The Toyota Corolla has been one of the best-selling passenger cars for many years, thanks to its comfortable interior, impressive gas mileage, high resale value, and legendary reliability.
But while the Corolla is a well-rounded family sedan, there are several options you may want to consider if you are in the market for an affordable compact car.
Here are 14 excellent alternatives to the Toyota Corolla.
1. Toyota Camry
If you want something bigger but similar to the Corolla, the Toyota Camry is an ideal choice. Both are four-door sedans with a spacious interior, room for five people, and a similar set of advanced technology features. The two vehicles also offer multiple engine options, an automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system as standard.
However, the Toyota Camry is larger than the Corolla, so it boasts more cabin space and a bigger truck. It also has more powerful engines and an optional all-wheel-drive system, unlike the Corolla. But the Toyota Corolla is less expensive, more fuel-efficient, and easier to maneuver than the Toyota Camry.
2. Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a strong competitor of the Toyota Corolla in the compact category. They are both four-door vehicles with ample interior space, a seating capacity of five, and several modern technology features. Also, the two sedans boast a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and a standard front-wheel-drive system.
Although they belong to the same class, the Civic is a bit more spacious than the Corolla, so it provides more room for passengers and cargo. The Honda sedan also has more energetic powertrains and more safety equipment than the Civic. However, the Toyota Corolla is cheaper and will save you more money at the pump.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is another popular alternative to the Toyota Corolla. Like the Corolla, it is a four-door sedan with a roomy cabin, supportive seats for five passengers, and plenty of desirable tech features. Both vehicles also boast a four-pot engine, automatic transmission, and a front-drive wheel system.
As for the size, the Elantra is slightly bigger than the Corolla, so there’s more space on the inside and in the boot area. It also has more engine power, better fuel economy, and a lower base price than the Corolla. However, if you need a compact car with many standard tech features, go for the Toyota Corolla.
4. Volkswagen Jetta
The iconic Volkswagen Jetta is one model you want to have on your list when searching for a worthy alternative to the Toyota Corolla. They are both four-door cars with a spacious interior, room for five people, and similar fuel economy ratings. Plus, the two sedans boast a four-cylinder engine, manual or automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system.
However, the Jetta offers more room for passengers and luggage than the Corolla. It also outshines its competitor when it comes to acceleration, cabin quality, and interior tech features. But the Toyota Corolla is more powerful and more reliable than the Volkswagen sedan.
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5. Nissan Versa
If you’re looking for a very affordable car similar to the Toyota Corolla, look no further than the Nissan Versa. Like the Corolla, it is also a four-door compact sedan with a comfortable interior, a seating capacity of five individuals, and many intuitive technology features. And both cars come with a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system.
However, the Toyota Corolla holds several advantages over the Nissan Versa. It is bigger, better-equipped, and more fuel-efficient than its rival. But the Nissan Versa starts at a significantly lower price than the Corolla, making it a better choice for budget-minded shoppers.
6. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte may not be the most popular in its class, but it makes an excellent alternative to the Toyota Corolla. Like the Corolla, it has a compact sedan with ample interior space, comfortable seating for five people, and plenty of popular tech features. Both vehicles also use a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system for easy maneuverability.
Since the Forte is the larger vehicle, it provides more cabin space and a more expansive boot than the Toyota car. It also has a lower starting price, better gas mileage, and more energetic engines than the Corolla sedan. However, the Toyota comes with more safety features and a better-quality interior compared to the Kia Forte.
7. Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 is another small-sized car that’s often compared with the Toyota Corolla. Both are four-door passenger cars with a spacious interior, welcoming seats for five people, and a wide assortment of the latest technology features. Plus, the two sedans come with a four-cylinder base engine, smooth-shifting automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system as standard.
However, the Corolla is bigger than the Mazda 3, so it offers more passenger room and cargo space. It is also cheaper, better on gas, and better equipped than its rival. On the other hand, the Mazda 3 has a more powerful base engine and is more fun to drive than the Toyota Corolla.
