2009 toyota Corolla Xrs

2009 Toyota Corolla Xrs: Toyota's redesigned Corolla is a little bit like the healthy-fare section of a dining establishment menu: On paper, its qualities must attract lots of left-brained customers, yet like the overcooked tilapia you're always stuck forking with, its total allure is missing out on something. If compact cars attracted just on prudent perceptiveness, this Corolla might have risen to the top-- and, indeed, with climbing gas rates, it still might. Given that today's finest small cars and trucks handle to pique both sides of the mind, nonetheless, Toyota's most current entrance underwhelms.

The Corolla comes in Requirement, LE and XLE trim levels; most include a transmission. Visit this site to see a comparison with the 2008 model. A sportier version is used in S or XRS trims, while the revamped Toyota Matrix and also Pontiac Ambiance serve as hatchback spin-offs. I drove a Corolla XLE.


2009 Toyota Corolla Xrs


Exactly how it Relocations

A lot of trim levels, consisting of the one I drove, have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder. As I've normally found to be the standard among compact automobiles, the Corolla's accelerator responds with a light touch, offering the engine an eager sensation around community. Highway velocity is much less energetic, where the Corolla's four-speed automated becomes something of an obligation, specifically if you're lugging guests. Prompting the transmission to kick below 4th to third takes a collective prod on the gas, as well as speeding up from 30 to 50 mph in some cases calls for second equipment-- and a fair bit of engine noise-- to obtain up to speed. The Honda Civic, which we had in the Cars.com fleet the week prior to the Corolla, has a five-speed automated, and its drivetrain really feels extremely a lot more as much as the job of high-speed passing away.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers the Corolla XRS. Right here's just how the two engines compare:

Though I didn't drive the Corolla XRS, I have actually driven that engine in the new Matrix, and also it's an extremely adaptable powertrain. Its mileage penalty is substantial, though: In the Corolla it returns 22/29 mpg (city/highway) with a stick or 22/30 with an automatic, compared with 27/35 mpg with the 1.8-liter engine and also either transmission. The gas mileage numbers for the base engine are especially remarkable:

Anti-skid brakes are conventional, though all trims yet the XRS have low-tech drum brakes in back. The pedal in my test cars and truck seemed a little bit mushy, especially compared to the stopping response from four-wheel-disc autos like the Hyundai Elantra or uplevel Civics. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder took the Corolla out in the rain, and he found in one circumstances that ABS kicked in prematurely and caused a distressing lateral lurch as the automobile came to a stop.

Suspension equipment includes an independent front as well as semi-independent, torsion beam of light rear-- once again, inferior to competitors with four-wheel-independent suspensions. (Specific Matrixes have an independent back suspension, however even the Corolla XRS sticks to the torsion beam; a Toyota representative said that's because the Matrix is a naturally sportier car.) Highway trip top quality serves, with restricted wind and also road sound, however otherwise the Corolla conveys a sloppy driving experience. Hit a growth joint while rounding an offramp, and also the wheels shimmy laterally dramatically. The steering wheel has a comfortable on-center feel, yet it transforms with a numb, remote feeling, and hard edges evoke lots of body roll.

The Civic and Lancer, which both have four-wheel-independent suspensions, appear more specific in all 3 regards. The Corolla XRS could prove sharper, as well-- it has a quicker guiding ratio and also a suspension-stiffening strut-tower support, so if you're searching for better handling, it's probably worth taking a look at. Keep in mind that the XRS has a frustrating 36.3-foot turning circle, while other trims make it in 35.6 feet. The latter figure is affordable with the Civic and also Sentra, though it sheds to the Elantra (33.9 feet) and also Lancer (32.8 ).

How it Looks

The Corolla's latest expression, which Toyota claims it developed with the help of style studios in Italy, appears much more hostile compared to that of the Japanese-market Corolla. Triangular fronts lights and an impression in the grille for Toyota's logo design make it similar to the bigger Camry, while the tail recalls the outgoing Corolla's. It's an organized look that takes few dangers, as well as I question it will discover several followers or critics.

Wheels range from 15 to 17 inches in diameter. The Corolla S and XRS add haze lights, bumper expansions and a rear spoiler, elevating the styling mercury to someplace around that of the body-kitted Camry SE. You could determine whether that's a good thing.

