2026 Toyota Corolla Trim Matchup: Base LE Vs. Flagship XSE

Here are all the differences between the cheapest and priciest non-hybrid Corollas

If you want a no-nonsense budget sedan, the Toyota Corolla absolutely needs to be on your list. It’s cheaper than the Honda Civic, highly efficient, and promises bulletproof reliability. No, you won’t get anywhere quickly, but there’s a GR Corolla for enthusiasts.

If you’ve decided on a Corolla, it can be tricky to decide what trim to go for. Here, we’ll compare what you get for your money between the base LE and range-topping XSE, taking into account non-hybrid sedan models only. We did a similar comparison between the base and flagship Camrys, concluding that you could make a strong case for both, but does the same apply to these Corolla trims?

Corolla LE Vs. XSE Pricing

The cheapest new Toyota Corolla for 2026 is the LE, which begins at $22,725. The range-topping trim is the XSE, which goes for $28,440. The Corolla undercuts the Honda Civic, which starts at $24,595.

Although we’re focusing on the base LE and XSE here, there are a couple of other Corolla sedan trims to consider. Here’s the complete list, with corresponding pricing:

• LE: $22,725
• Hybrid LE: $24,575
• SE: $25,165
• Hybrid SE: $27,015
• XSE: $28,440
• Hybrid XLE: $28,940

These prices all exclude a destination and handling fee of $1,195.

Design: Basic Vs. Surprisingly Sporty

The base Corolla LE doesn’t do much at all to stir the senses, but it would be breaking with Corolla tradition if it did. 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers are standard, as are LED headlights and taillights. It looks particularly plain in white, but you can opt for colors like Blueprint and Ruby Flare Pearl to give the base LE a bit more visual punch.

The XSE is a far sportier looker. In front, it gets a sport mesh gloss-black grille and a more aggressive bumper style, while the 18-inch alloys with a graphite finish lift it above the LE. There are accents added to the daytime running lights, and the rear features a single exhaust with dual chrome tips. A power moonroof, gray metallic sport side rocker panels, and a rear spoiler give this top-spec Corolla XSE a much more interesting look. This could have been a Civic Si rival if it had the power to back up the looks.

Going for the XSE also expands the color palette, as you can get a black metallic roof that contrasts with one of several main body colors.

In short, there is a fairly substantial difference between the Corolla LE and XSE from the outside.

Interior: Better Finishes And Tech For The XSE

Although it doesn’t have a huge back seat, the Toyota Corolla’s interior is a comfortable place to be. All models have a good safety specification, a modern infotainment system, and a logical control layout.

In the base LE, you get fabric upholstery in a choice of three colors, whereas the XSE enjoys SofTex imitation leather with sport fabric seats; the black XSE interior with red stitching is especially appealing. More basic manual front seat adjustment makes way for heated front seats with driver’s power adjustment in the XSE. Only the XSE gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, another touch that makes it feel less basic.

Both trims get the following standard features:

• Four USB-C ports
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Ten airbags
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Radar-based adaptive cruise control

Impressively, the LE matches the more expensive XSE’s safety spec, but the XSE has a better infotainment setup. In the LE, the seven-inch digital gauge cluster is replaced by a 12.3-inch unit in the XSE. The standard eight-inch touchscreen is also upgraded to a 10.5-inch one in the XSE.

Both trims have a six-speaker sound system, but the XSE has access to a nine-speaker JBL system. Wireless phone charging is standard on the XSE but not available on the LE at all.

Performance: Base Model Is Slightly More Efficient

A focus on efficient, reliable motoring is what the Corolla is about. Both trims get the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed to the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission, which results in a 0-60 mph time of about 8.5 seconds. With no turbocharging, mid-range punch is lacking when overtaking, which can be frustrating, as can the engine noise at higher revs, but the Toyota performs adequately around town at lower speeds.

Despite its much sportier styling, the XSE is no quicker or more interesting to drive than the LE, despite it gaining a Sport driving mode. The Corolla doesn’t fall apart in the corners and it’s comfortable, but if you’re after any driver engagement in this segment, you’ll be better off with a Honda Civic or Mazda 3.

Both Corolla trims are efficient, but the LE is better, especially on the highway, likely because of its smaller wheels. It returns 32/41/35 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas the XSE gets 31/38/34 mpg.

Final Thoughts

At under $23,000, the Toyota Corolla LE is one of the best-value compact sedans around. It’s comfortably cheaper than its Honda and Mazda rivals, although Kia’s more modern K4 is even cheaper. The LE has a robust safety spec and is as sensible a purchase as any other new car on the market.

It’s not quite so easy to justify the $5,715 more expensive XSE. Yes, it looks much better and gets nice materials and features, but it has the same underwhelming powertrain. For similar money to the Corolla XSE, you can get at least two other better Toyotas: the stylish Prius or the bigger, more refined base Camry. Both are quicker and more efficient, and their fresher designs make the Corolla appear dated.

If you want a cheap sedan, the Corolla LE or one of the other lower trims make sense. But at around the $28k mark, there are better cars than the Corolla XSE.

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