Top 6 Best Years for Toyota Corolla 2025: A Quick Walkthrough

One would think choosing the most reliable Toyota Corolla year would be easy; after all, it’s one of the best-selling cars with excellent reliability in the American market (plus other continents like South Africa). And yet, once you start digging, the choices blur together. 

Fortunately, our team has sifted through the details, compared the features, and test-driven the standouts to help you figure out which Corolla years actually deliver. Let’s get into it.

Top 6 Best Toyota Corolla Years

The reliable models that truly stand out are the 2018, 2020, 2021, 2013, 2008, and 2007 Corollas. The 2018 and 2021 models bring sporty exterior designs and tech upgrade materials, and the 2020 introduces the fuel-sipping Hybrid. Meanwhile, the 2013, 2008, and 2007 versions are proof that great cars only get better with age.

2018 Toyota Corolla

The 2018 Toyota Corolla stands out as one of the best Corolla years this iconic sedan has ever had.

Its sporty redesign caught our eyes almost immediately. The sleek, aerodynamic shape helps cut down on interior noise, while the standard Bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights give it a modern edge that draws attention without even trying. Commuting through town for a weekend drive had never felt more enjoyable; thanks to the lights, we didn’t have to squint or second-guess what was ahead.

Open the hood, and you’ll find a dependable, smart 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with up to an EPA-estimated 36 mpg on the highway (and an impressive 40 mpg in the LE Eco model). For those who want a little more fun behind the wheel, the SE and XSE trims offer paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode to give you extra driving power when necessary.

Inside, the 2018 Corolla keeps its system smart yet comfortable. All trims come with a standard 6.1-inch Entune Audio touchscreen system that includes voice recognition, steering wheel controls, and a backup camera (meaning you’re always connected and in control).

Go up a trim or two, and you’ll get extras like heated SofTex seats, a power moonroof, and even navigation through the Entune Audio Plus system. Automatic climate control is also included to ensure you stay comfy no matter the outside weather.

Most importantly, Toyota made their full Toyota Safety Sense P package standard on every trim. That means you get advanced features right out of the gate, including:

• Pre-collision system (with Pedestrian detection)
• Automated high beams
• Radar cruise control
• LATCH anchors (tailored for kids)

Add in the Star Safety system and Injury-Lessening seats, and you’ve got a quality car that truly has your back. 

2020 Toyota Corolla

As one of the most reliable Corolla years, the 2020 Corolla introduced the Corolla Hybrid for the very first time in the U.S. If you prefer great gas mileage, the Hybrid LE delivers an impressive PA-estimated 52 mpg on the highway. Such fuel efficiency means fewer stops at the pump and more money in your pocket.

Like its 2018 predecessor, this 12th-generation Corolla also prioritized safety ratings by packing every single trim with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes all the standards:

• Pre-collision warnings with pedestrian detection
• Road sign assist
• Lane departure alerts with steering assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• LATCH anchors (child seats)
• Injury-lessening front seats
• Star Safety System

Our team also found the interior modern, clean, and comfortable. It comes with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and even a USB 2.0 port so we can stay connected on the go. 

Indeed, pairing our phones via Bluetooth was quick and easy during all the test drives. Voice commands also worked smoothly when we needed to make calls without taking our eyes off the road. 

For those who opt for one of the higher trims, there are even more tech extras like an 8-inch touchscreen (an upgrade from the standard 7-inch), heated seats, a Smart Key System, and the automatic inclusion of climate control. Basically, it’s got everything you’d want in a car today without breaking the bank.

2021 Toyota Corolla

As one of the most popular choices, this twelfth-generation car combines everything people have always loved about the Corolla (exceptional reliability ratings, value, and efficiency) with exciting equipment upgrades.

For starters, one of this year’s outstanding additions is the Apex Edition, a special trim that proves to the world that the Corolla can also be sporty. The track-tuned chassis upgrades and summer tires are clearly built for drivers who want a little thrill with their daily commute. We had the chance to test-drive the Apex Edition on a curvy backroad, and the handling felt sharper than ever.

Performance-wise, the 2021 Corolla gives you several options. The standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine puts out 139 horsepower, which we found perfect for smooth, everyday city driving. But if you want more power outputs, the SE and XSE trims come equipped with a 2.0-liter engine option, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. 

Our team noticed that the XSE trim delivered quicker acceleration and more responsive power without sacrificing efficiency. And for those who love being fully in control behind the wheel, select trims even offer a manual gearbox — which is admittedly getting rarer and rarer in today’s market.

The interior features are incredibly well-equipped even for the base model: LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth, a USB port, and Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment system are all standard. Plus, tech lovers will appreciate that Android Auto became standard in the 2021 Corolla, joining Apple CarPlay to provide effortless smartphone integration. Music, maps, and even messaging will fit right into the driving experience.

And, of course, Toyota’s commitment to safety is still clear in this 2021 model. It comes equipped with Vehicle Stability Control, a comprehensive curtain airbag system (covering front, side, overhead, and knee areas), and a built-in security system that prevents the engine from starting without the original key. 

