Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Review 2024

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports At A Glance

5/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Corolla Touring Sports is Toyota at its very best. All versions are smooth to drive, refined and comfortable over a long journey.

+Silky smooth ride quality, high level of standard equipment, practical and comfortable cabin, hybrid versions are a genuine alternative to diesel.

-High price for most basic model, rear seat will be cramped for those over six feet tall.

On average it achieves 99% of the official MPG figure

Toyota’s Corolla Touring Sports takes the Corolla hatchback and adds an estate body for additional practicality. Designed to take on established class favourites like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla is the only car in the segment not to offer a diesel engine and rely solely on hybrid powertrains. It also ticks plenty of the usual Toyota boxes, being easy to drive, quiet and well-made, if not particularly exciting to drive. However, it’s well-specified even on the basic model and should be cheap to run, so if you can live without diesel it’s worthy of consideration.

A key rival to the estate versions of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla Touring Sports is one of the few family cars to be sold completely diesel-free. This means Corolla buyers get the choice of a 1.2 petrol engine or two petrol hybrids. 

The Corolla Touring Sports won't set many pulses racing when it comes to driver engagement, but if you choose one of the efficient hybrid versions then you'll probably never buy a diesel estate car ever again.

The 1.8 hybrid also provides the best balance when it comes to refinement and running costs, with advertised fuel economy peaking at 63mpg. It's also supremely comfortable, with its supple suspension and sophisticated hybrid system allowing the Corolla to waft along at uban speeds in a soft and satisfying silence. 

While the Corolla is relaxing to drive, it doesn't provide much in the way of engagement. The CVT gearbox will cause the petrol engine to groan like a bear with a sore head when pushed along, and the light steering provides very little feedback.

That said, the chassis has plenty of grip and the suspension does a good job of keeping the body flat in the corners. Just don't expect any fireworks in the handling department. 

Most versions get firm but supportive cloth seats, with heating and electric lumbar adjustment in the front. Standard equipment levels are very high across the Corolla line-up, with mid-spec models getting touchscreen navigation, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. This means you won't have to spend any money on expensive options. 

On the downside, the cabin lacks flair, with swathes of dark and grey materials. However, for the most part, the interior makes up for its lack of sparkle with a premium finish that includes lots of soft-touch materials.

You also get up to 598-litres of bootspace with the rear seats in place., which is better than the Focus estate (575 litres) but less than the 605 litres you get in the largest version of the Golf.

We rate the Corolla Touring Sports as one of the very best family estate cars. It's well-made, silky smooth to drive and the hybrids return diesel-like economy. It's also worth noting that few of the Corolla's hybrid rivals can match it on price or spec, which means this is truly a car that sits in a class of its own.

Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review

Ask Honest John

What's the most reliable estate that will carry a mobility scooter?

"I have owned a 2008 Ford Focus 1.6 auto and it has proved reliable. I am disabled and think an estate car would be good as it would give me easier access for my mobility scooter. I have up to £20,000 to spend - should I buy another Focus, or a VW Golf or a Toyota? I must have reliability."
We'd recommend a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. It's an exceptionally reliable hybrid estate car that'll be cheap to run. £20,000 will buy a 2020 or 2021 model with the 1.8-litre engine (go for the 2.0-litre if you want a bit more performance). Alternatively, look at the Suzuki Swace - it's essentially a Corolla but with a Suzuki badge on the bonnet. You might find you'll get a slightly newer Swace for your money.
Answered by Andrew Brady

What's a good family friendly car on a budget?

"My daughter has a 4 year old Suzuki Swift bought on finance but now needs a larger family friendly car with a bigger boot. She's looking for a second hand reliable economical to run car but is on a tight budget. Please can you suggest a suitable car?"
We'd recommend a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. It's a hybrid estate car that'll be very reliable and cheap to run, with plenty of room for a buggy. Also consider a Skoda Octavia Estate or an SUV alternative such as a Kia Sportage.
Answered by Andrew Brady

Which version of the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is better?

"I'm looking at buying a used Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. Is it worth getting the new (2023) model or would the drive/handling of a 2021 model suffice?"
Toyota added a lighter and more powerful battery to the Corolla Touring Sports in 2022, which allows it to travel further in EV mode as well as better acceleration. However, the pre-facelift version is still a good drive, so it is a matter of personal choice and financial considerations, as you would likely save a significant amount of money by choosing the older example.
Answered by David Ross

Is the Toyota Corolla Cross coming to the UK?

"My wife and I have a Toyota Corolla Touring. It's a terrific car, but we are finding that it is a bit low for getting in and out. Therefore it was good news to hear that there was a Corolla Cross which with its raised height would make life easier for us. However, there is no sign of the Corolla Cross coming to the UK. Have you heard anything about this? The Yaris Cross might be too small and I've read in your review that the ride is firm - that would be a deal breaker for us. We've got another 18 months before making a decision. Have you any advice on whether the Corolla Cross is likely to be available? "
We're not aware of any plans for the Toyota Corolla Cross to be introduced to the UK market. The Yaris Cross might be a good compromise... while it's a bit firmer than rivals, we didn't find it particularly uncomfortable on 17-inch alloy wheels. Alternatively, we'd recommend hybrid family SUVs such as the Kia Sportage or Hyundai Tucson.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports cost?