2012 Toyota Corolla: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

2012 Toyota Corolla: What is it?

Toyota’s long-running Corolla compact car is only offered as a front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan.

Compared to many rivals, the Corolla is relatively conservative in design and execution, though recent updates have made available some modern features such as wireless cell-phone link and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system.

Corolla is built in Japan. Compact competitors include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Elantra, and Chevrolet Cruze.

2012 Toyota Corolla: What’s New

The 2012 Corolla sees only minor trim changes after being redesigned for 2011, but newly available is Toyota's Entune infotainment system. When paired with a data-plan-enabled smartphone, it provides Internet searches, streaming radio, and weather/sports/stock/fuel price information. Entune-equipped vehicles also include a navigation system.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Model Lineup Features and Options

Corolla is offered in L, LE, and S trim levels.

The base L and sporty S come with either manual or automatic transmission, while the LE comes only with the automatic.

Even the L is quite well equipped, coming standard with tilt/telescopic steering wheel, height-adjustable driver seat, split folding rear seat, power mirrors/windows/locks with remote keyless entry, and a digital-media player connection. Added in the LE are cruise control, heated mirrors, USB port, and wireless cell-phone link. The S adds fog lights, rear spoiler, and alloy wheels. Options include a sunroof, remote engine start, navigation system with voice recognition, and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Engines, Transmissions, and Drive Wheels

The only engine offered is a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Corolla only comes with front-wheel drive.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Fuel Economy

The Corolla is EPA rated at 27 city/34 highway with manual transmission, 26/34 with the automatic. Corolla uses regular-grade gas.

Test automatic-transmission Corollas averaged 29.3 mpg in mostly city driving and 31.8-34.7 mpg with more highway use.

2012 Toyota Corolla: Safety Features

Corollas include all the expected safety features, but add nothing out of the ordinary.