The Toyota Corolla has been a global automotive icon for decades, and the 2015 model continues its legacy of reliability, fuel efficiency, and value. With over 40 million units sold worldwide since its introduction in 1966, the Corolla isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to enduring quality and widespread appeal. The 2015 Toyota Corolla builds upon this foundation, offering a spacious interior, impressive fuel economy, and a range of features designed to meet the needs of modern drivers.
Class-Leading Space and Fuel Efficiency
The 2015 Corolla marked the eleventh generation of this popular sedan, and it arrived with a focus on maximizing both passenger space and fuel economy. One of the most notable aspects of the 2015 Corolla is its exceptional rear legroom. Boasting a generous 41.4 inches, it surpasses many competitors in its class and even rivals some full-size sedans. This spaciousness ensures passenger comfort, especially on longer journeys. The design also incorporates a flatter rear floor, enhancing comfort for the middle rear passenger. Beyond space, the interior design itself received an upgrade, offering a more premium feel than previous generations.
Fuel efficiency is another area where the 2015 Toyota Corolla excels. Particularly impressive is the Corolla LE Eco model, which achieves an EPA-estimated 42 MPG on the highway when equipped with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Other Corolla models with the CVT also deliver excellent fuel economy, ranging from 37 to 40 MPG. This combination of space and efficiency makes the 2015 Corolla a practical and economical choice for a wide range of drivers. The sleek and modern exterior styling, drawing inspiration from the Toyota Camry and Avalon, further enhances its appeal, making it the most visually dynamic Corolla to date.
Enhanced Features and New Premium Trim
For the 2015 model year, Toyota added even more value to the Corolla lineup. The LE, S, and LE Eco trims received enriched standard equipment, and the introduction of the new Premium trim level further elevated the offerings. Corolla Premium models come equipped with desirable features such as a power moonroof, Toyota’s Smart Key System for keyless entry and ignition, and the Entune™ Premium Audio system. This multimedia bundle includes integrated navigation and access to Toyota’s App Suite, expanding connectivity and entertainment options. Across these popular trims (LE, S, and LE Eco), a new rear seat armrest with integrated cupholders adds a touch of convenience for rear passengers.
The base Corolla L model continues to provide a solid foundation of features and offers a choice between a 6-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts or a 4-speed automatic transmission for ease of use.
Toyota Corolla LE Eco: Achieving 40+ MPG Without Compromise
For drivers prioritizing fuel economy, the 2015 Toyota Corolla LE Eco CVT is a standout. This model demonstrates that achieving exceptional MPG doesn’t require sacrificing comfort, performance, or features. The LE Eco achieves its impressive fuel efficiency through a combination of advanced powertrain technology and aerodynamic enhancements. It features a specialized version of Toyota’s 1.8-liter engine equipped with Valvematic technology. Valvematic offers a wider range of continuous variable valve timing compared to the VVT-i system in the standard 1.8-liter engine. Interestingly, the Corolla LE Eco also produces slightly more power than other Corolla models, delivering 140 horsepower versus 132 horsepower.
Toyota has integrated a selectable ECO driving mode into the Corolla LE Eco to further optimize fuel consumption. When engaged, this mode reduces the power demand on the air conditioning compressor and adjusts the accelerator pedal response to encourage smoother driving habits and limit aggressive acceleration from a standstill. While in ECO mode, the vehicle still provides ample power when needed, especially when the accelerator is pressed beyond 50 percent throttle, ensuring confident merging and passing maneuvers.
Aerodynamic enhancements also play a crucial role in the LE Eco’s fuel efficiency. Underbody covers and a color-keyed rear spoiler reduce drag, achieving a low coefficient of drag of 0.28, compared to 0.29 and 0.30 for other Corolla models. These undercovers are strategically placed beneath the bumper, engine, floor, and fuel tank to manage airflow and minimize resistance. Low rolling resistance 195/65R15 tires further contribute to fuel savings. Available 16-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels, paired with 205/55R16 tires, and standard 16-inch alloy wheels on the Corolla LE, offer a balance of style and efficiency.
Despite its focus on fuel economy, the Corolla LE Eco doesn’t skimp on comfort and convenience. It comes standard with a comprehensive list of features including:
- Automatic climate control
- Entune audio system with multimedia bundle
- 6.1-inch display screen and six speakers
- Rearview camera with projected path guidelines for easier parking
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel with Bluetooth® hands-free phone controls
Higher trim levels, such as the Plus and Premium, offer even more luxurious amenities, with the Premium trim featuring SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
The Intelligent CVTi-S Transmission
A key contributor to the fuel efficiency of the 2015 Corolla LE, S, and LE Eco models is the available CVTi-S – Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence and “Shift” capability. The “S” designation highlights a significant improvement over traditional CVTs. While CVTs are known for their fuel efficiency and smooth operation, some drivers find the “rubber band” feel of continuous ratio changes to be less engaging. Toyota addressed this by engineering the CVTi-S to incorporate distinct, stepped shift points during acceleration and deceleration. This design mimics the familiar sensation of gear changes in a conventional automatic transmission, providing a more natural and responsive driving experience. In the Corolla S trim, drivers can even manually control up to seven shift points using the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The CVTi-S boasts a wide ratio range from 2.480 (low) to 0.396 (high), coupled with a 4.761 final drive ratio. This broad range optimizes performance, fuel efficiency, and quietness across various driving conditions. To ensure smooth operation even in cold weather, a transmission fluid warmer is included to quickly bring the fluid to its optimal temperature.
