Toyota Corolla gains minor styling, massive tech, for 2017

The Corolla claims a 50-year heritage, with the name plate first showing up at Toyota in 1966. Unfortunately, this 50-year anniversary comes in the middle of the Corolla's current product cycle.

For 2017, the Corolla retains its economical 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, making 132 horsepower.

Instead of coming up with a whole new car for the Corolla's 50th anniversary, Toyota gives the current model significant improvements, such as standard LED headlights and advanced safety technology, including collision prevention, also standard.

With its interior space, seating five, the Corolla counts as a midsize sedan under government definitions.

With its torsion bar rear suspension, the Corolla's ride quality is decent, but it doesn't feel very engaged with the road.

Toyota offers the Corolla in six different trims: L, LE, LE Eco, SE, XLE and XSE. Base prices range from $18,500 to $22,680.

This SE model shows off a little spoiler on the trunk lid. LED taillights are also standard.

For a midrange trim, the Corolla SE's seat coverings and interior look and feel good.

The rear bench offers a good amount of seating room.

Toyota redesigned the Corolla's dashboard for the 2017 model year, fitting in a new head unit and making controls more ergonomic.

The instrument cluster includes a small display between tachometer and speedometer, here showing information in a graphic format about the advanced driver assist systems.

This six-speed manual lets you take better advantage of the engine's power, but it comes at a fuel economy cost compared with the more efficient continuously variable transmission.

This head unit lacks onboard navigation, but supports integration with a smartphone running Scout GPS Link, a free navigation app.

The Corolla supports typical audio sources, from USB to Bluetooth streaming to radio, but only offers one USB port.