The 2017 Toyota Corolla is a best-selling small sedan packed with autonomous braking, intelligent cruise control, and good fuel economy. Though smart and affordable, it struggles to impress with its underpowered engine.
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2017 Toyota Corolla: Quick Summary
- The 2017 Toyota Corolla is the 50th model year for the best-selling sedan, and can be found in seven trim levels, including a special anniversary edition. The Corolla iM hatchback was also made for this one year.
- Every vehicle includes the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite of driver-assist features, which includes autonomous braking, cruise control, and automatic high beams.
- A single 1.8L four-cylinder engine is paired with either a CVT or the six-speed manual and produces just 132 hp.
- The touchscreen infotainment center supports voice control, but there’s no integration for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Long-term owners find it to be dependable and affordable to maintain, giving the 2017 Corolla a 4.5-star rating (out of five stars) in Vehicle History‘s 1,300-plus reviews.
2017 Corolla Features Seven Trims Plus Hatchback Edition
Corolla L Comes Standard with Loads of Safety Features
The entry-level sedan includes front-wheel drive, a 132 hp engine, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and 15-inch styled steel wheels. The audio system has an iPod connection, USB 2.0 port, and hands-free calling with Bluetooth capability. The Toyota Safety Sense suite includes autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control, intelligent high beams, and lane departure prevention.
Corolla LE Adds More Creature Comforts & Aesthetic Enhancements
Find a few extra creature comforts in the LE, starting with heated power side mirrors and automatic climate control. The split-rear seat gets a fold-down console with cupholders. Interior metallic trim dresses things up, while a digital driver information center keeps you up-to-date.
Corolla LE was also available with the Premium Package, adding Entune Audio Plus system with app-based navigation, alloy wheels, and LED daytime running lamps.
Corolla LE Eco Boasts Model’s Best Fuel Mileage
An adjustment to the valve-timing in the 1.8L engine improves your fuel economy to an EPA-estimated 40 mpg highway in the LE Eco. A rear spoiler also helps with aerodynamic efficiency.
Add the LE Eco Premium Package, and enjoy the upgraded Entune Audio Plus, 16-inch wheels, LED DRLs, moonroof, and chrome window trim.
Corolla XLE Updates Infotainment System & 16″ Alloy Wheels
You are riding in style in the XLE with a power driver’s seat, power moonroof, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The infotainment system is upgraded to include access to a cell-based navigation app and a SiriusXM satellite radio receiver. Heated front seats and a smart key system round out the upgrades.
Spring for the Premium Package for an integrated navigation system via the Entune Audio suite.
Corolla SE Features Unique Sporty Exterior Trim & Available Six-Speed Manual
Let loose your sporting soul in the SE with an athletic dashboard, rear spoiler, and sport manual seats. The exhaust gets a chrome tip, while 17-inch, machined-finish wheels turn heads. The tilt/telescoping steering wheel has paddle shifters, and there are also selectable driving modes. The instrument cluster shows off its sporty accents. The SE is also available with a six-speed manual transmission (SE 6MT).
Opt for the Premium Package on SE, and get the Entune Audio Plus, a smart key system, power moonroof, and a roof-mounted antenna.
Corolla XSE Adds Sunroof, CVT
The XSE trim comes with all SE’s features, and on top of it includes a sunroof, keyless entry/ignition, and CVT. It also features heated front seats and an eight-way power adjustment of the driver’s seat.
50th Anniversary Edition Celebrates Corolla’s Heritage with Two-Tone Wheels & Black Cherry Accents
Celebrate the 50th model year of the Corolla (pictured above) with special exterior badging, 17-inch, two-tone alloy wheels, sport seats, and an upgraded infotainment system. Unique Black Cherry upholstery piping and accents add drama to your daily driver.
Corolla iM Hatchback Offers a Unique, Bargain Variant of Compact Car
The 2017 Corolla iM represents the transition year for the Scion iM to the Toyota Corolla badge. It is loaded with the same engine and transmission options as the sedan, along with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and the basic infotainment system. The safety system does not include cruise control, intelligent high beams, or steering assist.
2017 Toyota Corolla: Price Ranges from $18,000 to $23,000
When new, the 2017 Toyota Corolla ranged between $18,000 and $23,000. Current price ranges, according to Kelley Blue Book, run from $15,000 to $19,000. You may run into an iM for around $14,000.
