2017 Toyota Tundra SR5 4.6L V8

The full-size pickup truck is an unabashedly and proudly American creation. Baseball, apple pie, pickup trucks, etc. So it is perhaps understandable, then, that the 2016 Toyota Tundra finds itself at a disadvantage compared to the full-size trucks from Ford, GM and Ram. But it's actually not because the Tundra is from a Japanese company (though it's built in Texas).
Age has a lot to do with it. The Tundra underwent a thorough update two years ago that brought revised styling, an improved cabin and updated features, but it was largely akin to a kitchen remodel as compared to breaking out the wrecking ball and fully rebuilding up from the foundation. The revisions just weren't enough to fix flaws or make notable advances. In contrast, the Ford F-150 now has a lightweight aluminum body and turbocharged engines, and the Ram 1500 has a smooth-riding coil spring suspension and efficient turbodiesel V6. The recently redesigned Chevrolet Silverado wasn't especially innovative, but its incremental improvements in just about every vehicular facet have allowed it to soundly keep up with the Joneses.

Fitted with the TRD Off-Road package, the 2016 Toyota Tundra Limited is one of the more capable light-duty trucks off road.

The Tundra does not. Its V8 engines definitely get the job done, but they trail their competitors, especially in terms of fuel economy. There also isn't a V6 option, nor a fuel-efficient alternative such as the aforementioned Ford EcoBoost V6 or Ram EcoDiesel. Then there's the driving experience. The Tundra feels more like a classic, stiff-riding truck of the past while traversing broken pavement, with bumps big and small easily being felt by all in the cabin. This is the result of a stiff rear suspension admittedly up to the task of stout hauling duties, but if it's just the family making its way across town, the jostling will get old.
In all fairness, the Tundra does indeed offer truck buyers an awful lot to value. Its double cab is one of the more spacious extended cabs on the market, while the CrewMax is legitimately sprawl-out comfortable, with not only copious legroom but also the added comfort of a reclining seatback. Those interested in venturing off road would also be wise to consider the capable TRD Pro trim level.
Yet, for the most part, the Edmunds "B"-rated 2016 Toyota Tundra quite simply falls short of the current crop of top-notch pickups: the "A"-rated Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, as well as the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra. The 2016 Nissan Titan XD, with its diesel-powered engine, also promises a degree of innovation the Tundra lacks and may stand a better chance of countering the argument that only American companies can build such a quintessentially American vehicle.

Summary Body Styles

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The 2016 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup. There are three cab styles: regular cab, extended "double" cab and "CrewMax" crew cab. There are two wheelbases and three bed lengths -- 5.5-foot short bed, 6.5-foot standard bed and 8.1-foot long bed. Double Cabs and CrewMaxes seat five or six, depending on whether you opt for a front bench. The regular cab seats three.
Depending on which configuration you choose, there are six trim levels for the Tundra: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition and TRD Pro. The availability of some options or packages can vary based on the region in which you live.
The base SR (regular and double cab only) comes standard with 18-inch steel wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, heated mirrors, a windshield wiper de-icer, a damped tailgate, air-conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, 40/20/40 bench seat, cloth upholstery, a tilt-only steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack, a USB port and a media player interface. The SR Work Truck package removes the power locks and windows, and replaces the cloth upholstery and carpet with vinyl.
Going with the SR5 (double cab and CrewMax only) gets you foglights, exterior chrome trim, variable intermittent windshield wipers and an upgraded tech interface that includes a 7-inch touchscreen, HD and satellite radios, traffic information and a navigation app. The CrewMax adds a power opening rear window and an overhead console. The SR5 Upgrade package adds front bucket seats that include a power height-adjustable driver seat and lumbar adjustment, a center console (with storage and "floor" shifter), a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a larger gas tank when equipped with the 5.7-liter V8. To that package, the Safety & Convenience package adds front and rear parking sensors, a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic alert. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels can be added as a stand-alone option.
The TRD Pro includes the SR5 Upgrade items plus unique styling elements, black 18-inch alloy wheels, off-road tires, an off-road suspension that includes Bilstein shock absorbers, four movable bed tie-down cleats, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery with TRD logo and red stitching, an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen (optional on SR5), a navigation system and additional speakers (seven double cab, nine CrewMax).
The Limited (double and CrewMax only) adds to the base and Upgrade SR5 equipment automatic headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, the tie-down cleats, automatic dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power driver seat, a four-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power-sliding horizontal rear window (double cab), an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, a navigation system and additional speakers (seven double cab, nine CrewMax). The Limited Premium package adds the Safety & Convenience items plus extra interior lighting and anti-theft alarm features. A sunroof is optional on the CrewMax.
At the top of the food chain, the Platinum (CrewMax only) comes standard with the Safety & Convenience items and builds on the Limited's equipment with LED running lights, power-folding and auto-dimming mirrors, a sunroof, distinctive 20-inch wheels and styling elements, heated and ventilated power front seats (10-way driver, six-way passenger), driver memory functions and a 12-speaker JBL sound system (optional on the Limited CrewMax).
The 1794 Edition really only differs from the Platinum in terms of its distinctive exterior and interior styling elements.
The TRD Off-Road package can be added to the SR5, Limited and 1794 Edition. It includes 18-inch TRD wheels, off-road tires, trail-tuned shock absorbers, skid plates and tow hooks.
Stand-alone options on most trim levels include heated tow mirrors and running boards.

