Outstanding reliability paired with good efficiency - 2018 Toyota Corolla Review
1Overview
Those seeking safety versus sporty will be pleased with the affordable and reliable Toyota Corolla. While Toyota’s iconic compact is packed with standard active safety assists, excellent crash-test ratings, and class-leading rear-seat legroom, what you won’t find is driving excitement. An asthmatic four-cylinder with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the standard powertrain; an optional six-speed manual provides a pulse to an otherwise lifeless front-drive partner. Base models cater to budget-minded buyers with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. Apart from subpar fuel economy and inferior interior quality, the Corolla is a segment staple that will satisfy those who just want to get there.
What's New for 2018?
The Corolla enters 2018 with the most minimal of changes. The front-seat sun visors now feature illuminated vanity mirrors, and XLE and stick-shift SE models receive a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The upgraded helms have controls for the driver information display, audio adjustments, Bluetooth operation, and active safety settings.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
L: $19,530
LE: $19,965
LE Eco: $20,365
SE: $21,475
XLE: $22,965
XSE: $23,710
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
If slow and steady wins the race, the Corolla takes the checkered flag. The only noteworthy aspects of its uninspired powertrain are an available manual transmission and a more powerful LE Eco model. An underpowered 132-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder is the standard engine. The LE Eco uses a specially tuned version that makes 140 horsepower and slightly less torque. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard equipment; a six-speed manual is optional only on the SE. Fasten your seatbelt, check your mirrors, floor the accelerator and . . . wait as the Corolla moseys up to speed. The Corolla is a snoozer in terms of driving enjoyment, and its poor braking capability doesn’t gel with its otherwise spotless safety shtick. The sporty SE and XSE drive differently than the rest of the lineup. Their larger 17-inch wheels and tires improve handling but have a harsher ride. The XSE we tested exhibited moderate body roll when barreling onto a freeway off-ramp, and the ride felt stiff on bumpy patches of pavement. Compared with the comfortable and athletic Mazda 3, the Corolla simply doesn’t compare.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Base-model Corollas have plain interior environments with few comfort or convenience features. A revised dashboard incorporates circular outboard air vents in what is a functional layout. The Corolla has redesigned automatic climate controls, but the single-zone system isn’t available in the entry-level L model, which has manual A/C. Heated front seats and an eight-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat are exclusive to the XLE and XSE. Materials in our top-of-the-line XSE model were a mix of cheap plastics and glossy-black trim bits that were magnets for fingerprints. The Corolla managed to hold more carry-on-sized bags than its sedan rivals, but its overall score was hindered by average cubby storage and a recalcitrant folding rear seat. The Corolla’s various cubbies are adequate for most interior-stowage needs.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Corolla features an Entune infotainment system, which is simple to operate. An average response time and the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto hinder the experience. The base 6.1-inch touchscreen has Bluetooth connectivity and voice command; a 7.0-inch system adds SiriusXM satellite radio and a navigation app (for use with smartphones). The XLE and the XSE are eligible for the Premium Audio package that includes integrated navigation and access to Toyota’s free App Suite. All screens are surrounded by touch-sensitive buttons, and there are knobs for volume and tuning; additional infotainment controls are on the steering wheel. In the XSE we drove, the integrated navigation worked well, and turn-by-turn directions also appeared in the gauge cluster.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
View Crash Test Results
For more information about the Toyota Corolla’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.