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.

Toyota offers two streams of Corolla, the L(uxury) and S(port). With air-conditioning, power windows, the Toyota Safety System 3.0 and wireless iOS/Android cellphone hookup, the base trim is well equipped for the price. The LE upgrade adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, auto climate control, heated front seats, a leather-clad steering wheel, alloy wheels, a sunroof,  leather-clad steering wheel and Keyless Go, and is a bargain. The base S (port) model, the SE, is equipped similarly to the LE but adds alloy wheels, at a slightly higher price that reflects the value of the wheels themselves. The SE Upgrade includes a sunroof, a heated steering wheel and wireless cellphone charging, is overpriced. The XSE, with heated front seats, a power driver’s seat and a JBL-branded audio system, is overpriced. Hybrid: With the TSS3, wireless iOS/Android cellphone interface, alloy wheels, auto climate control and heated front seats, the base FWD L trim is nicely equipped. Moving to AWD adds only $1500 to the price of the Hybrid L, which is good value. Compared to the LE AWD, the SE AWD adds bigger wheels, wireless cellphone charging and a sunroof, but is overpriced. Moving up to the XSE trims included a power seat and heated rear seat but is massively more expensive than the value of the content. There is really no overlap between the conventional and hybrid Corollas to make a price comparison.

Above average reliability. Cam cover and timing chain cover leaks were reported on the 1.8L four in the previous-generation Corolla. Unproven CVT.