2012 Toyota Corolla vs. Its Competition

2011 Toyota Corolla 4-door Sedan Auto S (Natl) Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 7.2 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Bengt Halvorson

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Bengt Halvorson is Deputy Editor of High Gear Media's portfolio of car sites, overseeing the production of reviews, evaluating vehicles firsthand... More

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2662ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
108COMMENTS POSTED

Feb 22, 2012

The 2012 Toyota Corolla is competent in nearly all areas, but many of the alternatives are more distinct for styling, features, or the driving experience--at a comparable price.

The Hyundai Elantra is by many critics the new champ in this segment for value-conscious shoppers, with a stronger feature list than the Corolla and a bit more for the money; though like the Corolla the Elantra is more comfort-oriented.

The Nissan Sentra has better style and a better backseat, while the Mazda3 is the zippiest of all.

Comfort-minded shoppers should also consider the new Chevrolet Cruze, which has a great interior that transcends its price and feels almost like a mid-sizer for comfort.

The Honda Civic has been redesigned for 2012, with more of an emphasis on comfort, but it's arguably lost its way on styling and driving excitement.

2012 Toyota Corolla Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Chevrolet Cruze Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Honda Civic Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Hyundai Elantra Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Nissan Sentra Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
7.2 For those who want frugal, trouble-free transportation but have no want of excitement, the 2012 Toyota Corolla fits the bill.	8 The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is a practical, comfortable, fuel-efficient, and a strong value, but it does lack the nimble, tossable feel that some small-car fans appreciate.	7 The 2012 Honda Civic is a little more spacious, comfortable, and economical, but it's now one of the blandest of the bunch.	8.2 The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has officially left the Civic and Corolla in the dust, thanks to a 38-mpg gas mileage rating, a sleek look, and tremendous value for the money.	8.2 With its new Skyactive powertrains, the 2012 Mazda3 is the eco-conscious choice that sure doesn't drive like one.	6.6 The 2012 Nissan Sentra no longer looks fresh, but especially in base 2.0 form or SE-R Spec V guise it represents a strong value for the money with a roomy, comfortable interior.
MSRP From
$16,130	$16,800	$15,955	$15,345	$15,200	$16,430
Gas Mileage
26 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	25 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy	22 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy	28 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy	18 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy	21 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4	Gas I4
EPA Class
Compact	Midsize Car	Compact Cars	Midsize cars	Compact	Compact
Style Name
4-Door Sedan Man L (Natl)	4-Door Sedan LS	4-Door Man DX	4-Door Sedan Man GLS (Alabama Plant)	4-Door Sedan Man i SV	4-Door Sedan I4 Manual 2.0
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	4	N/A	4	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	Sedan	Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual	Manual