The car is priced at a marginal $18,550 which is charming for budget buyers, but sadly the innovation lost its way till they reached the hood. The Corolla comes with the same 1.8L I-4 engine mated with a CVT transmission generating underpowered results. A normal corolla would generate a 132hp power with 129 lb-ft of torque. However, things get a little different if you opt for the new LE Eco mode which is backed with a little more power and fuel efficiency.
Toyota has always introduced the Corolla as an affordable compact car, the pattern continues with this one. Corolla comes in 6 trims, with the base L model set at $18,550 crawling up to the top XLE model priced at $21,985. There are no major alterations in the powertrain, all variants share a similar 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with the exception of the LEE Eco model which although comes with a similar engine but generates more power. As you gaze through different trims you will find the list of features keeps on expanding with asceding models.
|
Model
|
Corolla L
|
LE
|
Eco
|
SE
|
XSE
|
XLE
|
|
Price
|
$18,550
|
$18,985
|
$19,385
|
$20,495
|
$22,730
|
$21.985
|
|
Key Features
|
- 15-inch steel wheels
- LED headlights, LED daytime running lights
- A driver information display-k
- 6.1 inch touch-screen infotainment system
- No moon/sunroof
- Automated emergency braking
|
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Variable intermittent wipers
- Metallic cabin accents
- 7-inch touch-infotainment system with navigation
- In premium it is available.
- Automatic climate control
|
- 15-inch steel wheels
- Maximum fuel efficiency
- Rear spoiler
- 7 inch touch infotainment system with navigation
- Moon roof available
- Enhanced aerodynamics
|
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED daytime running lights
- Steering wheel with paddle shifters(for CVT models)
- 7 inch touch infotainment with sat radio and navigation
- Moon roof option available
- Upgraded infotainment system
|
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Eight way power adjustable seats
- Paddle shifters
- 7-inch touch infotainment system with navigation
- Available sun/moon roof
- Keyless entry and ignition
|
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Led taillights, bumper mounted LED daytime running lights
- App based GPS navigation system
- 7-inch touch infotainment system with navigation
- Moon roof available
- Heated front seats
|
We recommend
Out of all 6 trims, we would recommend the LE Eco model for the people who seek value for their money. You will get a considerable number of features with an enhanced engine of 8 more horsepowers. On the other hand, you can boost your experience by throwing in a 1000 bucks more and upgrade to the SE model(The only model which comes in a 6-speed manual transmission) which is teemed with more features).
When you really need power to get moving, the 2017 Corolla can't deliver, but the car's CVT is plenty responsive and smooth the rest of the time." - Motor Trend
Engine and Transmission
All Corollas are backed by the same 1.8L inline-4 engine which might satisfy your daily driving needs but surely lacks the required power. The engine is married to a CVT transmission but can be upgraded to a more enjoyable manual gearbox offered in the SE trim. A normal Corollas engine roils a power of 132 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. The LE Eco, on the other hand, generates 8 plus horsepower because of its special valve timing system.
|
Model
|
Chevrolet Cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota Corolla
|
|
Engine
|
1.4 L turbo-charged
|
2.0L inline-four
|
2.0L inline-four
|
1.8L inline-four
|
|
Transmission
|
6-speed automatic
|
6-speed automatic
|
CVT
|
CVT
|
|
Power
|
153 hp
|
155-hp
|
158-hp
|
132-hp
|
|
Torque
|
177-240 lb-ft
|
150 to 185 lb ft
|
138 to 295 lb ft
|
126-128 lb ft
|
Though having a similar engine, the Corolla becomes the least performing car in the group. The lot is aced by Honda Civic with 158 hp followed by Mazda and Cruze.
Acceleration
Corolla’s dating engine hinders the overall acceleration of the car. The lack of enough torque and horsepower are the real reasons for Corolla’s underperformance. The CVT transmission sparks a poor gear change which ultimately limits the car’s acceleration. The Corolla takes 9 seconds to reach 60 mph from initiation.
|
Model
|
Chevrolet cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota Corolla
|
|
Engine and transmission
|
153-hp turbocharged 1.4 inline-four, 6-speed automatic
|
155 hp 2.0L inline-four, 6-speed automatic
|
158-hp 2.0 inline-four, CVT
|
132-hp 1.8L inline-four, CVT
|
|
Time for 0-60 mph
|
7.6
|
8.0
|
8.2
|
9.5
|
|
[email protected] mph
|
15.9
|
16.2
|
16.3
|
17.4
|
A good old race between the 5 will result in the Corolla struggling to keep up. The car portrays a similar situation in its quarter-mile run, with 17.4 mph result. Other cars like Chevrolet Cruze and Honda civic clearly surpassed the Corolla here.
