These prices were correct at the date of publishing for the postcode 2000.
2018 Toyota Corolla review
We’ve packed 4 expert motoring reviews of the Corolla into 1 review, saving you time.
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Finder score: 71.00%
Avg. critics score: 71.00%
4 critics
4 critics
How did we calculate this? We analysed and aggregated the scores of Cars Guide, WhichCar, Car Advice and Drive to bring you the Finder score. This is a comprehensive score that brings together the 4 different expert ratings you see below.
Finder is a personal finance comparison site that provides you with the tools you need to make better decisions. Learn how we work and how we make money.
Toyota Corolla critic reviews
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars Guide | 69% | "[The Corolla isn't] as pretty or engaging to drive as the Mazda3, but the car's reputation for reliability and durability, its good value for money, its easy-to-drive nature and the advanced driving equipment make it a sensible and smart purchase." | Read more |
| WhichCar | 80% | "If you are comfortable with the added complexity, the Corolla Hybrid Hatch represents exceptional value. It is by some margin the best Corolla you can buy in Australia." | Read more |
| Car Advice | 75% | "[The Corolla] has sporty looks and decent road manners, and it now comes with new optional safety tech – but it's still a bit short of the best in class." | Read more |
| Drive | 60% | "This latest generation is trading off that reputation for reliability and dependability. In general the Corolla is a step behind its rivals in terms of its presentation and dynamics." | Read more |
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How does the Toyota Corolla compare with its peers?
Note, the model shown above is the 12th-generation, 2018 onwards Toyota Corolla.
The complete 2016-2018 Toyota Corolla review
2016-2018 Toyota Corolla pricing
Prices for the Toyota Corolla, when new, started at $23,676 drive-away for a 1.8-litre petrol Ascent trim hatchback with a 6-gear manual transmission. The 7-speed CVT automatic gearbox cost buyers $2,100 extra.
The most expensive model was the ZR hatch, which was available with an automatic transmission. This model featured a range of added luxuries like heated and adjustable front seats (with lumbar support) and electrically heated wing mirrors that could power-fold for a little protection in small parking spaces.
The ZR hatch retailed for $33,803 when new. A number of car reviewers highly recommended the hybrid model, which was valued at $31,238.
Any other colour than the flat Glacier White incurred an additional charge of $450 at the time of placing an order. There were 8 colours to choose from, including metallic and pearlescent colours.
Toyota Corolla 2018 used pricing
- 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent 1.8-litre hatch manual: $16,100 to $18,100
- 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent 1.8-litre hatch automatic: $17,100 to $19,800
- 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport 1.8-litre hatch manual: $16,900 to $19,000
- 2018 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport 1.8-litre hatch automatic: $18,700 to $20,900
- 2018 Toyota Corolla Hybrid 1.8-litre hatch automatic: $22,500 to $25,000
- 2018 Toyota Corolla SX 1.8-litre hatch automatic: $21,200 to $23,600
- 2018 Toyota Corolla ZR 1.8-litre hatch automatic: $23,600 to $26,100
Estimated private-sale value is from Redbook and is based on a vehicle having between 45,000km and 75,000km on the odometer (an estimate based on the age of the Corolla).
The 2018 Toyota Corolla range
Click on the price below to compare a range of car loans.
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L Petrol Manual – $23,676 | 1.8L Petrol Manual – $24,729 | |||
| 1.8L Petrol Automatic – $25,779 | 1.8L Petrol Automatic – $26,829 | 1.8L Petrol hybrid Automatic – $31,238 | 1.8L Petrol Automatic – $29,660 | 1.8L Petrol Automatic – $33,803 |
Overview
Even in 2021, Toyota still sells heaps of Corollas each month, and it is usually one of the top 10 best-selling cars in Australia. The engine line-up is largely well received for its mix of modest fuel economy and performance, although in the eyes of testers, the hybrid was the pick of the range. The Corolla received praise for its good looks, excellent value, lowest in class servicing costs and forward thinking smart driving assists across the motoring expert panel. It was only really marked down for having an average-sized boot, the lack of a turbocharged engine option and the omission of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. All things considered, it is unlikely you'll regret opting for a Corolla.| Pros | Cons | Notable quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars Guide |
|
| "The sweet spot in the Corolla range is the Ascent Sport Hatch with its 7.0-inch screen and the ability to option sat nav and the advanced safety technology. That said, a special mention has to go to the Hybrid – the petrol electric drivetrain suits the Corolla character well." |
| WhichCar |
|
| "Of the petrol-only Corollas, our reviewers like the Ascent Sedan, for its impressive interior space and good equipment for the money." |
| CarAdvice |
|
| "So if you like the look of the Corolla SX and you can deal with the fact it isn't the best for space and equipment, you should put it on your list. Or perhaps check out one of the less expensive Corolla models, or the Hybrid." |
| Drive |
|
| "...what makes [the Corolla] so popular then? Well, it's spacious, economical and good value – all good reasons that help to explain its success." |
2016-2018 Toyota Corolla: Engines and performance
If you get stressed when facing too many decisions then the limited 2018 Corolla engine and gearbox line-up might appeal to you. You have the choice of a 1.8-litre petrol (manual or automatic) or a hybrid model. Hybrid Corollas also have a 1.8-litre petrol engine, but leave the factory with a Synergy Drive automatic CVT transmission.