If you want to buy with added confidence, look at a Toyota Certified Pre-owned (CPO) vehicle. The car qualifies if it is younger than six model years, has less than 85,000 miles, and passes a 160-point inspection. A CPO car comes with a one-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty, the remainder of a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and extra services like roadside assistance. You will pay an extra thousand or two over a private sale for that added quality assurance.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla Offers Just One Available Engine Option
There are five powertrain combos available on the 2017 Corolla. However, you are most likely going to find the 1.8L four-cylinder engine that produces 132 hp and is matched to a CVT. There is an available six-speed manual transmission, but it is only offered on the SE 6MT.
The Corolla iM hatch gives you the same 1.8L engine. The manual six-speed is standard, with the CVT as an upgraded option.
The final powertrain is found only on the LE Eco. It features Valvematic engineering, which gives the machine an extra eight horsepower and increases fuel efficiency from 36 mpg highway to 40 mpg. It uses the CVT found on the other trims.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla Wows with up to 34 Combined MPG
The 2017 Toyota Corolla gives you about average fuel economy compared to other affordable compact sedans. The most fuel-efficient option comes on the LE Eco, where its specially-tuned 1.8L engine and CVT earned 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway/34 mpg combined. The lowest numbers are on vehicles with the six-speed manual transmission, but you only drop to 27 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined.
You can compare its numbers to other potential rides when you visit the Department of Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Unlike other vehicles that see a considerable drop in gas mileage when they hit the city streets, for the Corolla, its real-world drivers reported comparable usage to the test results found on the website.
Critics Agree, 2017 Toyota Corolla’s Driving Performance is Disappointing Overall
When the 2017 Toyota Corolla first hit dealer lots, Car Gurus gave it a thorough test-drive and review. Despite being an affordable ride with a wealth of safety and tech upgrades, the Toyota Corolla fell short in the performance department.
“With regard to the new Corolla’s engine and CVT, there’s little good to be said here,” reported Car Gurus. “Here we have a 1.8-liter engine delivering a dismal 132 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, and that adds up to the slowest 0-60 times in the segment.” Car Gurus also noted a loud engine noise and the lack of disc brakes in the back. “To stop from 60 mph, the Corolla takes an unimpressive 130 feet despite its relatively low curb weight of 2,800 pounds. This is unacceptable, and it’s the longest distance in the segment.”
J.D. Power pretty much echoes the sentiments of Car Gurus, reporting: “Driving excitement is not the Corolla’s strong suit.”
Also, U.S. News calls the 2017 Corolla’s acceleration and handling “disappointing.”
And Motor Trend didn’t seem to like it much either, writing, “…it’s not quite as good to drive as others in its class.”
2017 Toyota Corolla: Comfortable Cargo Space & Dimensions
The 2017 Toyota Corolla promises to seat up to five, but seemingly only if you have three kids in the back seat. However, it is a comfortable fit for four adults.
The trunk has 13 cubic feet available for shopping bags and backpacks. The iM hatchback features 20.8 cubic feet. Both body styles have split-folding rear seats that expand capacity.
It features a short 106.3-inch wheelbase, and can do a 360-degree turn with a diameter of just 35.6 feet. Its total length is 183.1 inches, with a height of 57.3 inches.
2017 Toyota Corolla: Safety Ratings & Features are Top Safety Pick +
The 2017 Toyota Corolla scored a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which tested its autonomous forward braking, cruise control, and adaptive high beams. Its headlights were rated “Acceptable,” delivering clear illumination over an effective distance on dark roads. The LATCH baby seat system is also marked as “Acceptable,” which is only one notch below its best rating of “Good.”
At the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2017 Toyota Corolla sedan earned a perfect five-star overall safety rating.
The sedan has the Toyota Safety Sense-P system included on every trim level. The system includes autonomous emergency braking, cruise control, and lane departure warning. The hatchback has a pre-collision warning, smart high beams, and lane departure alert.
Technology Features Found in the 2017 Toyota Corolla Include Siri Eyes Free
While the 2017 Toyota Corolla is not overloaded with tech toys, it does incorporate enough modern amenities. Every ride features the Entune Audio infotainment system with a six-inch touchscreen, USB port, and iPod connection. The system also has Siri Eyes Free, which allows you to use your voice to control compatible apps. If you want a Corolla with Apple CarPlay, you need to look at a 2019 or later.
The Entune Audio Plus is found on the XLE and XSE, or as part of a premium package. It adds app-based navigation and a SiriusXM satellite radio. Heated front seats are available with the XLE and XSE packages.
2017 Toyota Corolla: Exterior & Interior Color Combinations
Exterior colors offered on the 2017 Toyota Corolla included metallics, like Classic Silver, Barcelona Red, Falcon Gray, and Blue Crush. Pearlescent coats included Black Sand, Blizzard, and Black Cherry. Standard colors were Super White and Galactic Aqua Mica.
