2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan

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 gas 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 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 and the Hybrid variant, 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, available for both SE and XSE models, is a sporty special edition 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 - color-keyed for the SE Apex Edition and black for the XSE Apex Edition - is standard, while unique 18-inch wheels are standard, making for an attractive exterior in this spec.

Hybrid models have blue-tinted Toyota logos to differentiate them from the rest of the range.

Dimensions across the range are largely similar on the Corolla sedan. All models are 70.1 inches wide with a height measurement of 56.5 inches, but the Apex models are both 0.6 inches lower. The wheelbase measures 106.3 inches, but while most models are 182.3 inches in length, the SE and XSE trims are 182.5 inches long.

Curb weight starts at 2,850 pounds for the Hybrid variant (despite all the electronics), with the base gas model coming in at 2,910 lbs. The LE is 45 pounds heavier. With the CVT, the SE trim weighs 3,110 lbs while the manual is a little lighter at 3,055. The XLE and XSE trims weigh 3,045 and 3,150 lbs, respectively.

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. These colors apply to the Hybrid model too. The SE Nightshade is only available in Classic Silver Metallic, Black Sand Pearl, Super White, or Ruby Flare Pearl. 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 Editions have 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 Toyota Corolla has never been a shrine to performance, and 2022's version is no different. The Corolla comes with a choice of two gas engines, both of which are four-cylinder motors with no forced induction, and a hybrid setup. The entry-level engine is a 1.8-liter that produces 139 hp and 126 lb-ft, and as you can guess, a 0-60 mph time of less than 10 seconds is all you can ask for here. The 2.0-liter is slightly better with its 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, but this engine still only motivates the Corolla to get from 0 to 60 mph in eight seconds. The hybrid Corolla uses the 1.8-liter four-pot combined with two electric motors for anemic outputs of 121 hp and 105 lb-ft.

Clearly, the Corolla was never built for top speed - regardless of powertrain. However, what the front-wheel-drive sedan does offer is a comfortable ride along with remarkably good handling. It's not going to win any autocross events, but it is sprightly enough to feel capable, and in an affordable sedan like this, anything more would probably be considered overkill. The only rivals in the segment to offer AWD come from Japanese kin like Mazda and Subaru, whose Mazda 3 and Impreza offerings can drive all four wheels.

Toyota divides the Corolla lineup into two sub-lines, Luxury and Sport, denominated by the 'L' or 'S' in the trim name. The standard engine on L-line models is the smaller 1.8-liter four-pot with 139 hp and 126 lb-ft. It's always mated to a continuously variable transmission, so if the engine proves uninspiring - which it likely will for anyone but the most speed-fearing student drivers - the transmission won't set your hair on fire either. This configuration may cause you to give up driving altogether, as even metropolitan buses get off the line quicker than this. You'll never fail at overtaking anyone either because you'll be too scared of the car approaching from the opposite direction, even if that car is so far away that it can only be detected by radar. Essentially, once you're in a lane, make sure it's a slow one and try to stick to it.

For the Corolla Hybrid, the automaker uses the same 1.8-liter engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.3 kWh battery. A CVT is standard. Outputs come to 121 hp and 105 lb-ft, which are just as lethargic here as in the underwhelming Prius with the same setup. You'll need to have time to spare going anywhere in the Hybrid, and an extra dose of patience.

However, if you get the 2.0-liter four-banger with its 169 hp and 151 lb-ft, you'll find that getting going is a little easier to achieve. It's still not a fire-breathing power plant, but it's good enough to not be frustrating, and overtaking is now an option. The CVT that comes in the SE and XSE trims is also a "Dynamic-Shift" setup that emulates ten traditional gear ratios, and certainly feels far more refined and eager to get you off the mark. The SE's available six-speed manual is the highlight of the range, with its smooth and light stick making driving the Corolla a little more enjoyable. Whichever powertrain you choose, you won't feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and although this segment is not the place to find Autobahn missiles, most rivals are more polished and quicker.

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 has always promised low running costs, and where the lackluster powertrains may seem boring, they greatly benefit fuel consumption in the real world. Naturally, the Corolla Hybrid is the way to go if fuel economy is your priority. The hybrid sedan manages EPA estimates of 53/52/52 mpg, which compares favorably to other hybrid sedans in the class.

