The Toyota Corolla is history’s best-selling car. That fact alone explains much of its appeal — this well-rounded compact car has proven to be the answer for more car shoppers than any other. It appeared in the U.S. in 1968, and with more than 50 million sales globally, Americans still love it.
The Corolla is affordable, holds its value well, and won’t cost you much at the gas pump, either. Available in sedan or hatchback form, the Corolla comes in gas-powered and hybrid forms. Kelley Blue Book expert test driver Eric Brandt calls it “one of the best cars money can buy for someone who just doesn’t want to have to worry about their car.”
Here are our favorite features that contribute to this impression.
1. Above Average Resale Value
After five years of ownership, a 2026 Corolla will have depreciated by a little more than $12,000, according to Kelley Blue Book data. A comparable Mazda3, Kia K4, or Nissan Sentra will have lost more.
Toyota’s reputation as a builder of reliable cars doesn’t just mean you’ll likely spend less time dealing with repairs for your Corolla. It means it will likely be worth more when it comes time to part with it.
2. Even Well-Equipped, It Stays Affordable
The base price of the least expensive Corolla isn’t terribly different from that of the base model Honda Civic or Kia K4.
At the other end of the price scale, though, the Corolla stands out. The extremely well-equipped Corolla XSE, in gas-powered form, barely crosses the $30,000 line. The Corolla Hybrid XLE, at $30,635 including delivery fees, is a relative bargain compared to the most well-equipped Civic Hybrid, at $31,395 with delivery fees.
3. A Cabin Nicer Than Its Price
In recent years, most automakers have moved from real leather upholstery to imitation leather in the affordable car classes. Toyota’s SofTex faux leather is one of the most convincing on the market — it’s soft, easy to clean, and wears well over time.
We’re also fans of the screen placement. Toyota places the screen high, so you can keep the road in your line of sight even when you glance at directions in the navigation system. The 8-inch central touchscreen on base models is big enough, but the available 10.5-inch model is a worthwhile upgrade.
Read More on the 2026 Toyota Corolla
Read our full review of the Toyota Corolla, find this week’s Fair Purchase Price, or see Corolla models for sale near you.
