Corolla Performance: Easy to Drive, Hard to Drive Fast

Corolla Performance: Easy to Drive, Hard to Drive Fast

Corolla Engine

Toyota offers two four-cylinder-engine options for the Corolla. The sedan comes with a 1.8-liter base engine that makes 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. Available in the SE and XSE sedan trims and standard in the hatchback is a 2.0-liter engine rated at 169 horsepower (168 in the hatchback) and 151 pound-feet of torque.

While the base engine is fine for city driving, it can feel outmatched on the highway. Getting to higher speeds takes time and a heavy foot. Models with the 2.0-liter engine hold their own a bit better.

The smaller engine comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The larger one can be had with a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission. Unlike many CVTs, the Corolla's operates smoothly and quietly.

Corolla Gas Mileage

With its base engine, the Toyota Corolla sedan gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Surprisingly, gas-mileage estimates improve with the larger engine, which returns 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the CVT. It’s no Toyota Prius, but those are all great figures for a small car. The Corolla hatchback gets 32/41 mpg or 28/37 mpg, depending on transmission.

For something even more fuel-efficient, you might want to consider the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

Corolla Ride and Handling

This Toyota delivers a comfortable ride, though more so in the sedan than the hatchback. Both body types have balanced handling, with strong brakes and light steering, but it would be a stretch to call the Corolla fun to drive. Even the sport-tuned SE and XSE models aren’t as agile as some rivals. Front-wheel drive comes standard.

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