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2018 Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Used Car Price Range
$12,999 - $21,995
$12,999 $21,995
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2018 L 4dr Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $18,600
2018 LE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $19,035
2018 LE ECO 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $19,435
2018 LE ECO w/Package 1 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $19,435
2018 SE 4dr Sedan w/CVT Price:   -  From $20,545
2018 SE 4dr Sedan w/6-Speed Manual Price:   -  From $21,765
2018 XLE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $22,035
2018 XSE 4dr Sedan Price:   -  From $22,780
Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

The Toyota Corolla needs no introduction. Thanks its rock-solid reliability, excellent fuel economy and top-notch safety features, it is an immensely popular sedan in the United States. Although it now faces stifling competition from the likes of Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, and the Ford Focus, the 2018 Toyota Corolla maintains its stronghold in the segment.

What's New for 2018

The Corolla received an exhaustive update last year, so Toyota has kept things low-key for 2018. The mechanics and the design remain unchanged and while there are some modifications to the feature-list, the adjustments are negligible.

Toyota Corolla

Choosing Your Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is sold with two engine options. The most widely available is a 1.8-liter unit that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. A CVT-transmission is standard on all the trims, sending the power to the front wheels. In its thriftiest form, this engine returns 28 miles per gallon in the city, 36 highway, and 32 mpg combined.

The other engine is also a 1.8-liter unit paired to a CVT transmission, but it churns out 140 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque, while returning an impressive fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon in city, 40 highway, and 34 mpg combined. That said, this engine is only available in the LE Eco trim.

There are six trim levels — L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE and XSE. Notably, Toyota offers its Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance pack as a standard equipment on all the variants. Active cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high-beams are available across the entire Corolla range.

Toyota Corolla

L

The Corolla L starts at $19,445 (including $895 destination charges) and it gets LED headlights and running lights, 15-inch steel wheels, fabric upholstery, a six-way adjustable driver seat, four-way adjustable passenger seat, and a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and Toyota’s popular Entune multimedia set-up.

There are no optional packages, although the usual array of dealer-installed accessories is available, in case you want some special floormats or lowering springs.

Toyota Corolla

LE

The LE trim will set you back $19,880 and adds climate control, remote keyless entry, heated side-view mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, rear-view camera and a more premium upholstery.

Apart from the optional items on the L trim, the Corolla LE gets a Premium Package ($1,215) that adds alloy wheels, an updated infotainment system with smartphone-enabled navigation and for $450 more, a moonroof.

Toyota Corolla

LE Eco

Commanding $20,280, the LE Eco gets more-or-less the same features and options as the LE trim. Its main differentiating factor is the more potent, more fuel efficient engine and other mechanical tweaks like low-rolling-resistance tires, a more aerodynamic underbody, and a dedicated Eco drive mode in the Premium Package to derive the best possible mileage.

Toyota Corolla

XLE

The Corolla XLE, priced at $22,880, gets all the features of the lower trims plus 16-inch alloy wheels, smart-key with push-button engine start, moonroof, updated 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and heated front seats wrapped in faux leather upholstery. For $525, you can have an enhanced infotainment set-up with in-built navigation.

Toyota Corolla

SE

The SE trims costs $21,390 for the CVT variant, but you can also have it with a six-speed manual gearbox, retailing at $22,610. The highlight of the Corolla SE is its sportier design — the front fascia is new and there are 17-inch wheels, roof spoiler, side-view mirrors with turn signals, chrome exhaust pipe, sport seats, a different instrument cluster, rear disc brakes and a Sport mode for the CVT transmission. If you are buying the Corolla SE, you might as well opt for the performance exhaust, lowered springs and performance air filter.

Toyota Corolla

XSE

The range-topping XSE trim carries a price-tag of $23,625 and mixes the best features available on the lower trims. Essentially, this means it packs the gizmos of the XLE trim, such as smart key, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and moonroof with the sport package of the SE trim.

CarsDirect Tip

You can’t really go wrong with the Corolla. Regardless of the variant, you are assured of proficient mileage and an overall low cost of maintenance. The L and LE variants are good budget buys, the LE Eco is for those wanting to save money on their fuel-station trips and the rest are focused on offering more convenience features, albeit at slightly high rates.

Get your price on a Toyota Corolla »

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Contributing Writer

With newer competitors hitting the market on what feels like a daily basis, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is increasingly easy to ignore. But in its fifth year, it continues to offer a smooth, pleasant ride, roomy interior, and a host of advanced active safety features that are standard on every trim level. But forgettable styling, disappointing interior bits, and a performance-robbing CVT rank it below many competitors.

Best Value

Available in six trim levels, 2018 Toyota Corolla prices start at $19,445 for a base L sedan equipped with a six-speed manual and rise to $24,250 for a CVT-equipped XSE equipped with the upgraded audio, navigation and App Suite bundle.