Hybrid models extract 73kw/142Nm from the standard petrol engine, while a 60kW electric motor supplements the torque output, adding 207Nm. Many car reviewers were pleasantly surprised by the off-the-line acceleration of the hybrid Corolla, saying they had plenty of oomph. Quite a few even went as far as saying it would be their pick of the line-up.
Georgie
Thanks to their "bulk buying power", Georgie are able to help you buy the car you want and potentially save you money too. In fact, the average saving through Georgie is $4,616.The rest of the range, perhaps confusingly, has the exact same petrol engine. The mystifying part is that the sporty ZR hatch shares the same power plant as the lower spec Ascent. All non-hybrid models have the same 103kW and 173Nm. On public roads, journalists described the 2016-2018 Corolla line-up as docile and respectable, but behind many of its rivals.
It's a bit of a puzzle why Toyota chose not to bolt on a turbo. Most of the competition and international spec Corollas have turbochargers for increased performance and efficiency. Several reviewers picked up on this.
Almost without exception, journos disapproved of the CVT automatic transmission. Words like droney and sluggish were thrown around. The 6-speed manual was favoured as a better companion for the engine, with more immediate acceleration.
Features and statistics
| Engine type | Direct injection, with 16 valves and a Double Over Head Cam (DOHC), plus Dual Variable Valve Timing (Dual VVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Maximum power | 103kW @ 6,400RPM (non-hybrid) 90kW @ 5,200RPM (hybrid, combined output) |
| Peak torque | 173Nm @ 4,000rpm (non-hybrid) 142Nm @ 3,600rpm (hybrid) |
| Engine size/displacement (cc) | 1.8L/1,798 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or CVT auto (or e-CVT for hybrid) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45-50 litres |
| Fuel consumption - combined (best model) | 4.1L/100km (hybrid) |
| Combined CO2 emissions | 149g/km (non-hybrid) 96g/km (hybrid) |
| Acceleration | N/A |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 |
| Security | Engine immobiliser |
| Towing capacity (braked/unbraked) | 1,300kg (braked), 450kg (unbraked) |
Fuel efficiency
The 2016-2018 Toyota Corolla was a pretty frugal car and sipped fuel sparingly. Surprisingly, the manual transmission car boasted the worst fuel economy, using a combined 6.7L/100km of petrol. The CVT automatic transmission is theoretically capable of 6.1L/100km, while the hybrid model burns an impressive 4.1L/100km.
Those figures are direct from the Toyota specifications list for the Corolla, derived from an ADR81/02 fuel consumption test. In practice, real-world figures are often slightly higher due to traffic, road and weather conditions.
For an SX model, one media outlet saw an increased fuel usage of 8.4L/100km, which was 2.4L/100km higher than the factory figures. Another journalist achieved 9.2L/100km. This is much higher than Toyota's claimed stats, but is still very much middle of the road in its class. It should be noted, it is not abnormal for fuel economy to sit within a 1.0L/100km margin of the brochure figures.
The hybrid Corolla in real-world conditions delivered fuel usage of 5.5L/100km, just 1 extra litre over factory numbers.
Hybrid Corollas hit such impressive fuel usage by combining an electric motor together with the propulsion generated by the petrol engine. The system also recycles ordinarily wasted braking energy to top up the battery. Around town, where you brake more frequently, and sometimes quite heavily, this can make a significant difference.
Toyota decided not to include stop/start technology on the Corolla.
Handling
The general opinion of the reviewers is that the Corolla is pretty decent to drive. According to the motoring press, Toyota engineers have done a pleasing job of creating a car that is nimble. The steering response is nice and light, with testers saying it is also accurate. This light steering also makes parking a lot easier, especially on bustling urban streets.
Others found the ride to be comfy, evening out road bumps nicely, but not particularly exciting in any way.
One thing to note about motoring journalists: they like to dissect and hyper-analyse a car's handling, but you should take this with a pinch of salt. After all, the Corolla isn't a sports car and 99.99% of buyers will only ever use theirs on public roads. For everyday driving, it is perfectly fine. It's a sensible and comfortable option, and that's all that most owners truly care about.
2016-2018 Toyota Corolla: Interior and other features
Here's a breakdown of the 2016-2018 Corolla trims.
- Ascent trim. The baseline Ascent trim is acceptably appointed. You can choose between a 7-speed continuously variable automatic and a 6-speed manual to go with the Ascent's 1.8L Dual VVT-i engine. This model gets 16" steel wheels, a Multi-Information Display (MID), plus steering wheel controls for the MID, as well as the phone/audio inputs. These Corollas also have Bluetooth and a humble 6.1" colour touchscreen. The sound system is wired to 6 speakers. Ascent Corollas also have cruise control, manual A/C and a bank of safety assists. All Corollas come with a reversing camera.
