If stellar fuel economy, strong brand reliability, and standard advanced safety features are high on your checklist, the Corolla Hybrid could be the choice for you. It gets an impressive 48 mpg overall.
We also tested the non-hybrid Corolla, which achieved a competitive 33 mpg overall. Both versions tackle corners more skillfully than the Corolla did before, thanks to well-weighted steering and limited body lean. Plus, the sharper driving character doesn't come at the expense of ride quality; the Corolla soaks up bumps with the best in the class.
But beyond competent handling, these Corollas do little to raise a driver's pulse. Both versions we tested were dismally slow, and their engines were loud and raspy. The continuously variable transmission can cause the engine to rev annoyingly high during even mild bursts of acceleration, which amplifies the engine noise. Corolla SE and XSE trims get a more powerful engine that is more responsive and less stressed.
The current Corolla feels less roomy than the previous model, which was one of the most spacious in the class. The rear seat in particular has significantly less headroom, while the car's curvier body and lower stance has made it harder to get in and out of.
Cabin ambience is basic and boring. Most controls are easy to use, although the labels for the small buttons that flank the center screen wash out in direct sunlight. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system of advanced safety and driver assist features is standard. It includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a lane centering feature. However, in order to get blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning on the LE, buyers must opt for a package that includes such frills as a sunroof and alloy wheels. For 2021, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are available on the hybrid model as a stand-alone package.
Buyers interested in a hybrid version with a dose of luxury are also out of luck, since it's only offered in the lower-level LE trim. That's a shame, because we would like to see the upscale interior of the XSE combined with the hybrid's superior fuel economy.