Despite the automotive world’s current obsession with SUVs, the compact sedan segment remains a powerhouse, offering versatility, efficiency, and value. Two titans consistently vying for the top spot are the Chevrolet Cruze and the Toyota Corolla. Both the 2017 Chevy Cruze and the 2017 Toyota Corolla aim to capture the hearts of budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability and comfort without breaking the bank. But when you’re looking for the best compact car around the $20,000 mark, which sedan truly delivers?
The Chevy Cruze, fresh off a redesign for 2016, boasts a modern design, updated engine, and a compelling array of features. Conversely, the Toyota Corolla, while a perennial bestseller, was already in its fifth year of its current generation for 2017. However, Toyota upped the ante by making advanced safety technology standard across the Corolla lineup for 2017, a move that shifted the competitive landscape. While driving enthusiasts might lean towards the Cruze’s more engaging driving dynamics, the Corolla’s safety enhancements cannot be ignored.
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to determine which of these compact sedans emerges as the superior choice for your needs.
Design and Styling: Modern Flair vs. Familiar Reliability
The Chevrolet Cruze underwent a significant redesign, resulting in a sharper, more contemporary aesthetic. Its wedge-shaped profile and sculpted lines give it a more upscale and modern appearance compared to its predecessor. While some angles might appear a bit busy, the overall design of the Cruze exudes a fresh appeal, even drawing visual parallels to the Chevrolet Volt. The Cruze’s design language is clearly aimed at attracting buyers seeking a stylish and up-to-date compact car.
Side profile of a silver 2016 Toyota Corolla highlighting its sedan body style and wheel design
On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla, last fully redesigned in 2012, presents a more conservative and familiar design. While the 2012 redesign aimed for a bolder look, by 2017, the Corolla’s styling had settled into a more mainstream and predictable aesthetic, aligning with Toyota’s traditional approach to design. Its front fascia remains distinctive, yet the overall silhouette firmly places it within the compact Toyota sedan lineage. The Corolla offers a sportier SE trim with blacked-out accents for those desiring a touch more visual excitement, and higher trims feature LED headlamps for a premium touch.
Side profile of a gray 2016 Chevrolet Cruze illustrating its sedan shape and wheel design
Performance and Driving Experience: Turbocharged vs. Proven Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2017 Chevy Cruze features a single engine option: a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 producing 153 horsepower. This engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission delivers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg. The turbocharged engine provides adequate power for daily driving and contributes to a more engaging driving experience compared to some of its naturally aspirated competitors.
Most 2017 Toyota Corolla models are equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine producing 132 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the CVT in the Corolla is responsive and well-suited for typical driving scenarios, the engine’s output is less potent than the Cruze’s turbo. The Corolla LE Eco variant prioritizes fuel efficiency with a specially tuned version of the same engine. While its 35 mpg combined rating was impressive years prior, it became standard for the compact sedan class by 2017.
Interior Comfort and Space: Roominess and Refinement
The Chevrolet Cruze excels in interior space, offering generous room for front occupants and noticeably improved rear-seat space compared to its previous generation. The Cruze’s cabin feels relatively spacious, featuring supportive front bucket seats and sufficient rear legroom to comfortably accommodate adults. Both sedans offer ample storage solutions. The Cruze’s interior materials are praised for their stylishness and perceived quality, suggesting a level of refinement that belies its price point.
The Toyota Corolla also provides practical and comfortable seating for its class, particularly notable for its generous rear-seat legroom, making it a viable option for passengers of all sizes. When initially launched, the Corolla’s interior materials and trim were considered impressive for a high-volume vehicle. However, by 2017, the competition had largely caught up in terms of interior quality. Nevertheless, Toyota invested considerable effort in the Corolla’s interior design, ensuring it avoids the basic, rental-car feel of some earlier iterations.
Safety and Technology: Standard Safety Tech Takes the Lead
Safety is a paramount concern for car buyers, and in 2017, the Toyota Corolla made a significant move by including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard features across all trims. This proactive safety suite gave the Corolla a distinct advantage in the segment. The Corolla earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests.
The 2017 Chevy Cruze, being a newer design at the time, offered available active safety systems such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warnings. However, it lacked optional adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking, features that were becoming increasingly desirable and were, crucially, standard on the Corolla. As a newer model at the time of comparison, the Cruze was yet to be fully crash-tested.
In terms of infotainment and features, the Cruze includes a standard rearview camera and a user-friendly 7.0-inch MyLink touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher Cruze trims offered navigation, heated leather seats, and automatic climate control. All Corollas came standard with essential features like air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlights, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.
Conclusion: Weighing Priorities in the Compact Sedan Arena
Choosing between the 2017 Chevy Cruze and the 2017 Toyota Corolla ultimately depends on individual priorities. The Chevy Cruze presents a more modern design, a more engaging turbocharged engine, and a stylish interior. It appeals to drivers who prioritize contemporary styling and a slightly more dynamic driving experience in a compact car.
However, the Toyota Corolla counters with a strong emphasis on safety, offering standard automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Coupled with Toyota’s renowned reliability and spacious interior, the Corolla remains a compelling and practical choice. For buyers prioritizing safety and a proven track record, the 2017 Toyota Corolla holds a significant edge. While the Cruze might offer a slightly more exciting driving experience and modern design, the Corolla’s standard safety features and reputation for dependability make it a very strong contender in the compact sedan segment.
