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Overview

Last year Toyota updated the Corolla sedan's infotainment and safety systems and surrendered the smaller 1.8-liter four-cylinder in favor of a 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder across all trims. And even though the Corolla was last redesigned for the 2020 model year, the 2024 Corolla will largely stay the same. The only exception is the returning Nightshade trim level, which was absent from the lineup last year. It includes blacked-out exterior styling elements alongside bronze wheels. Expect an all-new Corolla in 2025.

Corolla LE

Like its big brother, the Camry, the Corolla is the safe choice in the compact sedan segment. Its reputation for reliability is strong but it's never been the most exciting small car you can buy. Its chassis and engine, though competitive, won't make driving enthusiasts light up like a Mazda 3 or Honda Civic Touring might.

The Corolla sedan comes with only one engine, while most competitors offer more power-train choices. But the 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes more power and yields nearly identical combined fuel economy to the base engines in the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra. We measured an outstanding 40.2 mpg with this powertrain in a 2022 Corolla XSE. The Corolla is also only available with a continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive isn't an option unless you opt for the hybrid version, which we review separately.

The bottom line with the Corolla is simple: It's got a long legacy as a reliable and efficient compact car, and the newest model will likely live up to that legacy. But if you're looking for a small sedan that's lively and exciting to drive, there are several better choices. Check out our Expert Rating for our take on the Corolla's comfort, utility, tech and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Please note that this rating is based on a prior year and may change slightly once complete information about the 2024 Toyota Corolla becomes available.

The Toyota Corolla is a smart pick in the small sedan class. We give it high marks for its smooth ride comfort, high-quality interior, and comprehensive list of advanced safety features. Holding it back are its smaller-than-average trunk and slow acceleration.

Performance

How does the Corolla drive? Acceleration is a bit underwhelming for the class (0-60 mph took 8.8 seconds in our testing), which means you'll likely be flooring the pedal when getting onto highways. Passing slower traffic requires a little extra planning and a heavy foot. Emergency braking performance is adequate, however, and braking force is easy to control for smooth stops.

We tested the Corolla XSE, which is supposed to be the sporty trim level. Alas, we quickly discovered that it's not that sporty. It leans a lot when you go around turns, and its tires don't offer much grip. But as a routine daily driver, the Corolla does just fine. It's easy to maneuver around town, and the operation of its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is generally unobtrusive.

How comfortable is the Corolla? The Corolla's ride quality is smooth over a variety of road surfaces, and the front seats are comfortable. Whether you're tall or small, there are enough adjustments and sufficient range within those adjustments to find your preferred position. We do prefer the cloth seats since they breathe better than the available synthetic leather on hot days.

Road noise is ever present. It gets so loud on the highway that you'll have to crank the stereo to overcome it. The engine sounds labored under hard acceleration, but the continuously variable transmission's simulated gear changes help reduce the droning sound that is otherwise typical for a CVT.

Interior

How’s the interior? The Corolla's interior benefits from a simple, easy-to-use layout. The controls are right where you want them and are logically grouped. The number of buttons is sensible, with just enough to be useful but not so many that it looks cluttered.

It's also easy to get in and out of the car. Front passengers have plenty of room, and the driver has clear sight lines to both the front and rear. Seating for rear passengers is tighter, especially with regard to headroom. Adult occupants' heads might be close to the roof. The Honda Civic is better in this respect.

Technology

How’s the tech? Toyota's recent infotainment systems have never managed to win us over, but this latest version is a marked improvement. That said, it's still not as intuitive or visually appealing as rival systems. Thankfully, Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard.

Many advanced safety features are included as part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, and almost all are well tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible. The lane departure warning system is the outlier, and it can be oversensitive and annoying with its frequent beeping. The adaptive cruise control is praiseworthy for its smooth braking and acceleration.