All models come with a single engine choice, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 132 horsepower (paradoxically, the Eco model produces an additional eight horsepower) and the usual power features along with LED headlights, a 6.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Toyota's Safety Sense suite of active safety features. The 6-speed manual adds a bit of fun, but in reality most buyers will choose the CVT automatic. We'd opt for the XLE trim, which adds multi-LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels (the 17-inchers on the XSE only add harshness to the ride), and a power moonroof to brighten up the interior.

With that in mind, here's how we'd build it:

  • Model: Corolla XLE
  • Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder
  • Output: 132 horsepower / 128 lb-ft
  • Transmission: CVT automatic
  • MPG: EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon in the city, 36 on the highway
  • Exterior color: Barcelona Red
  • Interior color: Black Softex
  • Options: Entune Premium Audio ($525, 7-inch touchscreen, navigation, HD radio with predictive traffic and Doppler Weather overlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, Entune app suite with Pandora integration, Bluetooth phone capability)
  • Base Price: $22,880
  • As Tested: $23,405

Performance Pros

Toyota Corolla
  • The Corolla's suspension manages small imperfections well.
  • Ample sound deadening keeps most engine noise out of the cabin.
  • The steering is nicely weighted.
  • The continuously variable transmission is quick to engage and equally eager to quiet down when off throttle, qualities that remain rare among this fuel-efficient transmission type.
  • The Corolla LE Eco features an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon in the city, 40 on the highway, and 34 combined.

Performance Cons

  • The 1.8-liter four-cylinder is loud, buzzy, lacking in torque, and is generally an unpleasant companion in day-to-day driving.
  • Potholes and heavily damaged roads turn the Corolla into a jittery mess as the over-soft suspension struggles to manage the road surface.
  • This might be the worst handling car in its segment, exhibiting wallowy, dimwitted behavior in turns. Roll is heavy and constant, and because of the soft suspension, is prone to aggressive dive under hard braking.
  • The Corolla offers next to no feedback through the chassis or steering, isolating the driver to an unpleasant degree.

Interior Pros

  • Despite modest bolsters, the front seats are nicely supportive.
  • There's plenty of rear seat room for two tall adults and even three for short around-town trips.
  • All models feature a height-adjustable driver's seat that's power-adjustable on XLE and XSE models.

Interior Cons

Toyota Corolla
  • Shiny, grainy plastic looks low rent, especially on XLE and XSE models.
  • Even with height adjustments, the front seats feel like they're on stilts, contributing to the disconnected sensation in the chassis. Toyota could easily offer and extra inch or two of vertical adjustment, better accommodating taller drivers.
  • Imitation leather doesn't look or feel as luxurious as the real thing. The stuff on the dash is particularly egregious.
  • Infotainment system looks like an aftermarket unit and lacks the integrated look of a factory system. There is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, forcing users into using Toyota's recalcitrant infotainment system.

Our Favorite Thing

The Corolla's standard set of advanced safety features puts it at the top of its class. Excellent headlights are also a bonus. That said, the safety suite's abilities aren't as expansive as the Honda Civic's Sensing suite, which offers a more advanced steering assistance system.

Our Least Favorite Thing

With a soft ride, noticeable body lean, and steering that lacks feedback, the latest Corolla's fun-to-drive factor places it near the bottom of its class.

Right For

Toyota Corolla

All Corolla models come standard with a number of active safety features including a rear view camera, pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, and automatic high beams.

Wrong For

A soft suspension, poor steering feedback, and an uninspiring 1.8-liter four coupled to a performance-robbing CVT add up to a noticeable lack of driving enjoyment.

The Bottom Line

Despite a smooth ride, above average interior space, and wide array of advanced safety features, the Corolla's bland performance and low-rent interior relegate it to mid- pack status in the compact sedan class.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 132 HP / 128 ft.lbs.
Transmission
CVTi-S 2-spd CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 36 / 32 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
1.8L I-4 / 132 HP / 128 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
28 / 36 / 32 Mpg
Brakes
Front Disc/rear Drum
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.2 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$50
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
13.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
98 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
183.1 "
Exterior Width
69.9 "
Exterior Height
57.3 "
Front Headroom
38.3 "
Rear Headroom
37.1 "
Front Legroom
42.3 "
Rear Legroom
41.4 "
Front Shoulder Room
54.8 "
Rear Shoulder Room
54.8 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
2,840 Lbs.
Wheel Base
106 "
Turning Radius
17.8 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
15.0 " Styled Steel
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Clearcoat Monotone With Stripe
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Dark Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm Stereo, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
24 Months / 25,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance Months
24 Months / Unlimited Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2018 Toyota Corolla for Sale

20 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Toyota
LE
Price

$12,999

Mileage

110,223 mi

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Premium Autos (22 mi)

Phone: (951) 384-2436
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Phone: (951) 454-5737
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Phone: (626) 662-7025
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DCH Honda of Oxnard (49 mi)

Phone: (805) 204-0454
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