For buyers looking for a good small sedan, the Toyota Corolla has been a mainstay for decades. However, it has never been known as an exciting car.
For 2022, the Corolla XSE certainly looks sportier than other Corolla models. A sport-mesh gray grill and flashy 18-inch alloy wheels give the compact sedan a style not always associated with a Corolla. Out back (a spoiler on the trunk), smoked taillight lenses and even chrome exhaust tips complete the look.
As sporty as this new Corolla looks on the outside, the performance is more of a relaxed-sport drive. Its acceleration is a bit leisurely from a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that gives the car adequate performance. The CVT transmission does a good job of not being noticed and the fuel economy is impressive. The sport suspension, however, does not feel very sporty, with plenty of lean in curves. However, this suspension will treat you right on the daily commute, absorbing bumps and providing a pleasant ride.
The interior of the Corolla saw big improvements in its 2020 redesign. Its large cabin is welcome in the compact sedan market. The seats provide surprising comfort and even the rear seats fit two adults without issue.
An 8-inch touch screen with optional premium sound is easy to use with, finally, a system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The trunk space is impressive.
Cost: $25,975; as tested $28,934
MPG: 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway; I managed 33.8 mpg in 400 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0; pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control; lane departure alert with steering assist; lane tracking assist; blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert
Options: $1,715 premium audio system with navigation; $249 carpet mat package; $995 delivery and handling fee
Things to know: The 2022 Toyota Corolla XSE is a sportier-looking compact sedan with plenty of space in one reliable and fuel-thrifty package.
Pros:
- A good amount of space for people and a large trunk make this compact sedan not so small.
- Thrifty when it comes to fuel use.
- Updated technology and more safety features make this a more desirable compact sedan.
Cons:
- Not very sporty, even in the XSE trim level.
- A bit more noise in the cabin than some other compact sedans.
- The top XSE trim level is pushing closer to $30,000.