2013 Toyota Corolla

The 2013 Corolla, considered one of the best years for Toyota Corolla, was built to carry Toyota’s tradition forward. Under the hood, it runs on a 1.8-liter dual VVT-i engine that puts out 132 horsepower. These numbers may sound modest, but for a compact sedan, we felt it to be quite right: smooth, responsive, and perfectly suited for daily commuting or weekend drives.

You also get to choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, whatever fits your driving style best. Improved fuel efficiency is another huge plus; with 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, the 2013 Corolla saves you money at the pump while keeping your trips mostly frictionless.

Most importantly, this 10th-generation Toyota Corolla model doesn’t cut corners when it comes to safety. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side crash tests. Standard safety features include:

• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Head restraints (to reduce collision-induced whiplash)
• Side-impact airbags (for crash protection)
• Front and side curtains

And if you think compact cars are usually bare bones, think again: this one comes standard with a 6.1-inch touchscreen display, AM/FM radio, CD player, and support for MP3 and WMA playback. Cruise control is standard, as is a sporty instrument panel with all the readouts you need: a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, and even an outside temperature display.

2008 Toyota Corolla

The 2008 Toyota Corolla never tried to be flashy or over-the-top. It simply focused on doing everything well, and that’s exactly why it is among the best years of the Toyota Corolla.

First, it delivers an impressive 26 miles per gallon in the city and 35 on the highway. That’s not just good for a car from 2008 but also remains respectable even today — and it absolutely shines when it comes to smooth, stress-free driving. We have driven one for multiple tests, and the fuel gauge barely budged even after a full day of running around. 

Safety-wise, you’ll find key features like dual front airbags, child safety rear door locks, a tire pressure monitoring system, and reinforced side-impact beams. They all work quietly in the background to keep you and your passengers protected. 

Its interior also holds up incredibly well over time and feels surprisingly roomy for a compact sedan, with seating for five and 90.3 cubic feet of passenger space. We gave our thumbs up for the ride comfort, as bumps and potholes were handled with ease, all thanks to a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam in the rear.

Given all these advantages, it’s unsurprising that Toyota’s reputation for reliability is fully on display here. Many of these 2008 cars are still on the road today, often with well over 100,000 miles, running strong with minimal issues.

2007 Toyota Corolla

Wrapping up our list is the 2007 Corolla, whose strong reputation stems from its outstanding fuel economy. Rated at 30 mpg in the city and an impressive 38 mpg on the highway, the 2007 Corolla offers incredible mileage that rivals many modern compact cars. 

This fuel efficiency partly comes from its lightweight body and the 1.8L inline-4 engine, which produces 126 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque — enough to provide a smooth, responsive ride without sacrificing fuel savings. Its 13.2-gallon fuel tank, compact size, and tight turning radius (36.1 feet) also make it perfect for urban environments and everyday commuting.

Despite its compact classification, the 2007 Corolla surprises with a roomy interior (90.3 cubic feet of passenger space), providing generous legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. Plus, the trunk space of 13.6 cubic feet is more than adequate for a compact sedan; we highly recommend using it for grocery runs, luggage, or daily use.

Regarding safety measures, we admit it does lack some modern driver-assist features. Nevertheless, the car still includes essential protections such as front airbags, child safety rear door locks, side-impact door beams, and LATCH anchors for child seats. 

Toyota even included daytime running lights with a twilight sensor and pre-tensioners with force limiters on the seatbelts for added passive safety. Hence, during controlled test scenarios (including sudden stops, tight cornering, and simulated impact maneuvers), all our members found the car to maintain excellent structural integrity.

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Toyota Corolla Year

• Fuel Efficiency: Not all models consume fuel the same way (especially the earliest Corollas). If you’re commuting daily or road-tripping often, look for years like 2020 (especially the Hybrid LE, which gets around 52 MPG) or 2007–2008 models, which still hold up with over 30 MPG. Always check the EPA-estimated fuel economy for both city and highway driving.
• Technology Features: If you seek advanced Bluetooth, touchscreen, or Apple CarPlay experiences, we strongly suggest focusing on 2018 and up. The 2021 Corolla, for example, comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while 2013 and previous models only offer basic media systems (radio/CD/aux).
• Safety Systems: Around 2015, Toyota began including its full Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard equipment. It includes must-haves like pre-collision alerts, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control to avoid accidents on highways or in heavy traffic. If you’re buying an older version (like the 2013 or 2007), double-check what high-tech safety features it comes with!
• Performance & Driving Style: Some Corollas are built purely for smooth, relaxed driving, but others prioritize a bit of sporty fun. The SE and XSE trims in 2018–2021 are worth it if you like to feel the road or have quicker acceleration. Otherwise, those who just want reliable A-to-B performance will find the standard four-cylinder 1.8-liter engine choice to be quite sufficient.
• Interior Comfort: Are you planning to use the car for long commutes, family rides, or road trips? Look into trims that offer heated seats, automatic climate control, or power-adjustable driver’s seats. Older models (the 200x line) may feel more basic unless they were fully loaded at purchase.

Conclusion

The difference between a good and a great Corolla often comes down to the details: your choice of engines, fuel-efficient benefits, quality & reliability statistics, and advanced safety features. Whatever you lean toward, make sure you check these features carefully and don’t skip out on safety levels just to save a few bucks.