2015 Toyota Corolla Review
New for 2015
The Toyota Corolla returns after undergoing a massive redesign in 2014, but that doesn’t mean it arrives empty-handed. For 2015, all Corolla models (except for base L models) now feature a fold-down rear center armrest, while Premium sub-trims gain last year’s Driver Convenience Package.
All-Around Excellence
Despite its compact frame, the Toyota Corolla is a true automotive titan, and in terms of sales and popularity, it has no equal. Fresh off a comprehensive overhaul, the Corolla continues to innovate and evolve, and with a fresh new look and a revamped interior, it remains a compelling choice for customers in search of comfort, value, and a sprinkle of style.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2015 Corolla is powered by a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that creates 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission on L models, but if you’d rather relinquish control a little, a four-speed automatic is an available option.
On all other trims, the Corolla’s 1.8-liter swaps out the more traditional four-speed for a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Still, if that’s not your thing, S models can be had with the six-speed manual.
An even more efficient version of the 1.8-liter is also available on the LE Eco. This particular version has its output boosted to 140 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. Naturally, it’s the most fuel-efficient of the bunch, earning an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined (30 city/42 highway).*
Just because the Eco leads the way in terms of fuel economy doesn’t mean the other models lag behind. Base L models earn 31 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway) when paired with the four-speed automatic,* and 31 mpg combined (28 city/37 highway) with the six-speed.* Models equipped with the CVT return 32 mpg combined (29 city/38 highway), * while Corolla S earns one less mpg on the highway.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Toyota Corolla is a four-door compact sedan with seating for five. It starts at $16,950* and is available in L, LE, LE Eco, and S trim levels. On all but L models, buyers can further enhance their Corolla by selecting one of two sub-trims: Plus and Premium.
Perhaps the 2015 Corolla will be your first car, or maybe you just want something reliable that doesn’t cut corners when it comes to comfort. Luckily, the Corolla is more than capable of stretching your hard-earned dollar.
L models come with standard 15-inch wheels, LED headlights/running lights, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, and power accessories. The Corolla L also sports a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, and Bluetooth® audio and phone capability that allows you to make calls and stream music from your phone straight to the Corolla’s four-speaker sound system.
In addition to the L’s content, the LE adds (where applicable) 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, and keyless entry. Also included are cruise control, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera for added safety and convenience. As if that wasn’t enough, LE models boast an upgraded six-speaker sound system—complete with six-inch touchscreen, voice controls, and the ability to download your phone’s contacts list.
The LE Plus builds on the LE’s impressive features with a number of noteworthy additions of its own. Chief among them are 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, unique piano black interior accents.
The LE Plus is also eligible for an optional sunroof and Driver Convenience package, the contents of which include keyless entry and ignition, a roof-mounted antenna, satellite radio, HD radio, and a navigation system that utilizes Toyota’s Entune App Suite. Entune is particularly neat because it allows you to access popular mobile apps such as Slacker Radio, Bing™, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable®, Pandora®, Yelp® and Facebook Places all from the comfort of your Corolla.
The LE Premium packs even more goods. It comes with the LE Plus’ standard features and sweetens the deal with the LE Plus’ optional features as well as a power driver seat, heated front seats, and premium vinyl upholstery.
The LE Eco comes with all of the LE’s equipment and features a more efficient (and slightly more powerful) engine and transmission, 15-inch wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, and enhanced aerodynamics. The LE Eco Plus gets special 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, chrome window trim, and an Eco driving mode, while the LE Eco Premium gets the same upgrades as the LE Premium.
For the truly adventurous, the S trim is the sportiest Corolla available. It features a number of unique exterior touches like a chrome grille frame, a rear spoiler, and a chrome exhaust tip. Inside, the S displays evens more attitude thanks to sport front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifter, and sportier instrumentation.
S models can be further enhanced via the available Plus and Premium sub-trims.
Design
Throughout its long lifespan, the Corolla has featured solid designs but none were ever truly exciting. Thankfully, that’s no longer the case, and Toyota deserves a lot of credit for taking the latest generation Corolla in a bold and new direction.
Indeed, there is a lot to love about the Corolla’s sleek new duds—especially in S trim guise as it is easily the most visually appealing model in the lineup—but what will truly please fans both old and new is the Corolla’s redesigned interior.
Inside, the 2015 Corolla is stylish and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is a fluid dashboard that creates a continuous line from each side of the cabin, which helps accentuate the interior’s many focal points—instrument panel, center console, passenger area. From there we move to the back, where the Corolla offers plenty of passenger space. There’s even ample cargo room thanks to easily reconfigurable rear seats.
Safety
The 2015 Corolla comes with standard antilock brakes, front side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, and a passenger seat cushion airbag. That, of course, is on top of Toyota’s comprehensive Star Safety System™, an advanced integration of active safety technologies designed to enhance traction, braking and more. All Corolla models excluding the base L trim also come with a standard rearview camera.
Bottom Line
While there are plenty of compact sedans to choose from, none come close to matching the 2015 Toyota Corolla’s spiffy new design. Of course, style isn’t everything, which is why Toyota’s latest Corolla has the goods to back it up, cementing itself as a top choice thanks to its fun yet practical interior, modern technologies, and a comprehensive safety system.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit DCH Toyota of Oxnard today.
* 2015 EPA-estimated city/highway mileage. Actual mileage will vary.
** Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, excludes the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee of $825 for Cars, $885 for Small/Light Trucks (Sienna, RAV4, Highlander Gas, Highlander HV, 4Runner, Tacoma and Venza), $1100 for Large Trucks (Tundra), and $925 for Large SUVs (Sequoia and Land Cruiser). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee for processing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota's charge for these services is called the "Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee" and is based on the value of the processing, handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota's overall pricing structure. Toyota may make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title and available or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher.
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