2017 Toyota Corolla: What's Changed

CARS.COM

• Most significant changes: More standard safety equipment, 50th Anniversary Special Edition model and new XSE trim level. Base L model gets standard automatic transmission.
• Price change: Prices are $200 higher on LE models and $1,200 higher on the base L trim. Prices for the SE model drop $190.
• On sale: September
• Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017 because of the additional standard safety features.

Related: 2017 Toyota Corolla: First Look

The Toyota Corolla debuted in Japan in 1966 and in the U.S. two years later, and Toyota will mark the occasion with a 50th Anniversary model based on the SE. For many Americans, a Corolla was the first Japanese car they owned, and after buying one some never left the brand.

The anniversary model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, an Entune audio system with a 7-inch screen, black and black cherry interior accents, and 50th anniversary badging. At $21,900 (not including the $865 destination charge), the anniversary model is $1,455 more than the SE it’s based on.

A more significant change is that standard safety features on all models now include pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and automatic high-beam headlights. All those features were optional last year.

All models also get a new front end and redesigned climate controls; a backup camera is now standard across the board for 2017. An available Entune audio system has a larger screen (7 inches instead of 6.1) and Scout GPS Link, which integrates smartphone navigation apps with the audio system.

Among other changes, the base L model gets a standard continuously variable automatic transmission and a corresponding $1,200 increase in its base price to $18,500 (not including destination). Last year, a six-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. The stick shift is now available on the SE (last year it was CVT only), and the Corolla lineup expands with a sportier XSE model. At $22,680 (without destination) it is the most expensive Corolla. In addition, the compact hatchback formerly known as the Scion iM becomes the Corolla iM. The iM hatchback is based on the Corolla sedan platform.

Corolla has stayed true to its original mission of providing basic, reliable, affordable transportation, and it remains one of the best-selling cars in the U.S. Toyota in general and the Corolla in particular have been criticized for being bland in appearance, but it’s hard to argue with such success.

Though Toyota has tried to jazz up the Corolla’s styling and performance in recent years, most buyers are probably more impressed by its reputation for reliability, durability and value. In head-to-head competition with other compact sedans it usually finishes midpack or lower, but Corolla has found a formula that keeps satisfying customers.