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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $21,785–$28,557 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Toyota Corolla SL is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — 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. Reliability stands out at 9.3/10. The Corolla SL nameplate has earned that score through its track record and a comparatively clean recall sheet. Safety lands at 8.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
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 — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.7/10 — 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 $21,785–$28,557, 27 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Corolla SL sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — 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.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Toyota Corolla SL will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology and performance if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
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 2016 Toyota Corolla SL ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $21,785 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 21%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Across the Corolla SL model years we've scored, the 2016 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $29,524 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $28,665 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $27,804 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $26,945 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $26,084 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $25,225 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.0/10 | $24,364 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.9/10 | $23,505 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.8/10 | $22,644 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $21,785 | |
| 2015 | 7.8/10 | $20,924 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.