2017 Toyota Corolla

Still going places

Few models stand the test of time, but here we are more than 50 years later and the Toyota Corolla is still going strong and still dutifully going places. What gives the Corolla such staying power? Well, for one, the Corolla covers all the bases very well, delivering a comfortable ride, earning exceptional fuel economy numbers, and providing excellent value. 

For 2017, the Corolla is destined to remain a best-seller. Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) is now standard on all trims, adding adaptive cruise control, automatic collision braking, and much more. Speaking of trims, the model lineup has been simplified to better match that of the top-selling Camry. The interior benefits from upgraded material and the exterior receives updates and improvements, too. 

Performance

The 2017 Corolla is powered by two versions of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. In all but LE trims, power output is 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. LE Eco models employ a more sophisticated version of the same engine that maximizes fuel economy and raises power output to 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. 

While most Corolla models utilize a continuously variable transmission (CVT), drivers looking for a more hands-on approach to gear-shifting should look to the Corolla SE, which can be optioned with a six-speed manual transmission. 

Naturally, the Corolla Eco is the most fuel-efficient model available, earning an EPA-estimated 34 mpg combined (30 city/40 highway).* But just because the Eco leads the way in terms of fuel economy doesn’t mean the other models lag behind. Most SE models equipped with the manual transmission earn 30 mpg combined (27 city/35 highway), while most CVT models achieve 32 mpg combined (28 city/36 highway).*

Features

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is a four-door compact sedan with seating for five. It starts at $18,500 and can be had in L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, SE 50th Anniversary edition, and XSE trim levels.**​ 

Perhaps the 2017 Corolla will be your first car, or maybe you just want something reliable that doesn’t cut corners when it comes to comfort. Luckily, the Corolla is more than capable of stretching your hard-earned dollar.

L models come with standard 15-inch wheels, bi-LED headlights, LED running lights, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, and power accessories. The Corolla L also sports a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and Bluetooth® audio and phone capability that allows you to make calls and stream music from your phone straight to the Corolla’s six-speaker Entune audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen.

iPhone users can also take advantage of Siri Eyes Free voice control, and as previously mentioned, the Corolla now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P), which adds advanced safety features that are rare for the compact sedan segment, let alone as standard equipment.

In addition to the L’s content, the LE adds (where applicable) 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, and keyless entry, The LE Eco comes with all of the LE’s equipment and features a more efficient (and slightly more powerful) engine and transmission, 15-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, and enhanced aerodynamics. 

The XLE gets you more goodies, including keyless ignition/entry, upgraded headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, Toyota SofTex® simulated leather upholstery, and Entune Audio Plus, which upgrades the standard Entune system's features by adding a seven-inch touchscreen, satellite and HD Radio®, and an app-based navigation system.

Moving up to the SE provides a number of sporty touches like 17-inch alloy wheels and unique front-end styling with a black mesh grille. The SE also boasts a rear spoiler, a chrome-tipped exhaust, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters (for CVT models), and front sport seats. There's also a sport-style gauge cluster to help give a race car vibe. 

The XSE takes the SE CVT features and adds a number of premium features, including a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, heated front seats, and an eight-way power adjustable driver seat. There's also an SE 50th Anniversary edition that adds anniversary badging, gray-painted 17-inch wheels, and upgraded upholstery and trim with Black Cherry contrast stitching.

Design

The 2017 Corolla comes superbly styled, ready to embark on another 50 years pleasing owners and dominating its segment. There are two different exterior designs on offer. The L, LE, XLE, and LE Eco feature a nose-and-tail treatment that distinguishes those models from the sportier SE, XSE, and 50th Anniversary models. 

Standard LED headlights can be found on all models, with the two-element version on the Corolla SE models. SE models also get vertically styled front vents and LED fog lights, plus all-red taillights, while LE models feature two-color taillights. Indeed, there is a lot to love about the Corolla’s sleek duds.

Inside, the 2017 Corolla is stylish and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is a fluid dashboard that creates a continuous line from each side of the cabin, which helps accentuate the interior’s many focal points—instrument panel, center console, passenger area. From there we move to the back, where the Corolla offers plenty of passenger space. There’s even ample cargo room thanks to easily reconfigurable rear seats.

Safety

All 2017 Toyota Corolla models come standard with stability and traction control, antilock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, and a passenger seat cushion airbag. A rearview camera is standard on all trims.

The biggest and most exciting addition to the Corolla’s standard safety feature is the Toyota Safety Sense™ P (TSS-P) system, which bundles forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist (to nudge you back into your lane), and automatic high beams.

Verdict 

The 2017 Toyota Corolla continues to lead the small sedan segment thanks to an inventive mix of practicality, value, comfort, and now safety.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact us online, or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702. 

* 2017 EPA-estimated city/highway mileage. Actual mileage will vary.

** Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $865 for Cars, $940 for Small/Light Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Tacoma and Venza), $1195 for Large Trucks (Tundra), and $1095 for Large SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. Actual dealer price will vary.

Image: Toyota