If you're going with gas, the 2.0-liter engine paired with the automatic transmission is the most frugal setup, delivering figures of 31/40/34 mpg city/highway/combined. After that are XSE and Apex models with the same powertrain; these models can attain 31/38/34 mpg. With the automatic and the smaller 1.8-liter engine and the automatic gearbox, the Corolla achieves 30/38/33 mpg. Equipping the manual gearbox to the 1.8-liter engine realizes figures of 29/39/33 mpg. When the 2.0-liter engine is paired with the manual, it manages 29/36/32 mpg. Finally, the least frugal model is the 2.0-liter model with the manual and in Apex specification - it manages 28/36/31 mpg.

For the ICE-equipped models, a 13.2-gallon gas tank is common, so the Corolla has a range of between 409 and 449 miles. Hybrid models have a smaller tank at 11.4 gallons. A range of around 593 miles should be possible between refills.

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.

All trim levels of the Corolla sedan seat five individuals in decent comfort, but those over six-feet will only narrowly miss the roof when seated in the back. The seats are inoffensive, although lower trims only come with manual adjustment and have fairly flat cushioning. On the SE and XSE variants, you get sports seats that offer more support without invading on comfort, and power-adjustment is available on higher trims with eight-way adjustment for the driver and four-way adjustment for the person riding shotgun. Getting in and out is a breeze too, and there's plenty of space for long legs at 42/34.8 inches front/rear. In the driver's seat, the layout is easy to live with and all-round visibility is decent. Essentially, the Corolla neither blows your mind nor makes sitting in the car unbearable. It's just discreetly good.

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 fabric, while the Hybrid LE only has the first two options. Upgrading to SofTex in Black or Macadamia/Mocha on the Hybrid is by way of a package upgrade.

SE trims have premium fabric in Black with blue stitching or Light Gray, 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.

The 2022 Corolla sedan offers a respectable 13.1 cubic feet of volume in the trunk, even in Hybrid guise, which is enough for all occupants to bring luggage for a weekend away. If you need more space, the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split to allow for longer items. Rivals offer more, however, with the brand-new Civic Sedan being the class leader at 14.8 cubes.

You get a pair of cupholders up front in the cabin, a spot under the dash for your keys and some loose change, and large door pockets. There's also a decent glovebox, but if you get the base L trim, you won't get a pair of cupholders in the back.

Depending on which trim level you opt for, the standard and available features change considerably, but even the base model is well equipped. It features a 4.2-inch TFT driver info screen, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, radar-guided dynamic cruise control, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking. Other features available higher up in the range include heated wing mirrors with blind-spot helpers, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a power sunroof, push-button start, adaptive LED headlights, power-adjustable heated front seats, ambient lighting, QI inductive wireless charging, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and, on SE and higher trims fitted with the CVT, a sport mode.

The standard setup in the base L model boasts a seven-inch touchscreen display to control the infotainment system that feeds a six-speaker audio system. The infotainment system boasts Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth connectivity, and two USB ports. If you'd like to upgrade, the LE trims and higher will give you an eight-inch touchscreen display. Also available is a nine-speaker JBL audio upgrade, while navigation is also on offer. The system works well and is thankfully accompanied by buttons and knobs that make it easier to live with and use. However, the screen looks slightly out of place on the dash and is one of the few hard-edged components of the smooth and curvy interior design.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla sedan was free of recalls, as well as the 2022 model so far, with 2020 being the last time the Corollas was recalled for any safety-related issues. J.D. Power's review of the Corolla returns an 85 out of 100 score for quality and reliability.

Should anything go awry, a limited warranty covers the car's reliability for the first three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain is covered for five years/60,000 miles, too, while complimentary scheduled maintenance is provided for the first two years/25,000 miles. The hybrid powertrain is covered for eight years/100,000 miles and the battery's warranty is for ten years/150,000 miles.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan models have been fully rated by the NHTSA and achieved a full five stars in its frontal and side crash ratings and four stars for rollover safety. In the IIHS review, the 2022 model scored six top scores across evaluations and holds a Top Safety Pick award for 2021 for models with the Advanced Lighting Package. Overall, these are excellent safety ratings for a family sedan.

