedan or hatchback and also comes with an fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with front- or all-wheel drive.

The Toyota Corolla is an affordable and reliable car that is perfect for those who need to transport others frequently. Though it may not be the most exciting car to drive, its efficiency and style are sure to please anyone who gets behind the wheel.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Corolla comes with a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is front-wheel drive and has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The hatchback and the sedan also have the same powertrain, but the sedan offers a hybrid option as well.

We put the Corolla SE hatchback and the Corolla XSE sedan to the test, and found that not even the strongest engine can provide enough acceleration. They're both quite good when driven around town or on highways, but if you push them too hard, the engines make a lot of noise and they start to feel less refined.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In addition to a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, the Corolla sedan also offers an extremely thrifty hybrid model. The EPA estimates that the front-drive hybrid will earn 50 mpg in city conditions and 43 mpg on highways, while the all-wheel drive one is rated for 47 mpg in city conditions and 41 mgp on highways. To put this into perspective, the government estimates that the nonhybrid 169-hp 2.0-liter engine will only earn up to 41 mgp on highways.

The hybrid we tested got 40 mpg on our fuel-economy route when driven at 75 mph. The XSE sedan saw 41 mpg while under the same conditions. According to the EPA, the hatchback is rated up to 32 mpg in city driving and 42 highway driving; However, both of the hatchbacks we test drove achieved better numbers with one reaching 40mpg and other 36mpg.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Corolla hatchback and sedan have a similar sleek dashboard on the inside with soft-touch materials. Most models come with standard passive entry and push-button start, but there are additional upgrades you can make such as ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, or heated front seats. If you frequently have backseat passengers, settle for the sedan because it has much more legroom than the hatchback does.

The Corolla hatchback usually has 18 cubic feet of cargo space, but we were only able to fit two carry-on bags in that area. However, the new no-cost Enhanced Cargo Space option expands on that by replacing the spare tire with a tire-repair kit, giving us access to 6 more cubic feet (for a total of 23). The sedan only trunk volume is 13 cubes, but we managed to squeeze eight bags inside. Both body styles had inferior interior cubby storage compared with some more capacious rivals; however, there's a convenient tray at the front of their center console and a useful bin below the armrest.

Is the Toyota Corolla a reliable car?

According to Repair Pal, the Toyota Corolla stacks up quite well against other vehicles in the same class. In fact, it ranked number one in terms of reliability when compared to 35 other compact cars. One of the most obvious indicators of the Corolla's reliability is its cheap repairs.

Which Toyota Corolla model is best?

The Toyota Corolla SX is our recommendation for the Best First Car for first-time drivers – and anyone looking for economy, reliability, and low running costs. The Toyota Corolla SX – the next model up from the base Ascent Sport grade – is the winner of the 2022 Drive Car of the Year Best First Car award.

What are the advantages of Toyota Corolla?

The 2023 Toyota Corolla has advantages over the 2023 Honda Civic for an efficient hybrid model, maneuverability, reliability, and a lower price. These are key reasons for compact car shoppers to buy a 2023 Corolla over a 2023 Civic.