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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.8L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 28 / 36 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 31 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,200 |
| COâ Emissions | 282 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $16,758â$21,967 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.9/10 â rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.3/10, while Performance at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The Toyota Corolla's reliability score of 9.3/10 reflects an exceptionally strong track record â owner surveys and warranty claim data consistently back this up with fewer unplanned repairs and lower running costs than most sedans in this class. Safety lands at 8.1/10 â solid scores across crash testing with a reasonable standard safety package, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard.
Performance at 6.3/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin â don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 â the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,758â$21,967, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Corolla sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.5/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality â you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance â worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are built from NHTSA crash-test results, EPA fuel-economy figures, manufacturer-published specifications, and long-term owner reliability data. Every score is reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology â
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo â ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.