Now in its third year, the 2016 Toyota Corolla remains what it has always been: reliable, inexpensive, and somewhat on the bland side—though Toyota's tried to address the latter a bit without compromising the rest of the package.
It's got a crisp, more modern design, a more comfortable interior, and more features.
But even at three, it faces two all-new competitors: this year's Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic promise to offer a tough fight for any buyers willing to look at brands beyond old faithful Toyota.
We haven't yet driven either one, but both feature sportier styling, the very latest in interior finishes and digital integration, and each is likely to do well in a segment that's at best only holding its own.
The Ford Focus is one of the best cars for driving pleasure in this class and it too emphasizes technology options.
The Mazda3 goes even further, focusing on its fun-to-drive qualities and a more daring design over interior space.
The Hyundai Elantra is about to be redesigned as well; the current model has a long warranty and sold well in the segment.
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2016 Toyota Corolla continues to offer reliable, inexpensive transportation—with a bit of flair and new, easy-to-use infotainment systems. |
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze inches closer to mid-size, while growing lighter, leaner, and more fuel-efficient. |
From efficiency-minded models to the high-performance ST, the 2016 Ford Focus remains one of the best-driving small cars on the market. |
Not quite a hot hatch, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT gives up some rear-seat space in the name of cargo room and European style. |
The 2016 Mazda 3 is one of the best-driving and best-looking small cars, with a more premium feel than its (now even lower) price might suggest. |
The 2015 Honda Civic is refined, comfortable, and offers top-notch safety ratings and features. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $17,300 | $16,120 | $17,225 | $17,250 | $17,845 | $18,290 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 27 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 38 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 41 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 47 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Regular Unleaded I-4 | Turbocharged 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 | Midsize Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| 4-Door Sedan Manual L (SE) | 4-Door Sedan Manual L | 4-Door Sedan S | 4-Door Sedan Manual SE (Alabama Plant) | 4-Door Sedan Manual i Sport | 2-Door Manual LX |
| 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 | Sedan | Sedan | Coupe |
| Transmission | |||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2016 Toyota Corolla vs. 2016 Chevrolet Cruze | 2016 Toyota Corolla vs. 2016 Ford Focus | 2016 Toyota Corolla vs. 2016 Hyundai Elantra | 2016 Toyota Corolla vs. 2016 Mazda MAZDA3 | 2016 Toyota Corolla vs. 2015 Honda Civic | |
