For decades, the Corolla has built a loyal following on a very compelling list of traits. It offers excellent fuel economy and a reputation for trouble-free ownership at a price that's hard to beat. Thanks to a recent redesign, Toyota has added a quieter cabin and a sportier style to that list, further ensuring the Corolla’s popularity for years to come.
What's New for 2016
Changes to the Corolla this year are minor.
Choosing Your Toyota Corolla
Toyota continues to keep things simple and straightforward by offering a single engine that appears in all but one model of the Corolla. This primary engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder affair that produces 132 horsepower and delivers fuel estimates as high as 29 mpg city/38 mpg highway.
The second engine, offered only in the LE Eco, is a 1.8-liter that produces 140 horsepower and gets fuel estimates as high as 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway. As usual, a six-speed manual transmission is standard but more popular is the four-speed automatic or continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The L comes with the basic features you would expect for this class including LED headlights, Bluetooth and USB compatibility, a four-speaker sound system with CD player, eight airbags and steering wheel-mounted controls. No additional options are available at this level.
Moving to the LE builds on the L with some convenience features such as an integrated backup camera, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, touch-screen audio display, cruise control and heated outside mirrors. No additional options are available.
This level adds on to the LE with 16-inch alloy wheels and integrated fog lights. It also marks the first level where additional features are available. These include a moonroof and a driver convenience package that adds Entune Premium Audio, integrated navigation, and smart key system.
Going Premium adds leather-like upholstery and heated front seats along with the additional features offered for the LE Plus. These include Entune Premium Audio with integrated navigation, smart key with push-button start and a moonroof.
The primary reason for selecting the LE Eco is to have the economy of the fuel-saving engine, it is also the only add-on from the LE level.
Starting with sportier, sharper styling throughout, the S builds on the LE with paddle shifters and integrated fog lights.
Building on the equipment in the S, the S Plus CVT features some additional sport styling elements including 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and rear disc brakes.
Choosing the S Plus 6MT starts with all the features in the S Plus CVT and adds Entune Premium Audio with integrated navigation, smart key with push-button start, a moonroof and leather-trimmed steering wheel.
The S Premium mirrors all the features found in the L Premium but houses them in the aggressive styling of the S line.
Created primarily to offer an option with a more highly stylized look, the Special Edition builds on the S Plus CVT with unique 17-inch gloss black alloy wheels, red contrast stitching, special edition floor mats and a special edition exterior badge.
If all you're looking for is tried-and-true reliability then we recommend the LE -- the L will be too bare bones for all but those on the strictest budgets. However, if you appreciate a bit of playfulness in your commute, we suggest considering the S Plus 6MT or even the S Premium.