Toyota has finally released pricing on its redesigned-for-2014 Corolla, and despite packing a substantially bigger visual punch than the near-invisible outgoing model, it isn’t much more expensive. The least-expensive 2014 Corolla costs $17,610, just $570 more than last year’s base model, and comes with more standard equipment, including LED running lights, Bluetooth (previously a $280 option), a six-speed manual transmission (last year’s car got a five-speed) and a driver’s knee airbag. Previously standard niceties such as air conditioning and power windows, door locks, and mirrors return on the 2014 car.
Four trim levels—L, LE, S, and LE Eco—are offered, but Toyota clutters up the order sheet with a further two sub-trim levels for the LE, S, and LE Eco dubbed Plus and Premium. Selecting the Plus guise brings 16-inch aluminum wheels and fog lights to the LE, 17-inchers and rear disc brakes to the S, and 16-inchers, fog lights, and chrome exterior trim to the LE Eco. Premium-spec versions add Softex pseudo-leather seats to all three models. Selecting either a Plus or a Premium Corolla unlocks two more option packages, the $850 sunroof and the $1510 Drivers Convenience package, which includes keyless access with pushbutton starting and Toyota’s Entune infotainment system. A manual is standard on the L, but the only other Corolla to offer a stick is the sporty S model with the Plus package. Every other Corolla gets a new CVT standard, though, curiously, the optional two-pedal transmission for the base L is a four-speed automatic. Full pricing below:
Corolla L: ($17,610) + $600 for four-speed automatic.
Corolla LE: ($19,110) + $400 for Plus, $1100 for Premium; LE-spec adds a backup camera, automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry, and Entune with 6.1-inch touch screen.
Corolla S: ($19,810) + $700 for Plus, $1400 for Premium; S is the sporty Corolla model and adds piano-black grille and instrument panel, sport suspension, paddle shifters for seven fake “gears” programmed into CVT, unique gauge cluster with TFT display, sport seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. S Plus with the six-speed manual ($22,110) comes standard with sunroof and drivers convenience packages.
Corolla LE Eco: (19,510) + $700 for Plus, $1400 for Premium; adds Valvematic 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, unique aerodynamic package, and fuel-economy-oriented tuning for the CVT.
Comparo: 2013 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2014 Subaru Forester, 2014 Mazda CX-5
Instrumented Test: 2013 Toyota Avalon
Instrumented Test: 2012 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Automatic
Overall, the Corolla’s pricing hasn’t budged much from before—a critical detail given Toyota had no problem selling a bajillion of the outgoing version of the car. That car sold in huge numbers in spite of its ho-hum looks, dearth of available tech features, and middle-of-the-road base price. Still, just to cover the bases, the 2014 Corolla’s similar base price slightly undercuts those of the Chevy Cruze, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and new Mazda 3, while falling dearer than the Dodge Dart, Kia Forte, Volkswagen Jetta, and the segment-topping, 10Best-awarded Ford Focus. With its newfound interesting looks and more-luxurious options list, we see no reason why the 2014 Corolla won’t continue to be a big earner for Toyota.