With its redesign this past year, the Toyota Corolla hardly broke into new ground; but it did become a much better-rounded entry, with more features, a far more striking design, and a more comfortable interior.
The Mazda3 is pretty much the polar opposite in this field, emphasizing fun-to-drive qualities and a more daring design over interior space.
The Ford Focus also is one of the best handlers in this class and emphasizes technology options.
The Hyundai Elantra offers an long warranty while the Honda Civic has just enhanced its safety scores.
The Chevrolet Cruze is offered with a turbo-diesel engine that has an impressive 46-mpg highway rating.
And then there's the Honda Civic, which remains the top rival to the Corolla; between the two it's a tough call, and while we like the way the Civic drives somewhat better, we think the Corolla's new infotainment systems are superior.
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 2015 Toyota CorollaBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Chevrolet CruzeBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Ford FocusBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Honda CivicBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Hyundai ElantraBrowse Used Listings |  2015 Mazda MAZDA3Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2015 Toyota Corolla maintains its reputation for low running costs and frugality, but there's not a lot more beyond that, to make this a very appealing lineup. |
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze might now be one of the oldest designs in its class, but it remains one of the strongest entries -- especially for those focused on comfort, practicality, and fuel-efficiency. |
The 2015 Ford Focus lineup gets a clean new look for 2015, as well as a high-mileage three-cylinder engine option and revamped cabin comforts. From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, it remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
The 2015 Honda Civic is refined, comfortable, and offers top-notch safety ratings and features. |
Snappy sheetmetal and smart packaging puts the 2015 Hyundai Elantra on most must-drive lists, though it's not as engaging to drive as some compact sedans. |
The 2015 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving small cars, with efficient engines and smooth transmissions that help give it a more premium feel than its price would suggest. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $16,950 | $16,170 | $17,170 | $18,290 | $17,250 | $16,945 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 46 MPG Hwy | 23 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Mid-Size Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual L (Natl) | 4-Door Sedan Manual L | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Manual LX | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual i SV |
| 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 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Coupe | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2015 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Chevrolet Cruze | 2015 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Ford Focus | 2015 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Honda Civic | 2015 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Hyundai Elantra | 2015 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Mazda MAZDA3 | |
