2015 Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla returns after its 2014 redesign – but does that mean there’s nothing new to this perennial favorite? We dug in with our experts to take an in-depth look at the new Corolla to see what’s in store for small car buyers in the US.

All Around Excellence of the Toyota Corolla

Despite its compact body, the Toyota Corolla is one of the giants in the auto industry. Purely considering sales and popularity, Corolla is without equal. Coming off a complete re-do, Toyota delivers a new Corolla with yet more innovations including a revamped interior and an impressive new look.

 

Toyota Corolla Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Corolla is powered by a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 132 hp and 128 pound-feet of torque. For you active drivers out there, it’s matched with a six-speed manual transmission if automatic is too pedestrian for your tastes.

An even more efficient variant of the 1.8-liter is additionally accessible on the LE Eco. This special variant has its production improved to 140 hp and a torque of 126. The most fuel-efficient of the group, it earns an impressive EPA-estimated 35 mpg joined (30 city/42 highway).

But that doesn’t mean the other models fall short when it comes to your gas budget — Standard L versions get 31 mpg when paired with the four-cylinder engine and 31 mpg with six. Versions equipped with the CVT return 32 mpg joined (29 city/38 highway).

Characteristics and Trim Options

The 2015 Toyota Corolla is well known compact sedan with enough room to fit five average sized adults. Maybe you’re in the market for your first car or just looking for something reliable, safe and comfortable. If that’s the case the 2015 Corolla stretches your dollar to its max when it comes to what you get for what you spend.

L versions include standard 15-inch wheels, LED headlights/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 back seat, and Bluetooth® audio and telephone capacity that enables you to make calls and stream music from your telephone straight to the Corolla’s four-speaker sound system.

Along with the L’s content, the LE adds (where appropriate) 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, and keyless entry. Additionally contained are automatic climate control, cruise control, and a rear-view camera for extra security and convenience. As though that was LE versions boast an upgraded six-speaker sound system—whole with six-inch touchscreen, voice controls, and the ability to download your telephone’s contacts list.

The LE Plus builds on the LE with some additions like alloy wheels, fog lights and interior accents that add a distinctive flair to the cabin.

You’ll also see key-less entry and ignition with the LE Plus as well as an optional sunroof, a roof-mounted antenna, satellite radio, HD radio, and a navigation system that uses Toyota’s Entune App Suite — an app that lets you get other popular streaming and app services like Slacker Radio,  iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, and more from the cockpit of your Corolla.

A step above the LE Plus is the LE Premium which includes a power driver seat, heated seats and upgraded upholstery. The LE Eco comes with all of the LE’s gear and features a more efficient (and somewhat more powerful) engine and transmission, 15-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, and increased aerodynamics. The LE Eco Plus gets 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, chrome window trim, and an Eco mode that is driving, while the LE Eco Premium gets the same upgrades as the LE Premium.

The most aggressive sport option is the S which includes touches like a chrome grille frame and exhaust tip and a rear spoiler. as well as sport front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, and more aggressive instrumentation.

 

Toyota Corolla Layout

Throughout its long lifespan, solid layouts have been featured by the Corolla but none were really exciting. Happily, that the situation, and Toyota deserves lots of credit for taking the most recent generation Corolla in a new and daring way.

Really, there’s a lot to love about the Corolla’s slick new duds—notably in S trimming guise as it’s easily the most appealing version in the lineup—but what’ll really please fans new and old is the Corolla’s redesigned inside.

Indoors, the 2015 Corolla is welcoming and trendy. The first thing you’ll see is a fluid dash that creates a continuous line from each side of the cottage, which helps accentuate the inside’s many focal points—instrument panel, centre console, passenger place. From there we proceed to the rear, where the Corolla offers loads of passenger space. There considerable cargo room thanks to readily reconfigurable back seats.

Toyota Corolla Security

The 2015 Corolla comes with a driver knee airbag, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, standard antilock brakes, and a passenger seat cushion airbag. That, needless to say, is on top of Toyota’s Star Security System™ that is all-inclusive, an innovative integration of active security technologies designed to improve grip, braking and more. All Corolla versions excluding the base trimming additionally have a rearview camera that is conventional.

Bottom Line

The compact market is pretty crowded but the Toyota Corolla remains one of the most popular for more than just one reason. Looks are important, but Toyota understands the Corolla needs the goods to back it up and it does. It is one of the top picks for today’s drivers thanks to its fun yet practical modern technologies, interior, and an all-inclusive security system.

View available used Toyota Corollas here. Read our review on Honda Civic here.