2022 Toyota Corolla Review

One of the world’s best-selling cars, the Toyota Corolla has been renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability for nearly six decades. Over the years, Corolla has consistently been at the forefront of automotive innovation, embracing advances in safety and technology, often setting industry standards in these areas. This has made it a preferred choice for first-time car buyers, families and commuters alike. The Toyota Corolla competes with the Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Axela in the New Zealand market.

2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

2022 Toyota Corolla hatchback.

Introduction

The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966 and is currently in its 12th generation, which was introduced in 2018. The 12th generation Toyota Corolla has a more dynamic and modern design than its predecessor.
Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Corolla is built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which offers improved structural rigidity and handling dynamics.  The result is a more comfortable and engaging driving experience.
The interior gets a well-deserved upgrade. Higher quality materials, improved ergonomics and better sound insulation contribute to a more refined cabin.
The infotainment system is modernised with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and available navigation.

Engines

The 2022 Toyota Corolla comes with two engine options, the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine and the 2.0L M20A-FKS engine. The engines are mated to either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 6-speed manual transmission.

2022 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2022 Toyota Corolla S– This is the base grade, with 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, reversing camera,
2. 2022 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport– This is the standard trim level, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, a USB port and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
3. 2022 Toyota Corolla SX–  This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
4. 2022 Toyota Corolla W×B – This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
5. 2022 Toyota Corolla ZR– This is the top-of-the-range model with 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system, heated front seats and a sunroof.

2022 Toyota Corolla interior

Inside the 2022 Corolla, soft-touch materials provide a perfect blend of practicality and quality. The front seats are supportive and well-cushioned, with plenty of legroom and headroom for taller occupants. The driving position is quite comfortable, with good forward and rearward visibility. In the second row there is enough room for two adults to sit comfortably. In the hatchback models, the rear seats are best for children due to the lack of legroom. The 2022 Corolla also features conveniently located LATCH points for easy installation of child seats.

The Corolla is also loaded with new technology including; an audio multimedia system with standard compatibility for Apple Car Play, Android Auto compatibility, Amazon Alexa compatibility, Sirius XM, and automatic climate control.

2022 Toyota Corolla Cargo Space

 The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan has 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback has 17.8 cubic feet.  This space can accommodate small items such as groceries. If more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down to a 60/40 split.
2022 Toyota Corolla cargo space.

2022 Toyota Corolla cargo space.

2022 Toyota Corolla exterior

The 2022 Corolla has a low, wide and aggressive exterior design with a host of details unique to each grade. The front end features a large trapezoidal grille with swept-back headlights, giving the car a wide and aggressive stance. The side profile is smooth and flowing, with a subtle character line that runs the length of the car. The rear end is also stylish, with wraparound taillights and a small boot lid spoiler. Corolla also offers two
vibrant and distinctive new colour options – Ruby Flare Pearl and Wind Chill Pearl.
Safety features; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), SRS airbags, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0.

Performance

The 2022 Corolla is a real eye-catcher, but it also offers impressive on-road performance and cornering ability. It has a special track-tuned suspension with solid anti-roll bars and a lowered ride height to help it negotiate twisty roads.
The Corolla’s fully independent suspension and spring-loaded kerb weight make it stable and fun to drive, even on uneven surfaces.
It also comes with a range of standard safety features, including traction control, stability control and anti-lock brakes. These features help keep the car under control in slippery or difficult driving conditions.
The Corolla’s steering is light and easy to manoeuvre, making it ideal for city driving. However, it can feel a little numb and disconnected at higher speeds. The brakes are responsive and offer good stopping power, but can be a little grabby at times, especially when braking from high speeds. This can make the car feel a little unstable.
The Corolla’s range of powertrains offer distinct personalities. The base 1.8-litre engine delivers 139 bhp through a continuously variable transmission, while the 2.0-litre engine delivers 169 bhp with high fuel efficiency. It can be paired with either the Direct Shift CVT, which features a quick start gear, paddle shifters and a Sport mode for a more engaging driving experience, or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (IMT), which offers clever rev-matching downshift technology.
2022 Toyota Corolla speedometre.

2022 Toyota Corolla speedometer.

Reliability

The Corolla is one of the most reliable cars on the market and the 2022 model is no exception. Toyota cars are generally very reliable and don’t require a lot of maintenance. This means you can save money on repairs and maintenance over the course of ownership.
With proper care, you’ll be able to pass your Corolla on to your grandchildren. However, this is no guarantee that these cars will be free of problems. Some owners have reported problems with steering wheel vibration, unresponsive brakes and airbags failing to deploy in the event of a crash. It is important to note that these problems are not widespread and most drivers have no problems with their cars. Whether you’re buying or already own a Toyota Corolla, it’s a good idea to read the Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide for more information.

Pros

Advanced safety features
High fuel efficiency
Easy-to-use controls
Comfortable ride

Cons

Slow acceleration
Not as sporty as some cars in its class

Verdict

The 2022 Toyota Corolla is worth considering if you’re looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient car with standard technology and safety features. It is good value for money and has a lot to offer. It is best suited to first-time buyers, families, commuters and older people.
2022 Toyota Corolla side profile.

2022 Toyota Corolla side profile.