Conventional Corolla: The XSE trim now features a 10.25 inch infotainment screen. Hybrid: The XSE gains a 10.25 inch infotainment screen and a JBL-branded audio system. An HEV badge replaces the Hybrid tag used last year.

Like the Corolla Hatchback, the Corolla sedan is built on the Toyota New Generation Architecture (TNGA) components set. Other than an expressive front end, the rest of the Corolla’s exterior design, while neat, lacks flair. Inside the dashboard is shared with the hatchback and features straightforward controls, including those for the large info screen. Seating is comfortable enough front and rear, and rear legroom is good for this class. The Corolla’s trunk is quite roomy.

The sole conventional engine offered is a 169 horsepower 2L four that is hooked up to a CVT. The hybrid version of the Corolla is powered by a 1.8L Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors to produce 121 horsepower. Called Hyper Prime Nickel, the battery pack employs the nickel metal hydride battery technology Toyota has had so much success with. Power finds its way to the front wheels via a CVT.

Conventional: Toyota offers two different trim streams, L (uxury) and S (port). With air conditioning, power windows, the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active safety suite and wireless iOS-Android, the base L trim is nicely equipped. The LE trim adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and heated front seats. The LE Upgrade variant delivers alloy wheels, a sunroof, and heated, leather-covered steering wheel and push-button start. Compared with the LE, the SE includes alloy wheels and independent rear suspension. The SE Upgrade adds a sunroof, a heated steering wheel and wireless cellphone charging. The XSE offers a digital gauge package, a JBL-branded audio system, a power driver’s seat and heated rear seats.

Hybrid: with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, alloy wheels, and heated front seats, the base, front-wheel LE is nicely equipped. All-wheel drive on the LE costs $1500 but also includes a heated steering wheel. Compared with the LE all-wheel drive, the SE all-wheel drive includes larger wheels and tires, wireless cellphone charging and a power sunroof.

Above average reliability. Cam cover and timing chain cover leaks were reported on the 1.8L four in the previous-generation Corolla. Unproven CVT. The rear-wheels on all-wheel drive models are driven electrically. The cable used has been defective on the RAV4 and though Toyota issued a recall, the new car warranty on the Corolla is only three years.