2013 Corolla Upgrades and Pricing Detailed

[xcel]

The least advanced automobile in the C-Segment receives Display Audio and a small price increase.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - July 14, 2012

2013 Toyota Corolla (2012 shown) – $16,130 to start and a lowly 27/34 mpgUS city/highway rating.

Toyota on Friday released pricing and upgrade details on its 2013 Corolla, the compact that holds the title of best-selling car of all time with more than 33 million sold since its launch in 1966. Here in the US it holds the same title with more than 9 million sold since it reached US shores back in 1968.

Reliability, safety and value have always been the Corolla’s mainstay. In the past fuel efficiency was also a hallmark but unfortunately over the past 3 or 4 years, it has fallen from one of the most fuel efficient to one of the least in the compact segment. While we wait for a new drivetrain breakthrough or the addition of HSD to the Corolla model lineup, 2013 reveals this was not that year to the detriment of us all

With all that is against it today, the Corolla continues to be the second best selling C-Segment vehicle in the US outdistancing competitors who make larger, safer and more fuel efficient automobiles that in many cases can be procured for less than a new Corolla. Elantra anyone?

In response to most competitors’ all-new designs, Toyota is adding a few items to the Corolla lineup to help keep it up to date.

For 2013, the Corolla LE receives a chrome accented beltline and front grille. An upgraded 6.1” Display Audio system is now standard on the upscale LE and S grade. The audio unit now includes six speakers and vehicle information with customizable settings.

The 2013 Corolla continues to include Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA). It also features the standard Smart Stop Technology brake-override system.

The 2013 Corolla should continue on with its IIHS “Top Safety Pick” but on the NHTSA, its 4-stars falls behind both the 5 star rated Cruze and Elantra with 10-air bags and a superior passenger structure respectively.

Drivetrain

All 2013 Corolla’s are sure to be equipped with the same 132 HP 1.8L DOHC I4 with VVT-I as its predecessors. For the base and SE models, a 5-speed MT arrives standard with the same 4-speed AT Toyota has been using for decades as an upgrade. Some upgrade hah?

Ride and Handling

Its soft which is good but that is about all we can say about that.

Pricing

The MSRP for the 2013 Corolla will range from $16,230 for the L grade with a five-speed manual transmission to $19,060 for the S grade with a four-speed automatic. The MSRP’s reflect an average overall increase of $239 or 1.3 percent.

2013 Toyota Corolla Pricing Detail

Trim-Transmission	Late 2012 Pricing	Early 2013 Price	% increase
L - MT	$16,130	$16,230	$100
L - AT	$16,960	$17,060	$100
LE - AT	$17,910	$18,180	$270
S - MT	$17,990	$18,230	$240
S - AT	$18,820	$19,060	$240

Americans do love the Corolla but from our point of view, it offers far little for far to much. Bring on the HSD equipped Corolla and then we'll talk

[herm]

does anyone know how many RPMs for the AT equipped model on the highway?

[waltermlee]

With the economy sputtering along - Toyota seems focused on keeping the price down - so upgrades are few. An inexpensive FE upgrade might be to transfer the Toyota Yaris (UK version) Stop-Start Technology into the Corolla. To make up for the heat not being generated when the engine was turned off Toyota could make the air intakes smaller, upgrade the engine insulation, and transferring the Prius' Exhaust Heat Recovery (EHR) system to the Corolla. Toyota could also make a Corolla E15/E85 version. The cheapest way to increase the Corolla's FE is to decrease its frontal aerodynamic surface (by making it 2 inches narrower), by decreasing its aerodynamic drag ( remove decorative airfoils, add rear wheel skirts, etc), and decreasing the vehicle's curb weight.

[Indigo]

Am I missing something, of did the Corolla used to get 40 MPG on the highway? What happened to knock off 6 MPG?

[xcel]

Hi Indigo:

The 2008 EPA classification took the stick back from 41 to 37 back in 08. Since then, the latest generation or new model lost another few mpg with its introduction and then the mid-model year refresh in 2011 saw another 1 mpg highway hit.

Wayne

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

Toyota could also make a Corolla E15/E85 version

If they do , I will personally fly across the Pacific and kick their corporate ass.

[xcel]

Hi Edwin:

Originally Posted by EdwinTheMagnificent

If they do, I will personally fly across the Pacific and kick their corporate ass.

Indeed.

Wayne

[Blackbelt]

Still a 4 speed auto????? ARRRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Originally Posted by Blackbelt

Still a 4 speed auto????? ARRRRGGGHHH!!!!!!!!

Go to Fuelly and compare compacts.

The Corolla is cheap. (Ignore the MSRP, you can always pay well under that). But it's not cheap junk: it's reliable and relatively efficient for real-world driving.

I don't think Toyota will change that transmission unless they can do a full update that would allow them to raise prices and long-term profits, and long-term profits include purchases of subsequent cars.

[ALS]

I was at the dealer yesterday and they had a S on the floor with an MSRP in the high 19's.
On the other hand they had a black Prius III with Nav, body kit and nice wheels for $25,200. Although the Corolla was really nice the 29 combined vs the 50 mpg for the Prius, I would have gone for the Prius. The Camry 28 mpg, was the car every one was checking out other than one guy that was drooling all over the 19 mpg $46K AWD Sienna