| The Corolla has a comfortable, pleasant interior.
Materials and patterns are understated.
The standard cloth upholstery appears two-tone at first between bolsters and cushions, but it's just an illusion caused by the texturing.
The wood-grain trim on the XLE adds visual warmth not often seen in compacts and helps break up color monotony.
Leather upholstery is available on the sport seats in the S and XRS models, though apparently leather is not offered on the XLE.
Wood grain trim is available on some models, but the faux wood reflects glare more than the standard trim does.
A dash is conventional, framing speedometer and tachometer with fuel and ancillary data.
Corolla XLE and XRS employ electroluminescent Optitron gauges popularized by Lexus for utmost clarity.
Controls used often are on the tilt/telescoping steering column stalks, with others on dash and center stack.
Basic three-ring climate controls bring the desired temperature and you can add a high-capacity heater with rear-seat ducts.
A navigation system is available, but with two caveats: First, you cannot get the top-of-the-line JBL sound system in conjunction with it.
Second, it lacks voice recognition and Bluetooth.
Still, Toyota's navigation system is easy to learn to use and it works very well.
The front seats are comfortable, and getting in and out of them is easy.
The sport seats in the XRS use heavier bolsters for more support when cornering, though they are not well suited to people with large frames.
The rear seat is apropos for the class.
The floor is flat except for a small incline to the back of the console.
The split folding rear seats puts the narrow section behind the driver so you can carry long objects and still put two riders behind the passenger.
Outward visibility from the driver's seat is quite good, the narrow pillars paying dividends in lane-change over-the-shoulder glances.
A low dashboard and windshield base enhances forward visibility, though the driver can's see exactly where the front of the car ends.
Storage spaces are well thought-out, even to details like a cord slot so your personal electronics connection doesn't get pinched.
A sliding-top console comes on upper level models that's appreciated on long drives.
A remote release opens the trunk lid, which springs from the top of the bumper and bisects the taillights for a wide loading space.
Cargo space of 12.3 cubic feet is about average and isn't hindered by black boxes and big speakers hanging down under the back window.
A temporary-use spare is under the floor. |