The 2016 Toyota Tundra's cabin is competitive in terms of its design and quality.

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Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The 2015 Toyota Tundra is offered with a choice of two V8 engines. Rear-wheel drive is standard and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case is optional. A six-speed automatic is always standard.
For SR double cab models and all SR5 models, a 4.6-liter V8 comes standard, producing 310 horsepower and 327 pound feet of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg combined (15 city/19 highway) on 2WD models; 4WD versions also rate 16 mpg combined (14/18). Maximum towing capacity with the 4.6-liter engine is between 6,400 and 6,800 pounds depending on body style.
A 5.7-liter V8 is standard on the regular cab and all variations of the Limited, Platinum, 1794 and TRD Pro. It is optional on SR5 trims. It produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates are 15 mpg (13/18) with 2WD and 15 (13/17) with 4WD. A tow package is standard on all Tundras equipped with the 5.7-liter V8. Depending on body style, maximum  towing capacity is between 9,800 and 10,500 pounds.
In Edmunds testing, a Tundra 1794 with four-wheel drive accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, while a Tundra TRD Pro did it in 6.7 seconds. These are both quick, yet average times for the segment.

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Toyota Tundra includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front knee airbags, front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows. A rearview camera is standard across the board. A blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors are optional on the SR5 and Limited, and standard on the Platinum and 1794 Edition.
In government crash testing, the Tundra received four out of five stars for overall and frontal crash protection, and five stars for side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tundra Double Cab its top rating of "Good" in the moderate front overlap, side and roof strength tests. Its seat and head restraint design also received a "Good" rating for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
During an Edmunds braking test, a Tundra 1794 with 4WD came to a stop from 60 mph in 130 feet, which is about average for the segment. A 4WD TRD Pro took 134 feet, which isn't much farther, even considering its all-terrain tires.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

The Tundra's cabin design is attractive and well built. Stepping up to one of the upper trim levels brings the sort of fancier, elevated ambience that's come to be expected from high-dollar trucks. Even the most basic Tundra, though, comes with one of Toyota's user-friendly Entune touchscreen interfaces. The SR5 trim and higher get a larger screen and increased functionality, while there are the usual array of available smartphone connectivity functions. In general, and especially compared to its Ford and GM rivals, the Tundra features user-friendly tech.
The front seats in every trim are broad and comfortable, but it's in the backseat where the Tundra enjoys advantages over most. There is a considerable amount of legroom even in the double cab, while the CrewMax boasts a vast amount of stretch-out space and the unique ability to recline the seat. The folding rear seats in double cabs and CrewMax models also provide a good amount of protected storage for valuable items you'd rather not leave in the bed.