Standard safety features for the Corolla are impressive, with 10 airbags, including rear side-impact airbags. It also boasts Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 which includes forward collision alert with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian detection. You also get a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, hill start assist, and tire pressure monitoring. Lane departure warning, lane keep assist, auto high beams, traffic sign recognition, and full-speed radar-guided dynamic cruise control are included too. However, the manual SE trim only gets standard dynamic cruise control.

The Toyota Corolla four-door has never been a presumptuous vehicle. It knows where it slots in in the pecking order, and it's dedicated everything to being the car you expect. It's affordable, reliable, and remarkably safe. It's also light on gas - particularly in Hybrid guise - and although the base 1.8-liter engine is underpowered and won't do you any favors in a drag race, it gets the job done and can't be faulted considering the features that the rest of the car comes with. However, this minor issue can easily be alleviated with the 2.0-liter engine. The fact that there is a manual option is a bonus, but the fact that it's only available on one trim may deter some. Still, the Corolla rides well no matter what configuration you opt for, and its safety features are stellar. Sure, the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3 will be a lot more fun to drive, but for someone who needs an affordable car that just gets the job done, the Corolla is hard to beat.

Numerous Toyota Corolla models are on offer, the cheapest in the lineup being the base L trim. It retails at an MSRP of $20,075 before a $1,025 destination charge. Stepping up to the LE will set you back $20,525, while the SE has a cost of $22,525. The SE Manual is a little pricier at $23,225 - the same price you'll pay for the CVT-only SE Nightshade Edition. The one-trim Hybrid LE has a starting price of $23,650.

The XLE is one of the more premium models in the lineup and costs $24,475, while the top XSE trim has the highest price of any standard Toyota Corolla in the USA and costs $25,975. Last year, we commented that the Apex Edition models were rather ludicrously priced, and this year, Toyota has dropped their prices by nearly $1,000, starting at $25,220 for the SE Apex Edition, while the XSE Apex Edition is $28,360. Want one of the SE Apex Edition manuals? An additional $390 seals the deal.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan lineup is composed of nine models. These are the L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, SE, SE Nightshade Edition, XSE, SE Apex Edition, and XSE Apex Edition. The gas L, LE, and XLE models use a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter inline-four gas engine with 139 hp and a CVT automatic transmission, while the Hybrid LE adds two motors for a combined 121 hp/105 lb-ft. SE, SE Nightshade Edition, and XSE models use a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four gas engine with 169 hp coupled to a Dynamic-Shift CVT - or the choice of a six-speed manual transmission on the SE model only. Sharing the more powerful engine are the SE Apex Edition and XSE Apex Edition models.

The base L model has 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, air-conditioning, fabric upholstery, an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver-information display, two USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Safety features include ten airbags, forward collision alert with pedestrian detection, and a backup camera.

The LE trims add to these features 16-inch steel wheels (although the Hybrid LE retains the 15-inch alloys), variable intermittent wipers, premium fabric upholstery, automatic climate control, keyless entry, a rear armrest with cupholders, and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen.

The SE is a sportier trim and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, dark-gray metallic exterior accents and mirrors, a sport mesh grille, and a trunk spoiler. Inside, it gets a sports driving mode, sport seats, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel, while the SE with the manual transmission also gets push-button start and a sunroof.

The SE Nightshade Edition is based on the SE trim, but adds gloss black exterior accents, as well as a grille, mirrors, rocker panels, wheels, rear spoiler, and door handles in the same color. The taillights are smoked, too.

Sharing its features with the SE, the SE Apex Edition adds black alloy wheels, a black grille, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and bronze interior stitching.

The XLE is second from the top and runs on 16-inch alloy wheels, while also gaining a sunroof. Inside, leatherette upholstery is used and this trim gets push-button start, a premium gauge cluster, ambient lighting, and wireless phone charging. On the safety front, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are added.

