The Corolla gets a Facelift for 2017

2017 Toyota Corolla (Credit: © Toyota)

The 2017 model year marks 50 years of the Corolla, a model that has been the epitome of mediocrity for as long as I can recall. With the celebration of its 50th birthday, Toyota gives the Corolla a newly tailored suit to try and polish it up a bit to lure in new buyers.

» Related: Toyota Celebrates 50 Years of Corolla with a Special Edition

This new suit includes a surprisingly comprehensive redo of its front fascia that features a new upper grille that is thinner and more swept back—like the RAV4 and Prius—new vertical fog lights with new veined inserts, and a new lower grille that is bolder and sportier than before. Two new colors round out the changes to the 2017 Corolla’s exterior.

Inside, the changes continue, as the dash and instrument panel have a new, more premium look. These updates to the dash include circular air vents, an upgraded audio system with a 7-inch display, and a restyled insert on the passenger side.

All said, I would call this a successful refresh, but the Corolla remains one of the most boring cars in its class thanks to its lack of peppy powertrains to go along with its sporty looks. Chances are, the 2017 Corolla will continue with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces just 132 horsepower.

Polishing off the new goodies for 2017 are the now-standard bi-LED headlights, and backup camera, and the available Toyota Safety Sense-P package that includes the pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise, lane-departure alert with steering assist, and auto high beams.

Toyota hasn’t announced when the 2017 Corolla will be available, nor has it mentioned pricing.