Toyota Corolla

The 2022 Toyota Corolla is now in its 12th generation. When a car model lives that long, you know it's doing something right. For decades, the Corolla has been the compact car that's known as a good value with high fuel economy and a reputation for reliability. This latest Corolla still lives up to these core values, only it adds flashier styling and a more premium-feeling interior than its predecessors. The Corolla is also available as a hatchback or a hybrid sedan variant, which we review separately.

There are no major changes for 2022, but last year brought the introduction of the Corolla Apex trim, which adds a few performance enhancements, plus some cosmetic features that are exclusive to that trim. Altogether, the Corolla is worth considering alongside other small sedan rivals such as the Honda Civic, Kia Forte and Mazda 3. Take a look at our detailed Corolla Expert Rating below to learn more.

Which Corolla does MatoCar recommend?

We recommend the SE trim. For the modest price increase over the base L or LE trim level, you get a more powerful engine, a longer list of standard features, and greater flexibility for adding packages, if you so desire.

The 2022 Corolla is offered in five main trim levels: L, LE, XLE, SE and XSE, plus a couple of special trim levels. The SE Nightshade Edition and the Apex Edition are special versions that add on a few extra features to the corresponding trim. Feature highlights include:

L Starts you off with:

139-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
LED headlights
15-inch steel wheels
7-inch touchscreen
Driver information display
Two USB ports
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Cloth seats

All Corollas also come with:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Corolla and the car in front)

LE Adds a few more features, with:

16-inch steel wheels
Heated side mirrors
Automatic climate control
USB port for rear passengers
8-inch touchscreen
Premium fabric seats
Keyless entry

XLE Gives the Corolla more premium features such as:

Upgraded LED headlights and accent lighting
16-inch alloy wheels
Proximity keyless entry with push-button start
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Sunroof
Upgraded driver information display
Heated front seats
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Simulated leather upholstery

SE Reverts back to the LE's features but is sportier thanks to:

2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (169 hp, 151 lb-ft)
Normal and Sport driving modes
Dynamic-shift continuously variable transmission (CVT)
Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters (CVT only)
Available six-speed manual transmission
18-inch alloy wheels
Sportier exterior trim accents
Sport front seats

SE Nightshade Has the SE's features but with:

Blackout exterior trim
Unique 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels

XSE Combines the SE and XLE's feature upgrades

Apex Edition Adds sportier handling and styling to SE and XSE trims with:

Upgraded suspension components
Lower ride height
Optional summer performance tires
Black and bronze exterior trim

Some features that come standard on the higher trims can be ordered as options on the lower trims. A premium JBL sound system is optional on the XLE, SE and XSE trims, and adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) are optional on the XLE and the XSE.