Handling and steering
Corolla’s handling tells a different story altogether, there is no reason to complain but no reason to be impressed either. At slow speed, the car’s steering is light and enjoyable but the feeling of connection to the road is fairly limited. The higher trims of SE and XSE comes with a 17-inch tire, which enhances the steering capability. At a medium pace, the Corolla delivers an on-center feel and ground feedback.
Braking
Corolla’s braking is satisfying for city driving. The overall feel was smooth, something which was absent in the past Toyota models. Through decent for regular driving, the Corolla demands 183 feet to brake stop the car from 60 mpg.
N/A
|
Model
|
Chevrolet Cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota Corolla
|
|
Distance
|
168 ft
|
179 ft
|
180 ft
|
183 ft
|
|
Curb weight
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
It might feel nice and responsive but in terms of numbers, the Corolla ascending by its competitors. Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze were the star performers with their identical 168 ft. performance. Sadly, both Civic and Corolla needed a longer distance to stop.
Folks form Toyota put the same powertrain from the 2017 Corolla, hence similar fuel efficiency statistics will be repeating for 2018. Corolla shares city mileage of 28mpg and a highway mileage of 31 mpg. If these numbers aren’t that compelling, you can always go for the LE Eco model. It eases back on the accelerator output and reduces power for air conditioning which is expected to deliver 30mpg for city and 40 mpg of highway mileage.
|
Model
|
Chevrolet cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota corolla
|
|
City(mpg)
|
29
|
27
|
32
|
28
|
|
Highway(mpg)
|
33
|
30
|
36
|
31
|
"Without any real sporting intentions, the Corolla exhibits surprisingly tidy handling. There isn't much grip supplied by the all-season tires, but we were surprised by how composed the Corolla remains at a mildly spirited pace, which is more than enough to make it feel lively around town"- Edmunds
Seating and comfort
All 5 people sitting in a Corolla will appreciate its spaciousness. Where the front space has always been nice, the back-seat legroom resembles that of a Toyota’s Camry. However, you will find the interior and seat a little dull but again you get what you paid for. The Corolla scored big for comfort with its sports seating in the SE trim.
|
Model
|
Chevrolet Cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota Corolla
|
|
Headroom
|
38.9(front)
36.1(rear)
|
38.6(front)
37.6(rear)
|
39.3(front)
37.4(rear)
|
38.3(front)
37.11(rear)
|
|
Legroom
|
42.0(front)
36.1(rear)
|
42.2(front)
35.8(rear)
|
42.3(front)
37.4(rear)
|
42.3(front)
41.4(rear)
|
|
Shoulder room
|
54.90(front)
53.20 (second)
|
57.2(front)
54.4(second)
|
56.9(front)
52.6(second)
|
54.8(front)
54.8(second)
|
They are supportive, breathable, and prove their worth on long journeys. Corolla is gaining on passenger comfort with its enhanced back-seat room, other than that there is no competition factor for this one, all cars share similar spacing.
Infotainment system
The Entune infotainment system makes a reappearance in this year’s Corolla. Its simplicity is a decent factor but the average responsive time meddle with the overall performance. The much-needed car play and Android Auto was still missing from the 2018 Corolla. Corolla is installed with a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen display with voice command and Bluetooth connectivity, a 7.0-inch system with Sirius XM satellite and a navigation app for smartphone use, USB port, a six-speaker audio system, moonroof, automatic climate.
Cargo space
The 13 cu ft of broad cargo space can manage enough room for 10 shopping bags. The large trunk opening makes loading and unloading an easy task as well. The split-folding rear seats can add room your larger items but are recalcitrant when one actually uses it.
|
Model
|
Chevrolet Cruze
|
Mazda 3
|
Honda civic
|
Toyota Corolla
|
|
Cargo Volume
|
15 cu ft
|
12 cu ft
|
15 cu ft
|
13 cu ft
|
Interior Features
- Circular outboard air vents, what is a functional layout
- Different-size air vents located over an asymmetrical infotainment system.
