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2016 Toyota Corolla review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota Corolla highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Smooth and quiet drive
  • Comfortable seats front and rear
  • Solid outward visibility

Cons

  • Performance isn't especially thrifty
  • Slow acceleration
  • Seats five, tightly

Mileage (EPA estimate)

27 city, 36 highway, 31 combined

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All Toyota Corolla years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota Corolla generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2016 Toyota Corolla?

  • New trim added to the model lineup for increased options.
  • Enhanced safety features included as standard in all trims.
  • Updated infotainment system with improved connectivity options.
  • New fuel-efficient engine option available for select trims.
  • Revised exterior styling for a more modern appearance.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Toyota Corolla

1. Smooth and quiet ride

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a great daily driver that's perfect for your commute to work and running errands around town. It offers a smooth and quiet ride in a comfortable cabin, with minimum road and wind noise, responsive steering, and balanced handling. The suspension is strong enough to absorb almost all bumps on the road, so passengers can enjoy a relaxed and cozy ride.

2. Spacious interior

In addition to the quiet ride, passengers in the 2016 Toyota Corolla can look forward to a roomy interior with comfortable seats. It offers more than enough room, even for taller adults in both rows, especially in the rear seat. Second-row headroom is 37.1 inches, with legroom measuring 41.4 inches. In the front row, there are 38.3 inches of headroom and 42.3 inches of legroom.

3. Good gas mileage

Another important reason it's worth considering the 2016 Toyota Corolla as your next vehicle is its gas mileage. This sedan is a great choice if you are looking for something with good mpg that will lengthen your time between fill-ups. When powered by the standard 132 hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine, the 2016 Toyota Corolla gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined.

4. Exciting standard and optional infotainment features

As far as connectivity and convenience are concerned, the 2016 Toyota Corolla has numerous standard features and a couple of available options that make it easier for you to control certain vehicle systems and enhance the overall riding experience for the passengers. It comes standard with an infotainment system featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen, which is very responsive and simple to use. Bluetooth® connectivity and hands-free calling are also standard, while the available Entune™ App Suite adds smartphone integration and real-time traffic data.

5. Sporty model

Among the models offered in the 2016 Toyota Corolla lineup is a sporty option that ups the ante a little. The S trim comes with various styling elements and interior features giving the Corolla a more dynamic and aggressive look and feel. It features a chrome grille and exhaust tip, along with a rear spoiler. Inside, the S trim comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters and sport front seats, which complement the special Sport driving mode nicely.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

32 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
1
2
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Toyota Corolla an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Corolla 1st out of 46 among Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla features and specs

Curious how Toyota Corolla trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Special Edition 4D Sedan 2WD

Standard Features

  • Cloth Seats
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Leatherette & Cloth
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • CD Audio
  • Entune

Optional Features

  • Sunroof(s)
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.8L

Horsepower

132

Torque (ft-lbs)

128

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

183.1"

Width

69.9"

Height

57.3"

Leg room

F 42.3"/R 41.4"

Head room

F 38.3"/R 37.1"

Front tires

P215/45HR17

Rear tires

P215/45HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Toyota Corolla FAQ

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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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