10 Cars Similar to the Toyota Corolla

The Toyota Corolla made its debut back in 1966 and has grown into one of the world’s best-selling cars. Now in its twelfth generation, it offers everyday comfort with a modern design and plenty of safety tech. It’s easy to live with, making it a favourite with drivers who value peace of mind.

Still, some competitors offer more excitement behind the wheel or extra space inside, so let’s look at a few alternatives.

1. Toyota Auris

The Toyota Auris is a practical and reliable hatchback. Early petrol engines aren’t very fuel-efficient, so diesel models are better if you want to save on running costs. The 1.2-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines give decent fuel economy, and the hybrid version can achieve around 70 mpg in town. Running costs, including tax and servicing, are reasonable.

Its interior isn’t fancy, but the controls are easy to use. The boot space is average, and there’s an adjustable floor to make loading easier.

Passenger space, both front and rear, is decent but not as good as the best in its class. This sums up the Auris well: functional but not outstanding. If you’re choosing between trims, the Icon is a good balance of features and value.

2. Mazda 3

The Mazda 3 offers a sporty and effortless driving experience. Its suspension is a bit firm, so the ride isn’t as soft as some rivals. However, this firmness makes the car feel quick and responsive, especially on dry roads. In wet conditions, it can lose grip sooner than other cars. Engine, road, and wind noise are kept to a minimum.

Unless you desperately need extra power, the regular 122bhp 2.0 petrol engine gets the job done well enough and offers decent efficiency, too.

Inside, the Mazda 3 has one of the nicest cabins in its class. The driver’s seat adjusts well, and the wide centre console adds comfort on long trips. Back seat space is okay but not great, and the small rear window can make it feel a bit cramped.

3. Kia Ceed

The Kia Ceed is a good alternative to the Toyota Corolla. It offers great value even at the 2 trim level with features like 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear-view camera.

It drives well with good cornering grip and a quiet ride. The brakes feel a bit grabby at first, and the gearbox isn’t the smoothest, but the steering is precise. Road noise is noticeable but not distracting.

The Ceed has decent space. The boot holds five carry-on suitcases and has a low loading lip with an adjustable floor.

4. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic feels safe and secure on the road, with quick steering and soft gear changes. The only downside is that engine and road noise can be noticeable at higher speeds.

Inside, the Civic offers plenty of space for four or five people, with a roomy boot that’s even bigger in the saloon version. The driving position is low and comfortable, and the dashboard is clear and easy to use.

The Civic comes in several trims. The SE offers useful features like a DAB radio, air conditioning, and parking sensors. Higher trims add automatic wipers, a reversing camera, keyless entry, heated seats, sportier styling, and leather interiors.

5. Hyundai i30

The Hyundai i30 rides comfortably on most roads. Its soft suspension soaks up bumps well, and it has good grip, which makes the drive easy and steady.

Inside, the i30 looks nice and uses decent materials, though the dark colours can make it feel a bit gloomy. There’s plenty of space up front, but the back seats are a bit tight compared to some rivals. The boot is fairly big.

Basic models come with alloy wheels, Bluetooth, and safety features. Mid-level versions add a touchscreen, parking sensors, and a leather steering wheel. Higher trims offer climate control, heated seats, and a panoramic sunroof.

6. Ford Focus

The Ford Focus feels lively on twisty roads, with quick steering and a smooth six-speed manual gearbox. The ride is firm but comfortable enough for most people.

Inside, the Focus has a dependable build and plenty of space for passengers in both the front and back. The boot is big enough for a child’s pushchair and several suitcases. Some plastics aren’t as soft as in other cars, but sportier versions add nicer details like red stitching and metal pedals.

Most models come with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus features like heated seats, climate control, and parking sensors.

7. Suzuki Swift

The Suzuki Swift is a good alternative to the Corolla because its mild-hybrid engine offers lively performance and helps save fuel, even at higher speeds. The car feels light and nimble, with precise steering that makes cornering easy.

The cabin isn’t very fancy, with hard plastics, but it’s well built and has plenty of space, especially in terms of headroom. The front seats are comfortable, and there’s decent legroom in the back.

Basic models come with air conditioning and Bluetooth, and higher trims add a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, hybrid technology, climate control, and an adjustable steering wheel.

8. Skoda Octavia

The Skoda Octavia performs well and offers lots of space. The ride is comfortable on the motorway thanks to soft suspension, although it can feel a bit floaty over bumps. The steering is precise and gives you good control around corners.

Inside, it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position, especially in higher trims with power seats and memory. The infotainment screen sits high on the dashboard, so you don’t have to look down much.

There’s plenty of space for both front and back passengers, even if they’re tall. The boot is very large, with a wide and tall shape. The only downside is that the boot lip is a bit high.

9. Vauxhall Astra

The Vauxhall Astra drives well and feels more fun than older models. The ride is a bit bumpy in town but smooths out at higher speeds for a comfortable drive.

Inside, the Astra feels nicer than before and has an easy-to-use infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s plenty of space for tall drivers and good room in the back for two adults, or three on short trips. The boot is a decent size and easy to use, though some rivals have bigger ones.

Trim options range from basic with touchscreen, Bluetooth, and cruise control to higher levels adding sat-nav, heated seats, climate control, and sportier styling.

10. Suzuki Swace

The Suzuki Swace Swace offers a comfortable ride on both city streets and motorways. Its suspension handles bumps well and keeps the car steady around corners. It’s not as sporty as some rivals but provides a steady drive.

Inside, the Swace is very similar to the Corolla, only with a Suzuki badge and a slightly smaller 8-inch touchscreen. The dashboard is simple and easy to use, with many physical buttons. The interior feels solid with quality materials. There’s plenty of room in the front, and rear legroom is good for tall passengers, but headroom in the back is a bit tight.

Verdict

There’s no single “best” alternative to the Toyota Corolla, because each rival brings its own strengths to the table. You can find models with more luxurious interiors, longer warranties, or lower running costs. The right choice depends on what you value most, so focus on the features that matter to you.