Cars Similar to Toyota Corolla (6 Alternatives in 2022)

Sedans are the ultimate choice for users who prefer moving in style! And talking of such elegance in a car, we’re sure you can’t overlook the Toyota Corolla, the sedan that started it all!

Now in its 12th generation, the Corolla remains one of the most established offerings in its category. With a price tag around the $20,475 mark, the ultimate feature-packed car also offers reliable Toyota safety sense equipment.

While Corolla continues to be a chart-topper, it has some shortcomings too. So, the chances are the Toyota Corolla might not fit your list of requirements for a car in this category.

So, let’s check these best seven alternatives to the Toyota Corolla that you must know about!

1. 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan

First on our list of alternatives to Toyota Corolla is the Mazda 3, preferably one of the best alternatives to the compact sedan. Interestingly, both cars have some shared features.

Similarities Between Corolla & Mazda 3 Sedan

Both Corolla and Mazda 3 sedans are great options for their users, especially for their shared standard features and versatility.

The cars add brand value and are available in a sedan or hatchback model. And, Like the Corolla, the Mazda also offers 5-star safety ratings.

Besides, both the models sit over a similar silhouette, sharing a wheelbase at around 106 in. and an overall height of 56 in. In addition, users might also notice an equal trunk volume at 13.2 ft³.

However, while the cars are identical, the Mazda 3 stands out with its powerful engine options and better interior features. Let’s take a look.

Where Does the Mazda 3 Sedan Stand Out?

The 2022 Mazda 3 Sedan is all about making a difference! The automaker has paid particular attention to upscaling the car’s looks with sophisticated styling and a distinct appearance inside the cabin.

In addition, you could also go with an optional all-wheel drive, a feature that isn’t available in the Corolla.

Other aspects where the Mazda 3 Sedan stands out are its high-quality interior that becomes unmatched with its heated front seats, head-up display, and leather upholstery, among other elements.

What’s more? The automaker has loaded the sedan with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that comes standard. Interestingly, even with an average size, the nicely designed bezel floating between the dash pads makes it look bigger.

Not to forget, Mazda gives out a more sporty appeal with its 2.0L Inline-4 engine, churning out 155 hp of power while giving out 150 lb-ft of peak torque. These features make the Mazda 3 a better alternative to the Toyota Corolla.

Here’s an overview table to give better technical insight into the Mazda 3 Sedan.

2. 2022 Honda Elantra

Next up, we have the Honda Elantra, the highly regarded and rated competitor to the Toyota Corolla. Let’s take a look at what makes it a good alternative.

Similarities Between Corolla & Elantra

In terms of their similarities, users will find both Corolla and Elantra to share similar dimensions and minimum ground clearance with standard levels of drive convenience.

In addition, both cars have a more comprehensive range of offerings, including a hybrid drivetrain. The cars are also strong choices on the safety front as they share similar NHTSA crash-test ratings.

Like Corolla, Elantra offers similar safety and driving assistance features like a blind spot monitoring system, brake assist, electronic stability control, etc.

Besides, upon closer inspection, you might also find the Corolla and Elantra models share a similar resale value with better availability of aftermarket parts.

But that’s not all! Despite the similarities, Elantra outperforms Corolla in several aspects.

Where Makes the Honda Elantra Special?

The 2022 Honda Elantra is one of the latest contenders for fresh badging in its revised style. The car is slightly larger and carries a distinctive front-end appearance and a flashy set of alloy wheels.

Other unique aspects of the car revolve around its plush interior, which is roomy and has upgraded infotainment systems.

Moreover, the interior of Elantra includes a dual-zone climate control system, HD Radio, navigation system, and an electrochromic rearview mirror.

Despite a higher output at 147hp with its 2.0L engine, the Honda Elantra gives out better power than its Toyota alternative.

Not to forget, Elantra also provides better guarantee covers over its basic run, drivetrain, and roadside assistance, making it a better compact car in the package.

To give you a better idea, here’s an insight into the technical features of the Honda Elantra.

3. 2022 Kia Forte

The iconic Kia Forte stands third on our list of alternatives for the uber-popular Toyota Corolla. And despite the uniqueness of the Kia Forte, it offers some very similar features to Corolla.

Similarities Between Corolla & Kia Forte

Both Toyota Corolla and Kia Forte are great options for sedan buyers. These cars share a similar appeal in terms of their dimensions as they have an exterior length of around 182 in. and a similar width of 70 in.

Users might also find similar transmission and drivetrain options between the Corolla and Kia Forte. Besides, you can always switch to a manual transmission if you’re not comfortable with the IVT.

Other similarities can be seen in their safety scores as both the cars get a 9+ safety rating, with similar safety features like lane-keeping assist, brake assist, and electronic stability control.

The Corolla and Forte also share similar entertainment features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, satellite radio, and Bluetooth, among others.

However, despite such similarities, several unique aspects distinguish the Kia Forte as an alternative.

Where Does the Kia Forte Take the Lead?

The 2022 Kia Forte is a result of a mid-cycle refresh, bringing you a revised interior and exterior. The car gets a unique LED light setup with a compact grille that seems to be a part of the vehicle’s unique design.

Moving inside, you might feel the difference with Forte’s smartly designed cabin space that gives more head and legroom to the passenger capacity.

Besides, you might also like the 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen that manages several driver-assistance features over a few scrolling.

If you’re looking for a more powerful alternative to the Corolla, you might be impressed with Forte’s standard drivetrain. The car gives out 147 hp of power while giving out up to 132 Nm of torque, making it easier to maneuver the car in tough city conditions.