The 2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax's backseat flips up and even reclines.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

We're fond of the 2016 Toyota Tundra's 5.7-liter V8. It isn't a class leader when it comes to horsepower, but it remains a champ for towing thanks to its prodigious torque and well-sorted six-speed automatic. The optional TRD exhaust paired with the 5.7-liter engine makes for a nice rumble on acceleration, too. Casual users probably will find the 4.6-liter V8's performance adequate for most driving situations short of big-time towing, and it provides better fuel economy -- although neither V8 is a class standout in this department.
The Tundra's light steering makes parking lot maneuvers easy, but it's not especially confidence-inspiring when operating at higher speeds, and contributes to the Tundra feeling bigger and more unwieldy than competing trucks (which are plenty big and unwieldy as it is). The Tundra's main demerit, however, is its ride quality. In order to haul and tow as much as possible without the need for special packages, axle ratios or separate heavy-duty models, the Tundra's suspension has been stiffened to the point that occupants feel every single bump and rut. The jostling and borderline harshness only get worse with the optional 20-inch wheels, and in general, the Tundra feels decidedly old-school at a time when its competitors (especially the Ram) have improved dramatically in this area.

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2017 Toyota 86 Base Coupe

Having lived four years of its lifespan as the Scion FR-S, the sports car that is now the "86" lives on under the Toyota banner for 2017. Toyota has discontinued its youth-oriented Scion sub-brand this year and reclaimed most of the brand's products. It's a fitting homecoming, perhaps, as the FR-S' fender-mounted 86 badges gave a tip of the hat to Toyota's old AE86 sport coupe to begin with.
Just like the old AE86, the "new" 86 boasts of a back-to-basics design with a rear-wheel-drive layout, a light curb weight, engaging handling and steering, an easy-to-drive nature and a relatively affordable price. The 2017 Toyota 86 gets several updates to go along with its rebadging too. Toyota has tweaked the horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine to produce a bit more horsepower and torque (if you get it with the manual transmission), revised the manual transmission's gearing, and upgraded the suspension design for what Toyota says is a better ride quality and improved handling. Even before these updates, the 86 was one of our favorite cars in the class, so we're expecting more of the same for 2017.
There are still some downsides to this car. If you're looking for something with more power, the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro or 2017 Ford Mustang would be a better option. For more space and versatility, a performance hatchback such as the Ford Focus ST or the Volkswagen GTI should also be considered. Or if it's a drop-top you're after, the Mazda Miata could be the one to get. And don't forget the 86's twin, the Subaru BRZ, which puts a slightly different spin on the car's styling and interior design. In the end though, we'd still definitely recommend the 2017 Toyota 86 as an entertaining driver's car with timeless appeal.

Summary Body Styles

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Official information isn't available at this time, but we expect the 2017 Toyota 86 sport coupe will come standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a 7-inch touchscreen, voice commands, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB interface.
Optional equipment is likely to include items such as keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats and upgraded upholstery.

Read Review Performance

Body Styles Powertrains and Performance Safety

The rear-wheel-drive 2017 Toyota 86 is powered by a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine. You can mate it to either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts. With the manual transmission, the 86 is rated at 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. With the automatic, those numbers drop to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque.
According to Toyota, the manual transmission this year has revised gearing that will theoretically improve acceleration. We have yet to test this year's 86, but we don't expect it to be dramatically quicker than before. Expect a 0-60 mph time in the low to mid-6-second range with the manual or closer to 8 seconds with the automatic. Most rival sport coupes are quicker.
The EPA-estimated fuel economy for the manual-equipped Toyota 86 is 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway), while the automatic gets 27 mpg combined (24 city/32 highway).

Body Styles Safety

Performance Safety Special Features

Standard safety features on the 2017 Toyota 86 include a rearview camera, antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In government crash tests, the Toyota 86 received four out of five stars for front-crash protection. Prior FR-S testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety resulted in a highest possible rating of Good in the moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact, roof strength and head restraint (whiplash protection) tests. In that agency's small-overlap front-impact test, the FR-S received a second-best Acceptable rating.