- Ascent Sport. Next in the range is the Ascent Sport. This trim adds to the Ascent spec by:
- Swapping the steel wheels for alloys
- Upping the entertainment system screen to 7" and enabling Toyota Link
- Including voice recognition, privacy glass, premium gear levers and an executive 3-spoke steering wheel
- Offering options like satellite navigation with live traffic info and the Toyota smart safety pack
- Hybrid. Hybrid models improve upon the Ascent grade, replacing some of the standard equipment and tech. Most noticeably, this model has a 1.8L petrol working together with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Additionally, hybrid drivers enjoy smart entry and starting, as well as a 4.2" colour Multi-Information Display. This car also has a dual-zone, automated climate control system and energy-saving LED headlights (with cleaners). Hybrid vehicles can also be equipped with Toyota's Safety Sense.
- SX. The SX model is based around the Ascent Sport spec, but there's no option for a manual gearbox in this Corolla. The alloy wheels bump up 1 inch to 17", something that reviewers believed improved the handling. This model also has satellite navigation and auto headlights. Traditional seats are swapped for sporty bucket seats. That racing theme is built upon with a crisp front spoiler and rear valance, together with matching side skirts.
- ZR. The ZR is the range-topping Corolla. It's based on the SX spec, but includes a smart entry system, dual-zone climate control A/C, heated partial-leather front seats (with power-adjustable lumbar support), auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED headlights, auto-folding heated mirrors and an anti-theft alarm. Buyers could also choose an optional panoramic sunroof not available on the rest of the Corolla range.
Transmission
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-speed manual gearbox | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 7-speed auto CVT | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hybrid e-CVT | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
Exterior
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16" steel wheels | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 16" alloy wheels | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 17" alloy wheels | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full-size spare wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Space-saver spare wheel | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front fog lights | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Body-coloured, electric door mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated, automatically folding mirrors | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Halogen projector headlamps | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Bi-LED headlights with daytime running lights | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Automatic headlight levelling | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Front spoiler | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear bumper skirts | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Side skirts | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| "Skyview" roof with electric shade | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | Optional |
Interior
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front bucket seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Sport front bucket seats | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 60/40 split fold rear seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front and rear power windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Premium 3-spoke steering wheel | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Premium shift lever | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-accented interior | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Front seat heating | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Rear and side privacy glass | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver's seat power-adjustable lumbar support | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
Instruments and controls
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-Information Display (MID) | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 4.2" colour Multi-Information Display (MID) | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cruise control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smart entry and start system | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Steering wheel controls for MID, phone and audio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7-speed CVT with paddle shifter controls | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear window defogger with automatic cut-off | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Manual air-conditioning | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ |
| Dual-zone automatic climate control air-conditioning | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✔ |
Storage and convenience
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup holders – front and rear | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bottle holders – front and rear | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Accessory socket (front and rear) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Coin box | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Door pockets – front and rear | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front seatback pockets | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver and passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors and lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Overhead console with sunglass holder | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Headlight reminder warning buzzer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Seatbelt warning light and buzzer – front seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Centre console with storage box lid | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Sound system
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1" touchscreen display | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 7" touchscreen display | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toyota Link | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Voice recognition | ✗ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth hands-free connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB input for compatible iPods/ USB memory sticks | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AUX 3.5mm audio jack | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 6 speakers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Satellite navigation with SUNA traffic data | ✗ | Optional | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Security
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine immobiliser | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft alarm | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
Toyota Corolla safety equipment
| Ascent Hatch | Ascent Sport Hatch | Hybrid Hatch | SX Hatch | ZR Hatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hill-start assist control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Emergency brake signal | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Toyota Safety Sense (pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert, automatic high beam) | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional | ✔ |
| Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 7 SRS airbags | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3 child restraint anchor points | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Reversing camera with fixed guidelines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
2016-2018 Toyota Corolla mechanical problems
There are one or two product recalls for the 2016-2018 Toyota Corolla. Hybrid Corollas from this generation had a fail-safe mode issue. 5,118 vehicles were affected.
Looking into common complaints with Corollas after they were a few years old, there didn't really seem to be a pattern of frequent issues. These vehicles should currently, as of July 2021, have some of their factory warranty remaining (2016 Corollas might have run out of warranty), unless they've gone over their kilometre quota.
The verdict
Toyota knows its target audience through and through. Reviewers agreed that this was the best Corolla they'd produced at the time.
The Corolla then (and now) neatly combines value for money, sensible servicing costs and a time-honoured reputation for reliability and longevity with an inoffensive form factor and robust build quality.
While critics may not have ranked the 2016-2018 as the best in class, it does everything very well, with few compromises.
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