The excitement surrounding the 2023 Toyota Corolla may be overshadowed by its wildly-popular GR variant. However, there’s plenty to like about the standard compact, even if it doesn’t have a stick-shift transmission. To start, one can pick either a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback configuration of the best-looking Corolla ever made.

U.S. News also enjoys the 2023 Corolla and its updated exterior styling. The following are four other reasons they approve of Toyota’s long-lived compact.

Reason #1: Comfortable ride

Despite its looks, the 2023 Toyota Corolla isn’t a sporty car. It wasn’t built to hang on the ragged edge around backroad turns—that’s the GR Corolla’s job. The standard Corolla is much more family-friendly. The Corolla will provide stability under hard cornering, which makes one feel safe, not excited. Its suspension gives a buttery smooth ride, and it’s enormously easy to park.

Reason #2: Great fuel economy

Depending on which door configuration, fuel economy fluctuates in some Corolla trim levels. The EPA estimates 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway for the base LE sedan and SE hatchback. With a combined 35 mpg, the 2023 Toyota Corolla is one of the most fuel-efficient compacts available. Fuel economy estimates fall in the SE and XSE sedans to 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Drivers can expect 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway in the top-of-the-line XSE hatchback.

Reason #3: User-friendly infotainment system

Toyota truncated the Corolla’s infotainment offerings for 2023, and all trim levels feature an intuitive eight-inch touchscreen. The “tablet-like display” is centered in the dashboard, allowing easy access. With the latest version of Toyota’s software, owners gain the “Hey, Toyota” virtual assistant. Despite its advancements, the intelligent system is simple to navigate with easy-to-use shortcut icons and physical controls.

Reason #4: Many standard safety features

Like any Toyota, the 2023 Corolla has a wealth of standard safety features. Its Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking with forward collision warning, and cyclist and pedestrian detection. Additionally, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, a rear-seat alert, and traffic-sign recognition. Competitor cars offer similar systems but are typically only on the upper trim levels.

How much is the 2023 Toyota Corolla?

Per Toyota, the four-door base Corolla LE begins at $21,550. The SE starts at $23,990, and the range-topping XSE is $26,700. There isn’t a base LE trim level for the five-door hatchback version of the 2023 Toyota Corolla. Instead, the SE is the beginning trim starting at $23,005, and the XSE is $26,430.  

The Corolla may have a slightly higher starting MSRP than other base model compacts. Yet, potential buyers get a lot in return. For instance, the 2023 Kia Forte may present a sportier option, but Corolla is much better off in safety features. Also, in cargo space—for the sedan version, that is. The base 2023 Hyundai Elantra can be had for less than the Corolla, but the Toyota has it beat on cabin niceties.