Performance Special Features

Safety Interior Design and Special Features Driving Impressions

Although details are limited, Toyota has said that several improvements have been made to the interior of the 86. New dashboard materials, door trim and updated infotainment systems will likely be incorporated alongside much of the no-nonsense trimmings from the 86's predecessor, the FR-S.
With no changes to the size of the 86, we can tell you that the cabin is an enjoyable place to be, with comfortable seats and an excellent driving position. Rear seat passengers will have seriously limited legroom and headroom, while trunk space will remain a small-but-acceptable 6.9 cubic feet.

Safety Driving Impressions

Special Features Driving Impressions

We have yet to drive the revised 2017 Toyota 86, but we have spent plenty of time in its predecessor, the Scion FR-S, and it's always impressed us with its light and nimble nature. It's a car that you look for excuses to take for a spin and drive it a little farther or harder than you need to because it's so entertaining. The four-cylinder engine's power is pretty modest — you'll have a hard time out-accelerating a modern V6 family sedan — but the 86 is more about the journey than the destination.
Toyota claims the car's handling is better this year, too, even if only marginally, thanks to revised dampers and springs. Whatever the outcome, we're eager to drive the 86, and we'll update this review as soon as we do.

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2016 Toyota Camry LE Sedan

The balancing act continues for the 2016 Toyota Camry, a perennial best-seller that's trying to move forward without abandoning its roots. With nimble, aggressively styled rivals nipping at its heels, Toyota's popular family sedan pivoted last year, debuting sleeker looks and a tauter sport-tuned suspension in certain models. At the same time, the Camry faithful demand traditional traits like an ergonomic control layout and a hushed, buttery ride. Serving these two masters will be a key to the Camry's ongoing success.
To sustain the momentum from last year's redesign, Toyota has introduced a Special Edition trim level for 2016. Based on the sporty Camry SE, the four-cylinder-only Special Edition ups the edginess quotient with flashy 18-inch wheels, smoked taillights, the SE's sport-tuned suspension and vibrant blue interior trim. But the company knows that not everyone wants tuner-inspired performance and styling flourishes, which is where the relatively staid LE and XLE trims come in. Outfitted with more conservative bodywork, a comfort-biased suspension and restrained interior decor, these Camry variants should reassure longtime fans that Toyota hasn't lost touch with its base.
There's a plethora of intriguing alternatives in this segment. On the athletic end of the spectrum, the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6 deliver still more smiles per mile without scrimping on fuel economy or features. The refreshed Honda Accord is a superb all-around choice, while the Hyundai Sonata is value-packed and more sophisticated than ever. But with its distinct sport- and comfort-oriented model lines, the Camry just might come the closest to being everything to everyone. Whether you're looking for the tried-and-true or the cutting edge, you owe yourself a drive in the Edmunds "A" rated 2016 Toyota Camry.
The 2016 Toyota Camry is a five-passenger midsize sedan available in LE, SE, Special Edition, XSE and XLE trim levels. The Toyota Camry Hybrid is reviewed separately.
Standard equipment on the base LE includes 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, air-conditioning, keyless entry, a rearview camera, cruise control, an eight-way power driver seat (with two-way power lumbar adjustment), 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, cloth upholstery, a 6.1-inch Entune touchscreen electronics interface, voice controls, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, Siri Eyes Free and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface.
The SE builds on that with 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, sport-themed exterior styling and interior trim elements, cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, a leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters and a 4.2-inch color driver information display.
Optional on the LE and SE is an Entune Audio Plus package that includes an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, satellite radio and HD radio. A sunroof is also optional.
The SE-based Special Edition trim gets the Entune Audio Plus package and sunroof as standard, and it adds 18-inch wheels, smoked taillights, keyless entry and ignition (including hands-free trunk opening), blue interior trim (including seat inserts and contrast stitching), unique gauges and Qi wireless smartphone charging.
