2016 Toyota Corolla Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966 and is currently in the 12th generation which was introduced in 2018.

The 2016 Toyota Corolla falls under the 11th generation which was in production from 2012 to 2017. This generation marked a significant redesign for the Corolla, introducing several updates and improvements compared to its predecessor including the exterior design, the interior, and safety features.

The 2016 Toyota Corolla has two engine options, the 1.8L inline-4 engine which is standard in most trims and the 1.8-litre Inline-4 engine which is used in the Eco trim. Both engine options are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2016 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2016 Toyota Corolla L – This is the entry-level grade that comes with 15-inch steel wheels, cloth seating, power door locks, power windows, LED running lights, powered accessories, air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with auxiliary controls, an Entune Audio suite with a 6.1-inch touch screen, and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
2. 2016 Toyota Corolla LE – This grade comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, heated outside mirrors,  variable intermittent wipers, a backup camera, automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.
3. 2016 Toyota Corolla LE Eco– This grade focuses on fuel efficiency and has a retuned engine, 15-inch steel wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires enhanced aerodynamics, rear spoiler, and ECO driving mode.
4. 2016 Toyota Corolla S – This is a sportier trim that comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear disc brakes, a rear spoiler, a sport driving mode, and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with SofTex artificial leather seating.

2016 Toyota Corolla Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2016 Toyota Corolla offers a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to five passengers. In the first row, the seats are comfortable and offer good legroom and headroom for most drivers and passengers, even for taller individuals. The seats are supportive and well-padded, which contributes to a comfortable driving experience.

In the second row, the seats provide adequate legroom for average-sized adults, but taller passengers may find it slightly cramped, especially if the front seats are pushed back. The headroom is also decent, although taller individuals might need to slouch slightly due to the sloping roofline.

Cabin Storage

The 2016 Corolla features several storage compartments in the cabin that can be used for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags, etc. in the first row there are two cup holders, a center console, and door pockets on both sides of the front seats. The second row boats front seat jacket pockets or rear passengers to store magazines, books, or other slim items.

 2016 Toyota Corolla Boot Space

The 2016 Toyota Corolla offers a decent boot space but it may not be as spacious as some other vehicles in its class. It is however enough to accommodate luggage for a weekend trip or a week’s worth of groceries. The trunk is also wide and easy to load and unload. If extra space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down.

Exterior

The 2016 Toyota Corolla features a sleek and streamlined exterior design that is sure to turn heads on the road. The front end features a large grille with swept-back headlights integrating well with the overall design. The hood is sculpted and had some character lines, giving the car a slightly more dynamic appearance. The rear end features a sloping roofline and integrated taillights. Some trim levels featured a small rear spoiler to enhance the car’s sporty appeal.

The 2016 Corolla is available in a variety of colors, including Super White, Black Sand Pearl, Red, Classic Silver Metallic, Slate Metallic, Blizzard Pearl, and Blue Crush Metallic.

2016 Toyota Corolla Fuel Consumption

2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine Fuel Consumption: 13.0Km/l (On average)

2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L Eco engine Fuel Consumption: 15.0Km/l (On average)

2016 Toyota Corolla Acceleration 

2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.0secs

2016 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L Eco engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10.1 secs

2016 Toyota Corolla Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

2016 Toyota Corolla Ground Clearance

The 2016 Toyota Corolla has a ground clearance of 5.1 inches which is below the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

2016 Toyota Corolla Stability and Handling

The 2016 Toyota Corolla offers good stability and handling for a car of its class however some owners do not consider it as an exciting car to drive.

The 2016 Corolla’s suspension system consists of MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam rear suspension, providing a comfortable ride and stable handling. The system is well-tuned to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing most road imperfections effectively. This makes the 2016 Corolla effective for everyday driving.

The 2016 Toyota Corolla’s stability is also aided by its relatively low center of gravity and its wide track.

It also features an electric power steering system which is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and parking lots. However, some drivers feel that the steering lacks some feedback and precision compared to more performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2016 Toyota Corolla is also fitted with a number of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control.  These systems work together to enhance stability and control, particularly in challenging road conditions or emergency maneuvers.

2016 Toyota Corolla Service Intervals

Minor Service- At 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil

Major Service – At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

The beauty of driving a Toyota in Kenya is that spare parts are relatively cheap and readily available. This is also true for the Toyota Corolla. Service parts and suspension parts are readily available. With a monthly budget of about Ksh.6,000/- , you will cover maintenance costs. Body parts such as headlights and side mirrors are somewhat expensive. Used parts generally require negotiations and their prices vary from shop to shop. In Nairobi, most spare shops in Industrial area and Kirinyaga road stock these spare parts. You can get listings for these shops in this link

2016 Toyota Corolla Reliability

The Toyota Corolla is generally considered to be a reliable car. It is made with high-quality materials and components and, is built to Toyota’s strict standards of quality and durability.

However, just like any other car, the Toyota Corolla might encounter problems. Some of the most reported issues about the 2016 Toyota Corolla include; bad brakes, airbags failing to deploy, and random loss of steering control.

It’s important to note that these problems are not common on every Toyota Corolla as a majority of owners have reported no issues.

Regular maintenance and proper care can help mitigate issues that may arise. We recommend you follow guidelines as per the Owner’s Manual.

Resale Value: Average

Comparable Cars: Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Axela

What we like about the 2016 Toyota Corolla

• Fuel Efficiency
• Comfortable ride

What we don’t

• Lacks advanced safety features

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is a good choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable car. It has a long history of reliability, and it is backed by Toyota’s reputation for quality. The Corolla is also fuel-efficient and has a comfortable ride. It is further available in a variety of trim levels, which you can pick depending on your budget and preference.