8. Toyota Prius
If you like the Toyota Corolla but want to spend less on gas, the Toyota Prius is a go-to choice. Like the Corolla, it’s a four-door sedan with a comfy interior, a seating capacity of five people, and several in-demand tech features. Both cars also offer a four-pot engine and automatic transmission and are available in front-wheel drive.
Although both are identical in size, the Prius is a slightly bigger cabin and trunk than its rival. Plus, it is more fuel-efficient and better for off-road driving than the Corolla, thanks to its optional all-wheel-drive system. On the other side, the Corolla has a lower starting price, more engine power, and a more upscale interior than the Prius.
9. Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a long-time rival of the Toyota Corolla. They are both four-door sedans with a spacious interior, comfortable seating for five people, and loads of desirable high-tech features. Plus, the two cars have a standard four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive system.
One main difference between the two vehicles is in their size. While the Toyota Corolla is a small sedan, the Honda Accord is a midsize car, so it offers more room on the inside and can carry more cargo. It also boasts more powerful engines and a higher-quality interior than the Corolla. However, the Toyota Corolla is cheaper and better on gas than the Accord.
10. Skoda Octavia
Not many people have heard of the Skoda Octavia, but it also makes a good alternative to the Toyota Corolla. Like the Corolla, it is a four-door compact sedan with a comfy interior, room for five people, and loads of intuitive technology features. The two cars also use a four-cylinder engine, automatic transmission, and a standard front-wheel-drive system.
But the Octavia offers a more powerful base engine and higher fuel efficiency than its more popular rival. Also, it has more passenger room and boot space and a lower starting price than the Toyota Corolla. On the other hand, the Corolla is faster and easier to maneuver than the Octavia.
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11. Toyota Yaris
The Toyota Yaris is also an option you’ll want to consider when looking for an alternative to Toyota Corolla. They are both reliable four-sedan with ample cabin space, welcoming seats for five people, and loads of in-demand technology features. Both cars are also fitted with a four-pot engine, automatic transmission, and a front-wheel-drive system.
Regarding size, the Corolla has a bigger and more upscale interior than the Yaris. Plus, the Toyota Corolla is faster, more powerful, and better equipped than its competitor. But the Yaris consumes less fuel economy and costs less than the Corolla.
12. Nissan Sentra
If you’re thinking of a budget compact car that can compete with the Corolla, go for the Nissan Sentra. They are both four-door vehicles with a comfortable cabin, seats for five passengers, and approximately the same fuel economy. The two cars also have a four-pot engine, automatic transmission, and a standard front-wheel-drive system.
While both vehicles offer a large truck by their class standards, you will be able to carry more luggage in the Nissan Sentra. Despite being cheaper, the Sentra also has a more attractive interior, a superior base engine, and faster acceleration than the Toyota Corolla. But the Corolla is more reliable and holds value better than the Nissan sedan.
13. Toyota Auris
The Toyota Auris is a compact car based on the Corolla, and this explains why the two vehicles have a lot in common. Much like the Corolla, it also has a spacious cabin, seats for five passengers, and many modern technology features. The two cars also use a four-cylinder base engine, automatic transmission, and a standard front-wheel drive.
However, the Toyota Corolla is larger than the Auris, so it provides more room for passengers and their belongings. It also boasts more powerful engines and quicker acceleration than the Auris. But if you’re looking for a low-cost car with excellent gas mileage, Toyota Auris is a pretty decent choice.
14. Suzuki Swace
Rounding up our list of similar cars to the Toyota Corolla is the Suzuki Swace. Like the Corolla, it is also a reliable family sedan with a spacious cabin, comfortable seats for five people, and a comprehensive suite of advanced technology features. Plus, the two vehicles boast a four-cylinder engine, automatic gearbox, and a front-wheel drive.
Unlike the Corolla, the Suzuki Swace is a midsize car. As such, it offers more stretch room for passengers and can haul more cargo than the Corolla. Another area where the Suzuki excels is in fuel economy – rated 64.2 mpg combined. On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla is faster, cheaper, and better equipped than the Swace.