The XSE doesn't come standard with the sunroof, keyless entry and ignition or the wireless phone charger, but it retains the sport-tuned suspension and adds 18-inch wheels of its own, LED running lights, leather and synthetic suede upholstery, heated front seats, a four-way power passenger seat and dual-zone automatic climate control.
A Convenience package is offered on the SE and four-cylinder XSE trims that includes keyless entry and ignition with hands-free trunk opening and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The XLE is equipped similarly to the XSE, but switches to the LE's comfort-oriented suspension tuning and goes without the sporty styling elements. It has 17-inch alloy wheels and full leather upholstery.
The sunroof is optional on the SE, four-cylinder XSE and four-cylinder XLE, while the wireless smartphone charger is optional on the latter two trims.
Note that the V6-powered versions of the XSE and XLE get a few additional standard features, including LED headlights, a noise-reducing windshield, the sunroof, the Convenience package, the wireless smartphone charger and an upgraded Entune touchscreen interface with split-screen capability and smartphone app integration. The latter is optional on all but the base LE trim, as is a navigation system.
Optional on the XSE and the XLE is a blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert system, a Technology package (lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision warning and braking system and automatic high-beam headlight control) and a 10-speaker JBL sound system.
The XLE can additionally be equipped with Safety Connect emergency telematics (see Safety section).
Every 2016 Toyota Camry comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front and rear side airbags, front knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and a rearview camera.
The XSE and XLE can optionally be equipped with a blind-spot warning system that's paired with a rear cross-traffic alert system. The Technology package adds a lane-departure warning system and a collision mitigation system that warns the driver of an imminent collision and automatically applies the brakes if necessary.
Optional only on the XLE is Safety Connect, which adds automatic collision notification, an emergency assist button and a stolen-vehicle locator.
In Edmunds brake testing, a Camry LE stopped from 60 mph in an impressively short 116 feet. However, a pair of XLE V6 test cars stopped from 60 mph in 127 and 129 feet, which is on the long side for this class.
In government crash testing, the Camry received five out of five stars for overall crash protection, with four stars for frontal-impact protection and five stars for side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Camry its best possible rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap and small-overlap frontal-offset impact tests. The Camry also earned a "Good" score in the side-impact, roof-strength and head restraint/seatbelts (whiplash protection) tests.
The 2016 Toyota Camry provides one of the most comfortable and spacious cabins of any midsize family sedan. There's plenty of headroom and legroom up front and not much less in back, where even taller adults will be content to ride for extended periods. Moreover, a rear-facing child seat will fit in back with ease. The fixed rear headrests make it difficult to properly secure a front-facing child seat, though. Space in the trunk, at 15.4 cubic feet, is average for a midsize sedan.
From the driver's vantage point, most of the physical buttons are plenty large, easy to understand at a glance and glove-friendly. The sensibly designed climate controls deserve special praise for their simple, intuitive operation. On the technology front, the Camry gets a standard 6.1-inch version of Toyota's Entune touchscreen infotainment system, with an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen specified on multiple trim levels. The graphics aren't as crisp as the segment's best, but like the Camry's other control interfaces, these screens are relatively straightforward and easy to use.

2016 Toyota Corolla L Sedan

The Toyota Corolla gets little respect from most car reviewers. It's a soulless appliance, they'll tell you; where's the excitement and flair? But the Corolla is now in its 11th generation. It's been on the market nonstop for almost half a century and ranks as the world's best-selling small sedan. Toyota seems to know more than it gets credit for about its customers and their taste in cars, and the 2016 Corolla is bound to be yet another crowd-pleasing choice.

The 2016 Corolla is the latest in a line of top-selling small Toyota sedans first introduced in the U.S. in 1968.

