Flash Drive

2016 Toyota Corolla

April 10, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Toyota Corolla Special Edition

The 2016 Corolla is the 11th generation of the highly successful compact sedan.
The 2016 Corolla is the 11th generation of the highly successful compact sedan.

Engine: 1.8-liter I-4 gas, 140 horsepower, 126 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 29/City—37/Highway—32/Combined

Base Price: $20,635

As Tested: $22,320

Performance:

Pleasant ride

Fun to drive if not quite “sporty”

Sport Drive mode

17-alloy wheels

4-wheel disc brakes

Good fuel economy; we averaged 29.8 mpg

The Toyota 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of mid-thirties fuel economy.
The Toyota 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is capable of mid-thirties fuel economy.

Comfort:

Good quality interior materials

Supportive seats

Driver seat height pump

Great, very thick contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Tilt/telescopic steering column

Near stretch-out front legroom

Excellent headroom

Soft headrests

Excellent large adult rear seat room

Minimal floor tunnel

Utility:

Medium size sunroof

Small to medium front door bins

Driver comfort and legroom are outstanding.
Driver comfort and legroom are outstanding.

Large, non-locking glovebox

Small, two-part console bin

Four grab handles

Small sun visors

Ample trunk capacity

Wide trunk opening

Flat trunk floor, but cheap carpet

Split, folding rear seats

Wide pass through

Big slant to folded seats

Big step up from trunk floor

Small rear door bins

One seatback storage pouch

Soft, fold-down armrest

Wow Factors:

Sharp, stealthy all black exterior including wheels

Backseat room is great. The split, folding seats provide excellent cargo versatility.
Backseat room is great. The split, folding seats provide excellent cargo versatility.

Spacious, comfortable interior front and back

Quality engineering and construction

Whines:

Small sun visors

Small infotainment screen

Rear seats don’t fold very flat

More interior small item space would be nice

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a very solid family transportation value. The addition of the all-black Special Edition package makes it distinctive enough to elevate the spacious sedan above common freeway drones. Interior space and comfort are big pluses as are the build quality and competitive pricing.