CARS.COM — The 2017 Toyota Corolla SE was the second most expensive compact sedan in Cars.com's 2017 Compact Sedan Challenge, priced at $22,865 with destination and an optional package that added several desirable features. Only the Honda Civic was more expensive in our test, which had a price cap of $23,000.
The 2017 Compact Sedan Challenge
Results | Safety Features
Standout Features
The SE trim level is the mid-pack offering in the Corolla lineup, and our test car came with the optional SE Premium Package for $1,535. The package includes an upgraded multimedia system, a smart entry system able to unlock the doors without removing the key fob from your pocket or purse, and a moonroof. The multimedia system has Siri Eyes Free and a Scout GPS app for compatible smartphones.
The Corolla also was one of only two sedans tested to include complimentary maintenance, and Toyota outdoes the Chevrolet Cruze by 1,000 miles in terms: two years/25,000 miles. Standard on all Corollas is a stout collection of crash avoidance features.
What's Missing
The included Siri Eyes Free and Scout GPS app help smartphone users, but they're no replacement for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that five of the eight cars tested included as a pair. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the phone's navigation and other integrations like calls and texts display on the main multimedia system.
Editor's note: Cars.com's What You Get series is a component of our multicar comparisons where we spend a week testing a class of vehicles to find the best one. Each car meets a price limit, which is set by Cars.com, for the comparison. The 2017 Compact Sedan Challenge tested the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze, 2017 Honda Civic, 2017 Hyundai Elantra, 2017 Kia Forte, 2017 Mazda3, 2017 Subaru Impreza, 2017 Toyota Corolla and 2017 Volkswagen Jetta.