The interior options included the L and its Steel Grey cloth. The LE and LE Eco could choose Ash, Black, or Almond cloth. The SE had an option for upgraded SofTex upholstery in Black, Orange Zest, or Vivid Blue. The 50th anniversary was treated to Black seating with Black Cherry piping, while the XSE and XLE had Black Softex seats.
2017 Toyota Corolla: Reliability & Maintenance Costs are Low
The 2017 Toyota Corolla scores an excellent reliability rating at Repair Pal. It has a low average maintenance cost of $362 per year, compared to the compact car average of $526. It may need a major repair about 7% of the time, compared to 11% for other vehicles.
The Edmunds Cost-to-Own calculator projects that you may spend about $4,500 over five years for maintenance. This includes replacing parts like tires, brake pads, and belts. All trim levels share comparable maintenance numbers.
Considering the Corolla’s solid reputation for reliability, repair costs may not be a big problem. After all, J.D. Power gives it a score of 84 out of 100 for reliability. And Motor Biscuit confirms that “it’s nearly impossible to deny that the Corolla is one of the most reliable sedans you can buy.”
2017 Toyota Corolla Only has Three Issued Recalls & Few Registered Complaints
This compact sedan is remarkably free from serious problems. Only three recalls and 131 complaints have been lodged at the NHTSA, which is low for such a popular model. Two out of the three recalls rank on the minor end of the scale.
Just over 400 units were reportedly sold with improperly inflated spare tires, which the owner or a local dealership would have to check and inflate.
Next, 1,300 cars had floor mats with the wrong sticker affixed that indicated proper loading weights. A new sticker had to be installed.
The most concerning recall involved nearly 3,000,000 vehicles, including the Corolla. A bad air bag control module could fail, and required the module to be inspected and fixed or replaced by local dealerships.
Engine Problem is a Concern but Not a Recall
A common complaint about the Corolla is not actually a recall, but it is worth mentioning. In vehicles with the CVT, when you are driving downhill with the smart cruise control on, it may rev the engine as high as 4,500 rpm to employ engine braking to slow the car. It is a proper function of the CVT, but makes a loud noise. It is the most common issue logged with the NHTSA.
2017 Toyota Corolla vs. the Competition
Here’s how the Toyota Corolla compares to a few other popular rides that are similar in size, amenities, and performance.
2017 Volkswagen CC Delivers Executive Features at an Affordable Price
Sleek styling and a surprisingly sporty power plant is found in the 2017 Volkswagen CC, which churns out 200 hp. Pricing is on par with the Corolla, at $15,000 to $20,000. Fuel economy is not as impressive, with a rating of 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway. A huge, 18.5-gallon gas tank will have you driving all day between stops.
Unlike the Corolla, power seats, smart locks, and automatic climate control are offered even on the base trim. Three trims are available, and you will only find driver-assist technologies like ABS on the upper trims.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Honda Civic Brings More Elegant Interior, Excellent Reliability Ratings
While the Toyota Corolla comes in just the four-door sedan, you get to pick the body style you want for your 2017 Honda Civic, including sedan, coupe, or hatchback. You can slide into one for between $15,000 and $24,000. The EX-L trim adds leather, navigation, and heated front seats.
The Honda Civic is a bit bigger, with a 15 cubic foot trunk. The base trim features remote keyless entry and manual climate control, much like the Corolla. However, autonomous safety packages are optional for the bottom rides.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
2017 Subaru Impreza Tackles Challenging Terrain Thanks to Standard AWD
The Toyota Corolla is only available as a front-wheel-drive car. But on the 2017 Subaru Impreza, you will find added control on stormy days with standard all-wheel drive. You can choose from a sedan or a wagon, and expect to spend between $16,000 and $21,000. Its 2.0L engine produces 152 hp, which is slightly better than the Corolla. Fuel economy numbers are equivalent at 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway.
The Subaru EyeSight safety suite with autonomous emergency braking was offered only as an optional package for all trim levels. The infotainment center supports Apple CarPlay and Android app access, unlike the Corolla Entune Audio system.
To see a more detailed side-by-side comparison between these vehicles, check out this Vehicle History coverage.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Toyota Corolla?
If you are looking for a smaller economical sedan, the 2017 Toyota Corolla can be a smart buy as a used vehicle. Even on the lowest trims, you get the intelligent safety technology and an impressive reputation for reliability, good fuel economy, and affordable maintenance. However, if you need a responsive powertrain and competitive stopping distance when you slam the brakes, you will want to look elsewhere.
Photos: Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and Volkswagen