Many of the current Corolla's strengths can be found inside. The overall design is fresh and brings, dare we say it, a stylish edge to the traditionally staid small sedan class. The interface for the infotainment system is easy to use thanks to clear displays and well-placed controls. We also like the Corolla's rear seat that provides more legroom than many midsize sedans. Add the Corolla's laudable crash-test scores, high fuel economy and exceptionally high resale value and you have all the ingredients for a car that pleases more than it dismays.
Just keep in mind that if you value driver engagement, those reviewers are right -- the Corolla is hardly inspiring from behind the wheel. More dynamic alternatives include the sophisticated and similarly fuel-efficient Mazda 3 and the frugal yet fun-to-drive Ford Focus. Although the Hyundai Elantra isn't that sporty, it offers ample style at an attractive price, and the always-popular Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta have been remade into strong all-around contenders. But the Toyota still earns a solid Edmunds "B" rating. Other small cars may steal the headlines, but don't let that distract you from the 2016 Corolla's fundamental competence.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a five-passenger compact sedan available in four main trim levels: L, LE, LE Eco and S. All but the L are further offered in Plus and Premium sub-trims. There's also a limited-production S Special Edition that slots in between the S Plus and Premium models.
Standard features on the base L model include 15-inch steel wheels, LED low-beam headlights with halogen high beams, LED running lights, powered accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, a six-way adjustable driver seat and four-way front passenger seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity and an Entune audio system with 6.1-inch touchscreen, voice controls, six speakers, a CD player, a USB port, an auxiliary audio jack and, for iPhone users, the Siri Eyes Free voice control system.
The LE adds 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, keyless entry, metallic cabin accents, cruise control, automatic climate control and a rearview camera. It is eligible for the Entune Plus audio system option, which adds satellite and HD radio and the Scout GPS Link app that displays smartphone navigation on the Corolla's central touchscreen.
The LE Plus adds 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights and eligibility for both an optional sunroof and the Driver Convenience package, which includes the sunroof and adds keyless entry and ignition, a roof-mounted antenna (versus the standard in-glass antenna) and the Entune Premium audio system with an integrated navigation system and Entune App Suite mobile-app integration.
Going with the LE Premium gets you the LE Plus model's standard and optional features plus an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats and Toyota's SofTex premium vinyl upholstery.
The LE Eco starts with the LE's features and adds efficiency-maximizing engine and transmission tuning, 15-inch steel wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler and enhanced aerodynamics. The LE Eco Plus gets the LE Plus features and adds special 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome window trim, an Eco driving mode and the same options as the LE Plus. The LE Eco Premium shares the LE Premium's upgrades.
The sport-themed S trim gets you the LE's features plus unique wheel covers, a chrome grille frame, color-keyed mirrors with signal repeaters, a rear spoiler, a chrome exhaust tip, sport front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a Sport driving mode for the CVT, sport instrumentation and a trip computer.
The S Plus upgrade provides 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, rear disc brakes (versus the standard drums) and eligibility for the sunroof and Driver Convenience package. There's also a six-speed manual transmission version of the S Plus that loses the paddle shifters (duh) but gets the Driver Convenience package as standard. The S Premium starts with the S Plus equipment and shares the upgrades of the other Premium models.
A limited-production S Special Edition, marking the Corolla's 50th anniversary, starts with the standard equipment of the S Plus with the CVT and adds 17-inch alloys with a special gloss black finish, Special Edition badging, keyless entry and ignition and an all-black interior with red contrast stitching and red accents on the instrument panel. Despite its sporty theme, it won't be available with a manual transmission. The sunroof and Entune Premium audio are stand-alone options on the S Special Edition.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that comes in two versions. On every trim level except the LE Eco, it produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. The LE Eco's engine is a more efficient version with Toyota's Valvematic variable value timing and also makes a little more power, checking in at 140 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque.
The base Corolla L comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, offering a four-speed automatic as an option. The other trims feature a continuously variable transmission (CVT), although the S Plus can also be ordered with the six-speed manual.
In Edmunds performance testing, a Corolla LE Eco sauntered to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, comparable to a CVT-equipped Honda Civic but nearly a full second behind the Mazda 3.
EPA-estimated fuel economy varies depending on which Corolla you choose. It checks in at 31 mpg combined (27 city/36 highway) with the four-speed automatic and also 31 mpg combined (28/37) with the six-speed manual. The CVT returns 32 mpg combined (29/38) in the LE and a comparable 32 mpg combined (29/37) in the S. The LE Eco leads the way at 35 mpg combined (30/42) in standard form and 34 mpg combined (30/40) in Plus or Premium trim.

