2018 Toyota Corolla NH
Given the impressive refresh Toyota treated its 2017 Corolla to, particularly with respect to standard active safety features, expect only minor tweaks for the 2018 model year. Those include illuminated vanity mirrors installed in the sun visors up front, along with a leather-trimmed steering wheel on the XLE and manually-operated SE models.
Introduced to the world stage in January 2017, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is one “sexy” sedan, according to Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation. A subjective designation, to be sure; however, the 2018 Toyota Corolla will prove a compelling contender for consumers looking to blend affordability, outstanding safety, and the ease of maneuverability characteristic of the small sedan class.
Although all Toyota models support the brand’s motto, “Let’s Go Places,” the 2018 Corolla makes doing so easy, fun, and affordable.
Balanced Performance for a Compact Car
Engine Options
Carrying over from the 2017 model year, the 2018 Corolla features the same powertrains. Standard operation comes from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, capable of 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. An available Eco variant boosts performance to 140 horsepower, but drops torque ratings to 126. Expect a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) as standard fare, with the SE trim level offering an available six-speed manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Again, with the same engines carried over from 2017, fuel economy ratings remain the same for the 2018 Corolla. Drivers can expect an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway rating from the four-cylinder. Not surprisingly, the Eco option returns an increase in fuel economy to 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, provided the Corolla is equipped with low-rolling-resistance tires wrapped around 15-inch wheels.
Great Interior and Safety Features
Applauded for its roomy interior, more in line with Toyota’s Camry, the Corolla blends style and functionality, with details like an easily-accessible and responsive available 7-inch touchscreen. Considered one of the easiest to use in its class, the touchscreen features the optional Entune App Suite, which connects popular smartphone entertainment apps like Facebook, Pandora, and Yelp, while also providing helpful traffic information.
Seating is spacious in the Corolla, which boasts better legroom than its same-class competitors. Cargo capacity comes in as expected for the segment, measured at 13 cubic feet.
The 2018 Corolla really shines with respect to safety at serious savings. Considered among the safest, yet most affordable, sedans on the market, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is rife with impressive safety equipment. New safety enhancements include steering-wheel-mounted controls in the manually operated XLE and SE trim levels.
Standard features, regardless of trim level, include antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, stability and traction control, passenger seat cushion airbag, driver knee airbag and rearview camera.
Additionally, all Corollas include Toyota’s Safety Sense P - a suite of technology features designed to enhance safety, like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with steering assist, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and forward collision alert.
Awarded a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and boasting a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Corolla’s wealth of active and passive safety features make this sedan a leader in safety.
Trims Available for Every Type of Car Buyer
Available in six trim levels: L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE, the 2018 Toyota Corolla represents affordable options in a competitive segment.
L - Starting MSRP $18,550
Starting with the entry-level L, drivers will find equipment like LED running lights, 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, power doors and locks, air-conditioning, bi-LED headlights, six-way adjustable driver seat, four-way passenger seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, 60/40-split folding back seat, Bluetooth capability, 6.1-inch touchscreen, six-speaker Entune sound system, CD player, auxiliary audio jack, USB port, Siri Eyes Free (exclusive to iPhone users), and rearview camera.
LE - Starting MSRP $18,985
A quick step up to the LE model returns extra features like keyless entry, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, automatic climate control, 16-inch steel wheels, and metallic details throughout the interior.
LE Eco - Starting MSRP $19,385
Enhanced fuel efficiency is provided by the LE Eco variant, courtesy of special suspension tuning, along with the aforementioned low-rolling-resistance tires wrapped around 15-inch steel wheels, better aerodynamics, and a rear spoiler.
XLE - Starting MSRP $21,985
Jump to the XLE and the list of features expand to include enhanced headlights, keyless entry and ignition, Toyota’s SofTex leather upholstery, sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats up front, Entune Audio Plus on larger 7-inch touchscreen, Scout GPS Link, satellite and HD radio, and enhanced driver information display.
SE - Starting MSRP $21,715
For a more athletic aesthetic, the SE trim adds sportier flair in the form of a rear spoiler, black mesh grille, heated color-keyed side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel (paddle shifters included on CVT variants), a sport-style gauge cluster, sport seats up front, and a chrome-tipped exhaust. The manually-operated models include keyless entry and ignition, sunroof, and enhanced Entune system.
XSE - Starting MSRP $22,730
Finally, the top-tier XSE boosts the equipment offered in the SE CVT with heated front seats, complemented by an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat, sunroof, and keyless entry and ignition.
Last year’s trim levels also included Toyota’s 50th Anniversary edition, available on the SE, which featured 17-inch wheels - painted gray, anniversary badging, and interior details like Black Cherry contrast stitching on enhanced interior upholstery materials.
Packages
The Premium Package (exclusive to LE and LE Eco models) includes LED running lights integrated into the bumper, 16-inch alloy wheels, and Entune Audio Plus. On the LE, drivers can enhance this package with an available sunroof.
For the SE CVTs, the Premium package provides the sunroof, as well as Entune Audio Plus. The Entune Audio Plus option on the XLE and XSE trims can also include the Entune App Suite and navigation capabilities.
One of the Most Award-Winning Vehicles
Though it’s too early to see how the 2018 Toyota Corolla will fare with respect to industry awards and accolades, the 2017 Corolla managed to earn top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, and was the sole entrant in its class to offer a Collision Avoidance System - standard. The 2017 Corolla also received a 5-Year Cost to Own Award from Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.
As a brand, Toyota represents some impressive industry awards, including the 2015 Reader's’ Digest Most Trusted Brand in the Import Automotive Category; Polk IHS Automotive’s Longest-Lasting Vehicles of Any Full-Line Automotive Manufacturer; along with industry accolades like First No Cost Maintenance Plan and Most Fuel-Efficient Full-Line Automotive Manufacturer.
In September 2017, the brand was recognized for the second time in three years as one of Fortune’s top 50 companies on its “Change the World” list, due to its efforts aimed at reducing carbon emissions via innovative hydrogen initiatives, represented by the Mirai, Toyota’s hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.