- Heated front seats and an eight-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat, are exclusive to the XLE and XSE.
- The Corolla has redesigned automatic climate controls.
The 2018 Corolla offers two different exterior designs, reflecting the new model lineup. The L, LE, XLE and LE Eco offer a nose-and-tail treatment that's distinct from the sportier SE and XSE models"- KBB
The Corolla’s front was redesigned in 2018 with a new grille, which aesthetically looked impressive but in 2018 the grille has been removed which is a disappointment. After having a closer look at the stylized Corolla’s exterior, there might be expectations higher than its performance dynamics; which are pathetically slow than ever.
|
Cars
|
Length
|
Height
|
Width
|
Ground Clearance
|
Wheel base(in)
|
|
Hyundai Elantra
|
179.9 in
|
56.7
|
70.9
|
6.70 in
|
106.3 in
|
|
Mazda 3
|
180.3
|
57.3
|
70.7
|
6.71 in
|
106.3 in
|
|
Honda Civic
|
182.3
|
55.7
|
70.8
|
5.9 in
|
106.3 in
|
|
Toyota Corolla
|
183.1
|
57.3
|
69.9
|
6.7 in
|
106.3 in
|
|
Chevrolet Cruze
|
183.7
|
57.4
|
70.5
|
6.70 in
|
106.3
|
Exterior Features
- LED headlamps
- Bi-LED headlamps in LE Eco trim
- Multi-LED projectors with LED accent lights in SE, XLE, XSE trims
- A glossy-black mesh grille that’s meant to look sporty
Safety is one of the strong suits for the 2018 Corolla. In 2017, the car received an all-star rating from the NHTSA which is carried forward for the current as well. The Toyota safety sense driver assistance comes standard in the new Corolla which is packed with safety features yet to be displayed by other cars in the market, but they missed the pervasive blind spot feature.
| IIHS Ratings |
|
Impact
|
4 star
|
|
Frontal Barrier crash
|
4 stars
|
|
Side barrier rating
|
4 stars
|
|
Rollover
|
4 stars
|
|
Side crash rating
|
5 stars
|
|
Combine side barrier
|
5 stars
|
Honda Civic vs Toyota Corolla
The Honda Civic is a top performer in the class. Civic’s 4cyliner turbocharged engine seems more powerful. Corolla might be a fuel-efficient car but the civic beat it with its combined 42 mpg performance. While Corolla delivers an enhanced legroom space the civic uses that extra space to expand its boot.
Corolla falls short in the infotainment category as well, with the absence of Car Play and Android Auto, which comes option in Honda Civic. To sum up, Honda Civic is a better car in the similar price range.
Mazda 3 vs Toyota Corolla
There are many cars in the similar class but only a few deliver a performance like Mazda 3. Backed with enough power and adorn interior the car is not just a performer but entertaining as well. Where Corolla’s infotainment is functional Mazda does the same in a simpler way. Both cars share a similar base price but comparing the top trims, Mazda’s top model cost less than Corolla’s. Still, if you want to recommend someone, go for the Mazda 3 over Toyota Corolla.
Chevrolet Cruz vs Toyota Corolla
Chevrolet Cruz is a leading car in the compact car market and apt competition for the new 2018 Cruze. While both cars share similar engine specs, Cruze generates a higher power and torque. On the other hand, people who are more safety centric will enjoy Toyota’s safety Sense-P suite of safety features. In terms of comfort, both cabins are roomy with Toyota adding a few inches more for legroom comfort. To sum up, both cars are marketed on a similar price range, you can go for Cruze if you are a power lover and Corolla if you favor safety.
The 2018 Corolla is a family sedan which delivers great value for your precious bucks. From a driver’s perspective, the 2018 model is dull and lacks the fun factor rendered by the competition. But the major selling point for this car would be the reliability, bargained price, and the predictable driving experience. Safety alone is a major feature for Corolla being a desired compact sedan. A normal family guy would buy this car for safety but will miss the required power, interior, and exterior thrill offered by the competition.