Quiet Cabin and Robust Construction
The 2015 Corolla prioritizes cabin quietness, enhancing the overall driving experience. Extensive use of high-tensile strength steel in the unibody construction provides a rigid platform. This robust structure not only contributes to the car’s handling and ride smoothness but also forms a solid foundation for noise isolation. To further minimize outside noise intrusion, the Corolla incorporates an acoustic glass windshield, enhanced floor carpet insulation, instrument panel seals, fender insulators, and a dashboard silencer pad.
A more rigid steering structure enhances steering feel and responsiveness through the electric power-assist steering system. The elimination of a traditional hydraulic power steering system reduces weight and parasitic loss, contributing to improved fuel efficiency and eliminating the need for steering fluid maintenance.
The high-strength construction also contributes to excellent collision safety performance. Despite its robust build, the 2015 Corolla remains lightweight, weighing under 2,900 pounds across all grades. The benefits of the high-strength structure extend to the suspension, including a more rigid control arm design in the front MacPherson strut setup. In the rear, the stronger body allows for a diagonal attachment of the torsion beam bushings, improving handling, grip, and control compared to the previous generation model. Spring rates are carefully tuned for ride comfort, with the Corolla S receiving its own unique suspension tuning.
Sporty Toyota Corolla S
The 2015 Toyota Corolla S model injects a dose of sportiness into the lineup. Building upon the solid foundation of the standard Corolla, the S trim features sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch wheels with 205/55R16 tires, and unique springs, dampers, and bushings. Further performance upgrades are available with optional 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/45R17 tires, along with four-wheel disc brakes.
Driving enthusiasts can opt for a 6-speed manual transmission in the Corolla S, while the available CVTi-S transmission adds a Sport driving mode and steering wheel paddle shifters for manual gear selection through seven pre-defined steps. The console shifter also allows for manual upshifts and downshifts in the “M” position. Exclusive to the Corolla S, a 3.5-inch TFT multi-information display within the instrument cluster shows M mode activity, including the selected gear, along with other vehicle information. Even when not in manual shift mode, the Sport mode enhances responsiveness by altering shift points and providing a more direct feel through the electric power steering system.
The Corolla S also distinguishes itself visually with a unique piano-black grille, integrated rear spoiler, fog lights, and chrome-tipped exhaust. The Corolla S is exclusively available in the vibrant Blue Crush Metallic exterior color. Inside, bolstered sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel complete the sporty ambiance.
Exceptional Toyota Value Across All Trims
The 2015 Toyota Corolla lineup offers exceptional value across all trim levels, making it easy to find a model that fits individual needs and budgets. The base Corolla L model delivers renowned Toyota reliability in an affordable package. Even the “base” trim is well-equipped with features like:
- Standard USB and iPod® connectivity
- Bluetooth® for hands-free phone control, phone book access, and audio streaming
- 60/40 split fold-down rear seat
- Tilt and telescoping steering wheel
- Power windows and door locks
- Overhead console with map light
Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission and select their preferred exterior color. The popular Corolla LE trim level steps up the features list with additions such as:
- Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter
- Cruise control
- Upgraded interior trim and 3-spoke steering wheel
- Multi-function in-key remote
- Integrated backup camera with projected path guidelines
- Color-keyed heated power outside mirrors
- Entune audio with multimedia bundle, including a 6.1-inch display screen and six speakers
The Plus trim level further enhances the LE with fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels. The LE Premium trim, similar to the LE Eco Premium, adds SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for enhanced comfort.
Top-Rated Safety Features
Safety is a paramount concern for Toyota, and the 2015 Corolla reflects this commitment. It earned a NHTSA 5-star safety rating in 2014, demonstrating its robust safety performance. Like all Toyota vehicles, the 2015 Corolla comes standard with the Star Safety System™, which includes:
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Traction Control (TRAC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Smart Stop Technology brake-override system
- Electronic Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warranty and ToyotaCare
The 2015 Corolla is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage, including a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 60-month corrosion warranty with no mileage limitation. Furthermore, the 2015 Corolla includes ToyotaCare, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
In conclusion, the 2015 Toyota Corolla builds upon its legendary reputation as a reliable, fuel-efficient, and value-packed compact sedan. With its spacious interior, advanced features, and sporty S model, the 2015 Corolla is a compelling choice for drivers seeking a practical and enjoyable vehicle.
