Toyota Corolla XII (E210) 1.5 Dynamic Force (125 HP)

When it comes to reliable, affordable, and safe compact sedans, the Toyota Corolla is almost impossible to beat. That's no mean feat when rivals in the segment include the Mazda 3, Honda Civic, and the Volkswagen Jetta. A number of trims are on offer to suit every budget, and each is remarkably frugal, even before you consider the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which we review separately. Two engines are on offer, both being four-cylinder naturally-aspirated mills. The first is a 1.8-liter that produces 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque, while the second is a 2.0-liter that develops 169 horses and 151 lb-ft of twist. Throughout the lineup, front-wheel-drive is the configuration of choice with most models mated to a continuously variable transmission, although the SE trim also offers a six-speed manual and some higher trims come with a "dynamic" CVT. Pricing starts over $20,000 and numerous safety features are standard, but is the Corolla good enough to take on the likes of the class-leading new Honda Civic?

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan model year is a carryover from 2021 with no changes, with the exception of minor changes to the exterior and interior color palettes. Prices have increased slightly across the board for all models except the Apex Edition trims, which have become a little cheaper.

The Toyota Corolla sedan we review here is an attractive offering in the segment, with J-shaped LED headlights, a gaping grille, and a handsome rear end that features a faux diffuser and vent-shaped reflectors. 15-inch steel wheels are fitted to the base L model, with 16s on the LE trim. All other models feature alloy wheels, with these available in 16-inch (XLE) and 18-inch sizing (SE, SE Nightshade, XSE) with various finishes. Upper trims also feature chrome twin exhaust tips, while the SE Nightshade version adds numerous black accents to the door handles, mirror caps, badges, and even the shark-fin roof antenna and trunk spoiler. The Apex Edition is a sporty special edition for the new model year and comes with a unique black aero kit with bronze accents, as well as a unique front spoiler, fog light covers, rocker panels, and rear diffuser. A trunk spoiler is optional while unique 18-inch wheels are standard, making for an attractive exterior in this spec.

Nine hues make up 2022's color palette, each capable of being paired with a two-tone roof color scheme on SE and XSE trims. The base L model is available in four no-cost finishes, namely Celestite Gray Metallic, Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, and Super White. The LE adds to these Blueprint for free, but for $425 more, you can equip Wind Chill Pearl or Ruby Flare Pearl. The SE Nightshade is only available in Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Super White, or Ruby Flare Pearl. The LE and XLE trims come in the same colors. The SE and XSE add Blue Crush Metallic at no cost but the XSE loses Ruby Flare Pearl. For $500 extra, two-tone finishes are available on the SE and XSE with a Black Sand Pearl roof and any of the other colors for the rest of the body. The Apex Edition is the only one that has access to a two-tone Cement with Black Sand Pearl finish for the roof; the only other options available are Super White with the same roof finish, or the entire car in Black Sand Pearl. This model also has black mirror caps.

The 2020 model year saw a drastic step up in the Corolla's handling thanks to the new TNGA platform that greatly improved the suspension. 2022's model sees no significant changes in the US, but the same observations apply as our 2020 review of the Corolla. The ride is compliant and smooth, absorbing almost every ripple and undulation that the road can throw at you. In the SE and XSE variants, the suspension is slightly sportier in its tuning, but although the handling is slightly enhanced, the Corolla still rides impeccably with little reason for any occupant to complain. In the corners, the Corolla sedan changes direction at low speeds quickly and maintains grip levels well. The steering feels good and is well-weighted, but high-speed evasive maneuvers are certainly the Corolla's Achilles' heel. Rivals like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic are certainly more enthusiastic in the bends, but the Apex Edition's unique suspension tuning and lower ride height make it the best-handling of the Corolla models.

There's a caveat though, in that the ultra-firm suspension may cull body roll, but it severely detriments comfort, creating a bouncy ride over broken pavement. The revised steering for the Apex, however, is a joy, with quicker responses and making the most of the chassis upgrades.

The Corolla's interior is nothing uncommon for the segment, with plenty of plastics and a simple, ergonomic layout. However, those plastics feel great and are rarely interrupted by hard plastics, and most of the inferior materials aren't on high-traffic touchpoints. The central touchscreen display sits proudly atop the dash, while a small TFT screen aids the driver. Overall, it looks and feels appealing, and there's no cause for concern when it comes to build quality. The seats are comfortable too, and the cabin is spacious, although taller individuals may be slightly happier in the front, where some trims offer heated seats.

The base L model is the only trim that doesn't come with metallic interior trim accents, but ideally, you want an SE or higher trim to get a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Nevertheless, the base model's Light Gray color scheme fabric upholstery is nice enough. On the LE trim, you have a choice of Light Gray / Moonstone, Black and Macadamia/Mocha. The SE loses out on this last option but gains blue stitching for the black configuration, while the SE Nightshade Edition features striped black fabric only. On the XLE, SofTex faux leather replaces the fabric and comes in black with white contrast stitching or in Macadamia/Mocha. The XSE gets the same material, but with white or blue contrast stitching that is only paid with black synthetic leather. The Apex Edition, with its premium fabric upholstery on the SE and with SofTex faux leather on the XSE is all black but features bronze stitching.

Price Range (MSRP):$20,075 - $25,975.