The Toyota Corolla, a name synonymous with reliability and value, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017, and what better way to mark this milestone than with a refreshed lineup and the introduction of the sporty 2017 Toyota Corolla Se. Building on decades of success and millions of satisfied drivers worldwide, the 2017 Corolla received significant updates, making it an even more compelling choice in the competitive compact sedan segment, especially the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE trim.
For the 2017 model year, Toyota didn’t just rest on its laurels; they enhanced the Corolla’s appeal with sharper styling, an upgraded interior, and a major leap forward in safety technology. While all Corolla models benefited from these improvements, the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE stood out as the sportier variant, designed to inject more excitement into the Corolla driving experience.
One of the most noticeable changes for the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE was its refreshed exterior. A newly designed front grille and complex-LED headlamps gave the car a more aggressive and modern face. These weren’t just aesthetic tweaks; the LED headlamps provided improved visibility, enhancing safety during nighttime driving. The 2017 Toyota Corolla SE also boasted standard 17-inch alloy wheels, further contributing to its athletic stance and visual appeal compared to the lower trims.
Stepping inside the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE, drivers and passengers were greeted with an upgraded interior focused on both comfort and style. The SE trim offered unique Softex-trimmed sport seats with premium fabric inserts in bold color options like Vivid Blue, Orange Zest, and classic Black. These seats weren’t just visually striking; they provided enhanced bolstering, keeping occupants secure and comfortable during spirited driving. The interior ambiance was further elevated by a redesigned climate control panel and circular air vents, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla SE was not just about looks; it also represented a significant advancement in safety. For the 2017 model year, Toyota made Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) standard across all Corolla grades, including the SE. This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies was a game-changer in the compact car class. TSS-P includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses a camera and radar to detect vehicles and pedestrians in front of the car. If a potential collision is detected, it provides an audible and visual alert, and can even automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an impact.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: This feature helps drivers stay in their lane by monitoring lane markings. If the system detects unintentional lane departure, it provides an audible and visual warning and can gently apply steering torque to guide the car back into the lane.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Traditional cruise control maintains a set speed. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control takes it a step further by automatically adjusting the car’s speed to maintain a preset distance from the vehicle ahead. This makes highway driving less tiring and more convenient.
- Automatic High Beams: This system automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the presence of oncoming vehicles, optimizing visibility for the driver and avoiding blinding other motorists.
The inclusion of TSS-P as standard on the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE and the entire Corolla lineup underscored Toyota’s commitment to safety and provided drivers with peace of mind, knowing they had access to advanced driver-assistance features.
In terms of technology and convenience, the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE came well-equipped. A 7-inch touch screen Entune Audio system was standard, offering Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming. Select 2017 Toyota Corolla SE models also featured Scout GPS Link navigation, providing smartphone-based navigation directly through the car’s touch screen. A backup camera, now standard across all Corolla grades starting with the base L model, further enhanced safety and ease of parking in the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE.
While the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE offered sporty styling and enhanced features, it retained the core Corolla attributes of fuel efficiency and reliability. The SE model was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering a balance of performance and economy. Paired with Toyota’s Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence Shift (CVTi-S), the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE provided smooth acceleration and impressive fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily commuting and longer trips.
The 2017 Toyota Corolla SE also benefited from the Corolla’s renowned ride comfort and quiet cabin. Extensive use of high-strength steel in the car’s unibody construction contributed to a rigid platform, enhancing both handling and ride smoothness. Sound-deadening materials throughout the vehicle minimized road noise, creating a more pleasant and refined driving experience.
As a testament to its enduring popularity and value, the Toyota Corolla has sold over 43 million units globally, earning the title of the best-selling nameplate of all time. The 2017 Toyota Corolla SE continued this legacy, offering a compelling package of sporty styling, advanced safety features, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and Toyota’s legendary reliability. For drivers seeking a compact sedan that was both fun to drive and practical for everyday life, the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE was an excellent choice, representing a significant step forward for the Corolla in its golden anniversary year.
Whether you were drawn to its refreshed sporty looks, the peace of mind offered by Toyota Safety Sense-P, or simply the Corolla’s established reputation for value, the 2017 Toyota Corolla SE delivered on all fronts, solidifying its position as a leader in the compact sedan segment and a worthy bearer of the Corolla nameplate.