The price also makes the Forte a reliable option! It starts at around $19,500, making it over $1,000 cheaper than the Corolla (plus the added features and speed).

Lastly, you can also consider the Forte for its overall extended warranty!

Here’s an insight into the car’s technical spec sheet to give you a better idea:

4. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta

When curating a list of the best alternatives to the Toyota Corolla, you can’t miss out on the Volkswagen Jetta! Besides their uniqueness, both cars have several similar characteristics too!

Similarities Between Corolla & Jetta

Like Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Jetta embodies a city-styled sedan as they share similar design features.

You might also find these cars to share a similar silhouette, carrying a minimalist design with LED lights and a compact grille. The cars to share fuel economy, averaging around 30 MPH inside the city.

Other similarities of the cars are their safety accessories and features like height-adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, etc.

Similar to the Corolla, the Jetta comes with similar interior designs, cushioned comfort, and basic infotainment features inside the cabin.

However, despite such a similar accessibility statement, several unique aspects of the Volkswagen Jetta make it a better option.

Where Does the Volkswagen Jetta Stand Out?

The Volkswagen Jetta is a car like no other! Users going for this alternative will find more convenience in terms of boot space and overall head and legroom for the occupants inside.

In addition, the Jetta is a great option for buyers who like to keep it sporty with their car. The car offers 158 hp and up to 249 Nm of torque, derived from its powerful 1.5-liter inline-4 engine.

Unlike Corolla, Jetta offers a choice between an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Furthermore, compared to the Corolla sedan, Jetta gives up to 5km more mileage on the highways.

Lastly, Volkswagen also has better aftersale service and value in the market, giving you better returns at similar costs of ownership as the Corolla.

Here’s an overview table on the technical specs of the Volkswagen Jetta.

5. 2022 Nissan Sentra

Next on our list of possible alternatives to the Toyota Corolla is the compact Nissan Sentra. While both cars are unique with their features and functionalities, they share some similar features, too!

Similarities Between Corolla & Sentra

Both Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra sit neck-to-neck with their overall exterior dimensions. Like Corolla, the Sentra comes with a 106 in. wheelbase, 182 in. of overall length, and a min ground clearance.

In addition, both cars share similar maneuverability, allowing users to make the most of the ride in stiff city conditions.

Other similar features between the vehicles can be seen in safety scores as they get an 8+ safety rating, with standard safety features including brake assist and EBS.

Besides, both the cars also have shared entertainment features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, an MP3 player, and AM/FM stereo, among others.

However, despite such similarities, several unique features distinguish this Corolla alternative.

What Makes the Nissan Sentra Stands Out?

The 2022 Nissan Sentra is the automaker’s redesigned approach to the car. The Sentra is like a scaled-down mid-size version of its larger Altima sedan in its current generation.

It offers low-slung styling with great contrast and sharp appeal to its grille design and complementing alloys. Besides, the upbeat interior of the car gives Sentra a lead.

Inside, the car gets ergonomic control placements managed by a 7.0-inch display while enhancing the visual appeal with its tan quilted leather upholstery and chrome accents.

You might also like Sentra if you’re looking for a faster alternative to the Corolla. The car churns out an impressive 149 hp output from its 2.0L four-cylinder, touching the 60 mph scale in a respectable 8.0 seconds.

Lastly, Sentra also beats Corolla in terms of its features per-dollar value. The car offers more features with better power at the $20,000 mark, making it over a thousand dollars cheaper than the Corolla.

Here’s an insight into the car’s technical spec sheet to give you a better idea:

6. 2022 Subaru Impreza

Last on our list is the 2022 Subaru Impreza, which is another reliable alternative to the Toyota Corolla. While the car has some great features that add to its uniqueness, it is quite similar to the Corolla.

Similarities Between Corolla & Impreza

In terms of similarities, both Toyota Corolla and Subaru Impreza share a knack for a minimalist approach in their exterior styling.

In addition, both the cars sit neck-to-neck with their wheelbase and overall height, sitting at 105 in. and 57 in., respectively.

Besides, buyers might also find the Impreza with the choice to select between a hatchback or a sedan body style. Or, they could also add comfort to their ride by choosing between a manual or automatic transmission.

Both the cars share ride comfort options with features like cruise control, adjustable steering wheel and controls, driver vanity mirror, and power steering to add to the ride.

However, despite the similarities, many aspects of the Impreza stand out!

How Does the Subaru Impreza Impress?

The standard AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) functionality happens to be one of the unique aspects of the Subaru Impreza.

Besides, the car pegs a unique cabin design feature with added passenger space at 100.9 cu-ft, making it larger and more spacious than the Corolla hatchback and Sedan.

The Impreza also hits a different appeal to the drivers with intuitive assistance features like a navigation system, HD Radio, and an electrochromic rearview mirror.

Apart from this, the power output of the Impreza also makes it a better choice. The car churns out 152 hp of power from its 2.0L inline-4 engine while giving you nearly similar fuel economy as its Toyota alternative.

However, the affordability factor might make it a go-to option if the power and comfort don’t appeal to you. The car comes with a base price around the $19,000 mark, making it cheaper and more feature-laden than the Corolla.

Here’s an insight into the car’s technical spec sheet to give you a better idea of the Subaru Impreza.

Always Settle With A Test Drive!

This brings us to the end of our list of suggestions for the Toyota Corolla! While these were the latest suggestions, there might be better cars with new inventory in the future.

So whatever your research may be, ensure that you first take a test drive of your new car before making any final decision on your saved cars. Similar to Toyota Corolla, we have some classy alternatives to Toyota Camry that you can consider. Join us to know more.