Safety

All 2016 Toyota Corollas come standard with stability and traction control and antilock brakes with brake assist. Also standard are front side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a passenger seat cushion airbag. A rearview camera is standard on all trims except the L. Missing, however, are some of the latest accident avoidance features that are increasingly common for small sedans, such as blind-spot monitoring.
Note that most 2016 Corollas get rear drum brakes, with only the S Plus, S Special Edition and S Premium trims upgrading to rear discs. In Edmunds brake testing, a Corolla LE Eco with the rear drums stopped from 60 mph in 130 feet, a longer-than-average result.
In government crash testing, the Corolla earned the top overall rating of five stars, including five stars for frontal impacts and five stars for side impacts. The independent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Corolla its top rating of "Good" in the moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. In the small-overlap frontal-offset test, though, the Corolla received the Institute's second-lowest rating of "Marginal." It also received a "Marginal" rating for ease-of-use of the child seat anchor system. Its seat and head restraint design was rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Corolla's cabin is easily the most interesting one to date. It's clear that designers were given freer rein this time, and the result is a reasonably stylish dashboard, accented by un-Corolla-like flourishes such as a sportily contoured steering wheel and an eye-catching asymmetrical shifter surround. The top priority remains ease of use, so the various audio interfaces employ tried-and-true knobs for volume and tuning, while the LE-and-up automatic climate control system (a welcome luxury in this price bracket) provides a large knob and a few foolproof buttons.

The 2016 Corolla's interior is the most stylish yet, with controls that are both easy to use and easy to access.

Another pleasant surprise is the standard 6.1-inch touchscreen interface, which provides large virtual buttons and simple, clear graphics. The screen responds quickly to inputs, and its feature set is generous for an economy car offering. The available Entune App Suite integrates smartphone-connected services from Bing, Facebook, Yelp and Pandora, among others, as well as real-time traffic data and sports and stock information. Note that getting started with Entune App Suite requires you to install an app on your phone and register for an account.
The Corolla's front seats provide generally adequate comfort, particularly the S trims' better-bolstered chairs, though some may wish for more lumbar support. Also, longer-legged drivers could use more range from the telescoping steering wheel. Thanks in part to a 3.9-inch-longer wheelbase than the previous-generation Corolla, the current car offers considerably more rear legroom than most small sedans, if not a commensurate amount of headroom. The middle rear position is made more hospitable by the nearly flat floor, which lacks the traditional center "hump." Trunk capacity is average at 13 cubic feet, but the wide trunk opening facilitates loading and unloading.

Driving Impressions

The 2016 Toyota Corolla delivers much the same driving experience as its predecessor. Partly, that's down to Toyota's tried-and-true but generally underwhelming 1.8-liter engine. Acceleration is adequate but nothing more. The LE Eco's version gets some tweaks that add a few horsepower, but not enough to make a real difference. We do like the CVT, which has computer-simulated "shifts" to mitigate the typical CVT's constant-rpm drone during acceleration. Skip the archaic four-speed automatic in the base L unless the price is simply too good to pass up.

While it's no road rocket, the 2016 Corolla is a top choice of drivers seeking cars that guarantee comfortable commuting.

The Corolla's handling, too, is familiar. Sporty S-trim touches notwithstanding, there's no playfulness to be found here; instead, attempts at enthusiastic driving in the twisties is met with lifeless steering and pronounced body roll. On the plus side, this is a car that's all about no-hassle commuting comfort, with a quiet, compliant ride. If that describes your daily driving needs, the 2016 Corolla can make the daily grind seem less onerous.

Lone Star Toyota of Lewisville