2016 Toyota Corolla — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a saloon/sedan powered by a 1.8L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) / 32 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 36–38 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Corolla workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Toyota Corolla: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 38 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 1.8L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 98 cu ft (2,775 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 13 cu ft (368 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 38 combined / 35 urban / 44 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 32 combined / 29 city / 37 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 175 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 8 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2016 Toyota Corolla, all with the 1.8L 4-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 30 to 32 mpg (US), or 36 to 38 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/36) | 175 | $2,150 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 38 | 32 (29/37) | 175 | $2,100 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/35) | 181 | $2,250 |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (28/36) | 176 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Toyota Corolla
Running Costs: 2016 Toyota Corolla
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Toyota Corolla at 38 mpg combined, expect roughly 957 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Toyota Corolla Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2016 Toyota Corolla (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 20V024000, reported 17 January 2020. Risk: In the event of a crash, air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners that do not deploy as intended may increase the risk of injury.
Owners have filed 214 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Toyota Corolla. The most-reported areas are Air bags (65), Service brakes (29), Seat belts (26). Complaints include 66 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 56 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 209 complaints across the 16 Toyota Corolla model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Toyota Corolla
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (1 recall campaign · 65 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Brakes (29 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Seat belts (26 owner complaints) — Check every belt latches and retracts properly and that any restraint recalls were completed.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Toyota Corolla's 38 mpg is 4 mpg above that make average. Its 175 g/km CO₂ figure is 41 g/km lower than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota Corolla model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 9th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (38 mpg UK combined, against a high of 43 mpg). See every Toyota Corolla year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Toyota Corolla
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have?
It's fitted with a 1.8L 4-cyl regular gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
The most efficient configuration returns around 38 mpg (UK) combined, or 32 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 36 to 38 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Toyota Corolla cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall campaign that include the 2016 Toyota Corolla (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Toyota Corolla?
Among the 214 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (65 complaints), Service brakes (29 complaints), Seat belts (26 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Toyota Corolla have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 98 cubic feet (about 2,775 litres) and luggage volume at 13 cubic feet (about 368 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.