Trims and Powertrain
Three trims – the LE, SE, and XSE – make up the 2026 Corolla lineup. Their powertrain pairs a 2-liter four-cylinder engine (output: 169 horsepower) with a Dynamic-Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT); the XSE adds paddle shifters. The LE leads the lineup in fuel economy, returning 32 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. The two higher trims both achieve 31 mpg city, but the SE’s 40 mpg highway beats the XSE’s 38 mpg.
A rear-wheel drivetrain (RWD) is the default on the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794 Edition, and the Limited i-FORCE MAX. Those trims are eligible for the four-wheel drivetrain (4WD) that the Platinum and 1794 Edition i-FORCE MAX, TRD PRO, and Capstone all get standard. All Tundras come with an automatic limited-slip differential, while the TRD Pro is outfitted with an electronically controlled locking rear differential (available on certain i-FORCE MAX trims). An independent double-wishbone front suspension and coil spring multi-link rear suspension come standard across the lineup, while the TRD Pro alone receives an off-road suspension package, with a 1.1-inch front lift, 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass coil-overs, rear remote-reservoir stabilizer shocks, and a front stabilizer bar. A load-leveling rear height control air suspension system is available on the SR5 and higher trim levels, and an adaptive variable suspension system is available on the Platinum and up.
The Corolla has a front-wheel drivetrain (FWD) and a drive mode selector with Normal and Eco settings on the LE, complemented by Sport Mode on the SE and XSE. All three trims ride on independent MacPherson front struts with a stabilizer bar, but the LE gets a torsion beam rear suspension, while the SE and XSE upgrade to a multi-link rear suspension.