The In

For the most part, the Corolla's cabin appears affably neat-- the two-tone dash in my examination automobile had consistent, otherwise superior, top quality, as well as whatever from the facility controls to the evaluates seemed customized for uncomplicated use. The directional signal and also window switches run with specifically fitted movements, and though most plastics are difficult to the touch, overall fit and also coating is commendable. Storage locations are plentiful, with two piled glove areas, an ample facility console or even small pockets flanking the facility controls.

I'm not sure mere tidiness suffices, however. The Civic's cabin boosts control accuracy to one more realm-- the Corolla's AIR CONDITIONING dials feel clumsy in comparison-- as well as the Elantra flaunts soft-touch products and also high end services. The Lancer and Focus choose broke with interior styling. Caught in the crossfire, the Corolla seems plain-- dumbed-down, even-- which might not be an area Toyota can manage to be.

Front-seat headroom is adequate, though my test vehicle had no moonroof, which would eliminate about an inch of above space. The cloth seats were the subject of much argument at Cars.com: I discovered the upholstery comfy and well brushed, yet editors Mike Hanley and also David Thomas assumed it was dated and low-grade. The driver's seat adjustments won little support-- a height-adjustment jack is standard, yet the seat has limited rear motion for taller vehicle drivers.

Perhaps that's a good idea; if the pole positions took a trip any farther back, rear legroom would end up being untenable. As it stands, legroom and headroom in back are simply appropriate for adults. Congratulations to Toyota for maintaining the floor in between the rear seats hump-free, which implies a 5th traveler might actually be able to tolerate a short trip in the center seat there.

Trunk volume amounts to 12.3 cubic feet, which is at the low end of this section. Below's how indoor volume compares:

Safety and security

The 2009 Corolla made the greatest rating, Good, in frontal crash tests from the Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Safety And Security. IIHS has not yet reviewed the auto for side-impacts. The Corolla's six basic airbags include side-impact air bags for the pole positions and side drape airbags for both rows. Active front head restraints as well as anti-skid brakes are additionally basic; a variety of competitors make ABDOMINAL optional.

Traction control as well as an electronic security system run as a $250 package on all trims however the XRS, where they're common. The alternative is well worth the cost, considered that many competitors book stability control for greater trim levels or don't use it at all. The outward bound Corolla charged $650 for the feature. Toyota claims it's set up on just 14 percent of all '09 Corollas, however, so it could take some browsing to discover one with it.

Functions & Pricing

Without the location cost, the Corolla starts at $15,250. Typical functions consist of air conditioning, power mirrors and also a CD stereo with a supporting jack. Keep in mind that there's no iPod-specific hookup like Successor, Toyota's sibling nameplate, supplies.

The Corolla LE adds power windows and locks, while the XLE obtains fake wood trim, backlit evaluates as well as keyless entrance-- a $245 choice on the LE that actually should certainly be basic. Both the LE and XLE include a transmission. The S and also XRS sport various outside add-ons, together with sportier seats and also a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls. Both models revert to hand-operated door locks and windows, though-- especially disappointing for the XRS, which sets you back more than the better-equipped XLE. Power devices, warmed natural leather seats, a moonroof and also a navigating system are optional.

Tons an XRS to the handle, and also the sticker label turns up just shy of $25,000. All informed, the Corolla doesn't flaunt quite as much value for the money as some of its rivals do. Take a look at exactly how a comfortably geared up model compares:

Corolla in the Market

Gas gas mileage and security qualifications provide the Corolla plenty of book charm, as well as if the vehicle's 40-year history is any sign, the most recent version should verify as trusted as the sunup. Barring any type of top quality snafus-- a significant unidentified, taking into consideration the current Camry V-6's record-- these factors could be enough to drive the Corolla's success.

As a compact auto that appeals all fronts, however, the Corolla dissatisfies. It's the kind of selection born out of your inner sense of responsibility-- a solid pick, possibly, for moms and dads buying their teen motorist. The issue for Toyota is that a lot of competitors have handled to package book perceptiveness with compelling designing and fun-to-drive charm. Judged versus these opponents, the Corolla comes off as an also-ran.