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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S10) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 31 / 38 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,000 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 265 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $22,711–$28,728 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.2/10, the 2026 Toyota Corolla earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 9.5/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 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. We rate the Toyota Corolla's reliability at 9.5/10 — among the strongest in our sedan database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 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 — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.0/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $22,711–$28,728, 34 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Corolla sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.9/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. As the current model year, it benefits from the latest updates and full manufacturer warranty coverage.
Bottom line: Think of the 2026 Toyota Corolla as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2026 Toyota Corolla ranks #74 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 94% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $22,711 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Corolla model years we've scored, the 2026 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $22,711 | |
| 2025 | 8.2/10 | $22,711 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.2/10 | $22,050 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $21,388 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $20,727 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.0/10 | $20,065 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $19,404 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.0/10 | $18,742 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $18,081 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.9/10 | $17,419 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $16,758 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.8/10 | $16,096 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Exterior lighting / Headlights 25/02/2026 · 26V110000 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Corolla vehicles. The front headlights may have missing headlight aim markings, which can result in improperly aimed headlights during service. As such, these vehicles fail to… |
|---|
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.