Storage

How’s the storage? The Corolla has a slightly smaller trunk (13 cubic feet) than its primary competition. It should still be enough for typical use. Unfortunately, the rear seat backs don't fold flat with the trunk floor, which could complicate loading longer and bulkier cargo.

Storage for personal items is also on the small side. There are just enough places for your phone and the like, but many competitors give you more. On the plus side, there seems to be ample space for infant and child safety seats. The clearly marked car seat anchors should help with installation.

Fuel Economy

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimate for the Corolla XSE with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT automatic (the car we tested) is 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving. The Corolla easily exceeded that estimate on our 115-mile evaluation route, returning an impressive 40.2 mpg. For the ultimate in mileage, check out the Corolla Hybrid.

Value

Is the Corolla a good value? The Corolla is competitive against the top entrants in the small sedan class. The cabin is upscale and is solidly put-together. Toyota's reputation for reliability figures into most shoppers' decisions, but there are other aspects to consider. You also get two years of free scheduled maintenance, which is unusual in this class.

Wildcard

The latest Corolla brings a fresh and modern style without unnecessary trinkets and vents. It's also more enjoyable to drive than before, but other sedans in the class are noticeably more entertaining. The overarching themes are capability and competence.

The sleek and modern styling of this current generation makes the previous Corolla seem generic by comparison. The more aggressive body treatments for the XSE trim make it even more attractive.

Toyota Corolla models

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's Corolla. We expect the 2024 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Corolla is offered in four trim levels: LE, XLE, SE and XSE. Feature highlights include:

2024 Toyota Corolla Features Specs

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	35 MPG
Cost to Drive	$107/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	Front Wheel Drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

Compare the Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla vs. Hyundai Elantra

Though it lacks the Corolla's reputation for durability and efficiency, the Elantra has been around for more than 30 years and it's now fully established as a worthy compact sedan. It's worth considering if low cost is a priority in your purchase. The small South Korean sedan comes with a long list of standard features and an excellent warranty. Like the Corolla, it won’t excite most drivers, but it will provide the peace of mind that comes with a long warranty and plenty of features for reasonable money.

Toyota Corolla vs. Honda Civic

In addition to decades of proven service as a small car, the Civic offers a rewarding driving experience, more passenger space, and a higher-quality interior compared to the Corolla. And like the Corolla, it's also available as a hatchback. The Civic is a willing partner on twisty roads, exhibiting balance and poise in places where the Corolla merely gets by. But you'll pay more for the Civic — a not insignificant consideration in the compact sedan arena.

Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda 3

Mazda's take on the compact sedan is unique. The 3's interior verges on luxury, with premium materials and an attractive, intuitive design unlike any other car in the segment. And its quick, accurate steering and confident brakes are simply better than the Corolla's flaccid controls. The little Mazda also offers all-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged engine with class-leading acceleration. But these are things many buyers — particularly Corolla buyers — can do without. Surprisingly, the least expensive 3 starts less than the Corolla. But the cost balloons to the mid-$30,000s if you check all the boxes, putting the 3 out of reach for a lot of people in this segment.

2024 Toyota Corolla First Impressions

What is the Corolla?

The Corolla is the smallest and most affordable vehicle in the company's current lineup. Toyota updated the small sedan in 2023 with new styling and interior tech, so we don't expect any significant changes for the Corolla's 2024 model year.

The Corolla uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 30 hp and 25 lb-ft over the pre-face-lift model. Front-wheel drive is the only available configuration. If you're interested in a sedan with even better fuel economy, there's also a Corolla Hybrid, which we review separately.

All Corolla models now benefit from the Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, which includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trim levels also receive a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Alongside the refreshed tech suite is the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense, with lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

The Corolla competes with the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3. While the Corolla's recently updated interior and upgraded powertrain make it more competitive, we still have it ranked behind those top-level competitors, which offer a better overall experience.

Edmunds says

The Corolla is one of Toyota's best-selling vehicles for a reason. It now offers improved equipment and more power without a substantially higher price tag.

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