The pricier XSE mostly mirrors XLE spec, but runs on 18-inch alloy wheels and adds different detailing on the exterior. Inside, it gains electric adjustment for the front seats and paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Finally, the XSE Apex Edition mirrors the XSE but gets sportier touches like a two-tone exterior, 18-inch black wheels, a black rear spoiler, and bronze interior stitching. It also has a sport-tuned suspension.

The base L model Corolla isn't available with any options or packages, but the LE has access to two: The LE Convenience package and the LE Premium package. The former costs $1,150 and adds remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, push-button start, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, while the latter adds the same features along with a power tilt-and-slide sunroof for $2,000.

For the Hybrid model, there is the $500 blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert upgrade, or the new $1,525 Premium Interior Package, which adds SofTex and front-seat heating, as well as leather on the steering wheel and power driver's seat settings. There's also a $2,025 combination of these two bundles.

The SE gets access to a Premium package that costs $1,500 and adds blind-spot monitoring, color-coded heated wing mirrors, and a smart key with push-button start, along with a power moonroof. More expensive packages are available that add an eight-inch touchscreen or the bigger screen and a nine-speaker JBL system. These cost $2,265 and $2,865 respectively.

Both top trims are available with two packages: the XLE/XSE Connectivity Package and the XLE/XSE Connectivity Package With Options. The first costs $1,715 and adds a nine-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and Qi inductive wireless charging. The second costs $2,165 and builds on the first with adaptive LED headlights and ambient interior lighting. Pricing remains the same whichever model of the two you add it to. No packages are available for either of the Apex Edition models, although summer tires are available for these derivatives at no extra cost.

There are plenty of options here, but the first decision to be made is whether you want gas or hybrid power. If the answer is the latter, there is only one model to go for. If you're opting for gas, the one thing that you can't compromise on is the 2.0-liter engine. For that reason, the L, LE, and XLE trims are out of the running. While the fun-seekers among us would be tempted to immediately opt for the SE 6MT for its manual transmission, most won't be buying a car like this and looking to have some fun on quiet back roads. Still, we'd get this model for its added features compared to the CVT, including a sunroof and push-button start. This would be a safe, comfortable, and well-specced choice. For the die-hards, the limited Apex Edition models, with their sport-tuned suspension, are wonderful. However, they lack any significant increase in power, which is disappointing.

Occupying the midsize sedan segment, the Toyota Camry is a larger and more comfortable alternative from the Japanese automaker that is also loaded with more standard features. However, it costs five grand more, so is it worth it? Both offer hybrid options, but in terms of ICE sedans, which one comes out on top? Well, instead of a CVT, the Camry gets a proper eight-speed automatic transmission and, in the base model, a 2.5-liter four-pot developing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, it's only around two mpg thirstier on gas. Furthermore, its increased size means more space for passengers and cargo, although not much in terms of the latter. Nevertheless, the interior of the Camry is stunning and certainly feels a lot more premium. In addition, if you're willing to spend a bit more, you can have dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass sunroof, and even a head-up display. It all costs a fair amount, so if you're on a budget and looking for a well-rounded car, the Corolla is ideal. But if you can spare some extra cash, the Camry is a big step up, and as a bonus, you can even have a V6 if your pockets are deep enough.

While there's no hybrid option in the Civic lineup, the Civic is still a compelling alternative to the Corolla. As we've mentioned more than once in this review of the Toyota Corolla, the brand-new Honda Civic offers far superior handling, but what else does it have going for it? Firstly, it's a little more expensive at a base price of $21,700, and the sad news for driving enthusiasts is that the entry- and mid-level sedan trims' manual transmission has been dropped. The base engine is a 2.0-liter that makes 11 horses less than the Corolla's 169 in the 2.0-liter, while a turbo 1.5L rules the roost in Hondatown with 180 hp and 177 lb-ft available. Furthermore, the cabin is much more modern and looks more upmarket too. It also offers features like dual-zone climate control and many of the same standard features that the Toyota boasts. A better sound system is on offer, but the base setup is weaker than that of the Toyota. The old Civic was very closely matched to the Corolla but based on the brand-new one's smart new design, excellent comfort, updated interior, superior cargo space, better available features, and impressive handling capabilities, we'll easily give this one to Honda.