2017 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 2017 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 2017 Toyota Corolla comes with a single-engine option, the 1.8L inline-4 engine which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2017 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2017 Toyota Corolla L –  This is the base grade that comes with 15-Inch Steel Wheels, Cloth Seating, Air Conditioning, LED Headlights, LED running lights, power mirrors, doors and locks, air-conditioning, adaptive cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver seat and four-way front passenger seat.
2. 2017 Toyota Corolla LE–  This grade comes with 16-Inch Steel Wheels, Keyless Entry, Automatic Climate Control, Heated Mirrors, variable intermittent wipers and metallic cabin accents.
3. 2017 Toyota Corolla  LE Eco– The LE Eco Grade comes with a revised engine, 15-inch steel wheels with low-rolling-resistance tires, a rear spoiler, Suspension Tuning, Low Resistance Tires and improved aerodynamics.
4. 2017 Toyota Corolla XLE–  16-Inch Alloy Wheels, SofTex Artificial Leather Seating, upgraded headlights,  a sunroof, heated front seats, an upgraded driver information display, and the Entune Audio Plus audio system.
5. 2017 Toyota Corolla SE–  17-Inch Alloy Wheels, Unique Grille, Rear Spoiler, Leather Steering Wheel, heated color-keyed side mirrors with turn signal indicators, a chrome-tipped exhaust, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, sport front seats and a sport-style gauge cluster.
6. 2017 Toyota Corolla XSE–  Gray 17-Inch Alloy Wheels, Upholstery, Power Driver’s Seat, sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, heated front seats and an eight-way power-adjustable driver seat.

Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2017 Toyota Corolla offers a comfortable interior with adequate legroom and space for a compact sedan. In the first row, there is ample legroom and headroom even for taller individuals allowing them to stretch their legs without feeling cramped. In the second row, the 2017 Toyota Corolla offers a descent legroom although taller passengers may find it slightly more compact compared to some other cars in the same class.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 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 is are two cupholders, 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.

 Boot Space

The 2017 Toyota Corolla offers a decent amount of boot space which is suitable for everyday use and typical cargo needs such as groceries and sizable luggage. The rear seats can be folded down if extra space is needed.

Exterior

The 2017 Toyota Corolla features a modern and sleek exterior design  that includes a new front fascia with a larger grille and more angular headlights. Moving towards the side profile, the 2017 Corolla has a clean and aerodynamic silhouette. It boasts well-defined character lines that add visual interest and gives the car a sense of forward motion.

At the rear end the 2017 Toyota Corolla sports taillights that are designed to complement the front headlights. The rear bumper is typically understated with a focus on simplicity.

2017 Toyota Corolla Fuel Consumption

2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine Fuel Consumption: 13.67Km/l (On average)

2017 Toyota Corolla Acceleration 

2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.0secs

2017 Toyota Corolla Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

2017 Toyota Corolla Ground Clearance

The 2017 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.

2017 Toyota Corolla Stability and Handling

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is known for its stable and predictable handling characteristics. It offers a comfortable and composed ride, making it well-suited for daily commuting and city driving.

It features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, which provide a good balance between comfort and handling. This suspension system is well tuned to help absorb road imperfections and ensures stability while driving at corners.

The 2017 Corolla boasts an electric power steering system which offers a precise and responsive feel. It also provides good feedback to the driver and allows for easy maneuverability. However, some drivers feel that the steering can be somewhat light and lacking in feedback compared to more performance-oriented vehicles.

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is also equipped with a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which contribute to effective braking performance and stability during emergency stops.

2017 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

2017 Toyota Corolla Reliability

The Toyota Corolla has a history of being a reliable car and the 2017 model is no exception. Toyota has a long-standing track record of producing cars known for their longevity and low maintenance costs. However some owners may encounter some problems. Most reported issues with the 2017 Toyota Corolla include; transmission issues, fuel pump failure, electrical issues, paint problems and suspension issues. It is important to remember that not all Corollas will have these problems. We recommend that you always adhere to the guidelines outlined in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

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

What we like about the 2017 Toyota Corolla

• Fuel Efficiency
• Comfortable ride

What we don’t

• Lacks advanced safety features

Conclusion

The 2017 Toyota Corolla is an excellent choice  for those seeking for a practical and compact sedan. Its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, practicality, and strong resale value makes it a smart option for individuals and families alike. Whether you value a dependable car for daily driving, fuel efficiency, or long-term ownership satisfaction, the 2017  Toyota Corolla offers on all of these fronts, making it a great choice for a wide ranger of buyers.