2018 Toyota Corolla Review

The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966 and is currently in the 12th generation which was introduced in 2018. The 12th generation  Toyota Corolla features a more dynamic and modern design compared to its predecessor. It is also built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform which provides improved structural rigidity, enhanced handling dynamics, and increased crash safety performance.

The 2018 Toyota Corolla has one engine option, the 1.8L inline-4 engine which is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2018 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2018 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. 2018 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. 2018 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. 2018 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. 2018 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. 2018 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 2018 Toyota Corolla offers a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to five passengers. In the first row, the seats are supportive and provide adequate cushioning for longer drives. However, some drivers may find seat adjustments limited, particularly in terms of lumbar support. In the second row, the seats are suitable for average-sized adults, taller passengers may find the legroom slightly cramped.

The 2018 Corolla’s dashboard layout is clean and well-organized, with easy-to-reach controls and buttons.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 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.

 2018 Toyota Corolla Boot Space

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers a boot space of 13.2 cubic feet which should be adequate for grocery shopping, or carrying small to medium-sized luggage. However, if more space is required, the rear seats can be folded down.

Exterior

The 2018 Toyota Corolla boasts a modern and streamlined design that is in line with Toyota’s current styling language. At the front end, the Corolla incorporates a horizontally elongated grille with chrome accents, flanked by angular headlights.

In the side profile, the 2018 Toyota Corolla features clean lines and gentle curves that contribute to its overall sleek appearance.

At the rear end, the 2018 Corolla boasts a simple yet refined design. The taillights are vertically positioned and feature a distinctive shape, extending towards the trunk lid. The rear bumper is designed to integrate seamlessly with the overall body design, with the exhaust pipe hidden from view.

2018 Toyota Corolla Fuel Consumption

2018 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine Fuel Consumption: 13.6Km/l (On average)

2018 Toyota Corolla Acceleration 

2018 Toyota Corolla 1.8 L engine accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.0secs

2018 Toyota Corolla Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres

2018 Toyota Voxy Ground Clearance

The 2018 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.

2018 Toyota Corolla Stability and Handling

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is known for its solid and predictable handling, offering a balanced and comfortable driving experience. While it is not designed to be a sporty or performance-oriented car, the Corolla provides stability and confidence on the road, making it a good choice for everyday driving situations.

The Corolla benefits from its low center of gravity, which contributes to a stable and balanced feel while driving. It offers a good grip and maintains composure during normal driving conditions.

The suspension system is well-tuned and strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. It effectively absorbs road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and composed ride.

The 2018 Corolla’s steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in traffic and parking lots. Some drivers, however, have noted that the steering lacks some feedback, which can limit the driver’s relationship with the road.

Additionally, the Corolla comes equipped with a range of safety features including electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes which enhance stability and handling.

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 the Industrial area and Kirinyaga Road stock these spare parts. You can get listings for these shops in this link

2018 Toyota Corolla Reliability

The Toyota Corolla is considered to be a reliable car as it has been in production for many years allowing Toyota to refine and improve its design and manufacturing processes over time. However, some owners have reported issues like excessive revving with cruise control, noisy air conditioning, as well as a locked steering wheel. it is important to remember that not all Corollas will have these problems. Regular maintenance can help mitigate some of 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 2016 Toyota Corolla

• Fuel Efficiency
• Comfortable ride

What we don’t

• Not very exciting to drive

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Corolla is a well-rounded choice for individuals seeking a reliable, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and practical compact sedan. Its strong reputation for reliability, strong resale value, and comprehensive safety features contribute to its appeal. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a small family, or simply looking for a reliable and efficient vehicle, the 2018 Corolla is a great option worth considering.