How many cylinders does the Toyota Corolla have?
4 Answers
Toyota Corolla has 4 cylinders. The Toyota Corolla is equipped with the new 4-cylinder in-line DOHC EFI 16-valve ZR engine. The Corolla adopts the newly developed dual VVTi technology. Based on driving conditions such as engine speed and throttle opening, the computer signal intelligently and continuously variably controls the opening and closing timing of the intake and exhaust valves. This not only makes fuel combustion more sufficient but also achieves abundant torque output at medium and low speeds. The Toyota Corolla is a compact car under Toyota. The wheelbase of this car is 2700 mm, and the length, width and height are 4635 mm, 1780 mm, and 1455 mm respectively.
I've run an auto repair shop for ten years, and the Toyota Corolla has quite a range of engine displacements. The older models mostly used 1.6L or 1.8L inline-four engines, which are durable and quiet. The newer models have seen significant changes: the 1.2T turbocharged version retains the four-cylinder structure, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine has switched to a three-cylinder, and the hybrid version uses a 1.8L four-cylinder paired with an electric motor. When fellow car enthusiasts ask me about cylinder counts, I always recommend checking the rear badge or the engine compartment nameplate—1.5L means three cylinders, while others are generally four-cylinder. Three-cylinder engines are indeed more fuel-efficient, but they vibrate more noticeably during cold starts compared to four-cylinder engines, though replacing the engine mounts can help. Nowadays, new Corollas at dealerships still offer different powertrain options, so I suggest test-driving them to compare.
I just bought a Corolla 1.5L Pioneer Edition last year and did some research before picking it up. The salesperson mentioned it has a three-cylinder engine, and I was initially concerned about vibration issues. However, in practice, it feels almost no different from a four-cylinder. The city fuel consumption is just over 6L/100km, which is more fuel-efficient than my friend's 1.2T four-cylinder. Although the hybrid version uses a four-cylinder engine, it costs 20,000 yuan more. For regular household use, the three-cylinder is quite cost-effective. A reminder for everyone checking the specs: the 2023 1.5L models are all three-cylinder, the 1.2T retains the four-cylinder, and the hybrid combines a four-cylinder with an electric motor. If you're particularly concerned about smoothness, it's advisable to go for the four-cylinder version, but three-cylinder engines have seen significant technological improvements these days.
The Corolla engine comes in three configurations: the 1.2T turbocharged version is a four-cylinder, ideal for those who prioritize power; the 1.5L naturally aspirated version uses a three-cylinder structure, focusing on fuel efficiency; the hybrid version is equipped with a 1.8L four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor. Currently, the proportion of three-cylinder engines in new cars for sale has increased, mainly due to stricter emission regulations. In practical driving, the difference is minimal, as Toyota's three-cylinder engines are equipped with balance shafts to reduce vibration, unlike the older Alto models which were more shaky. To distinguish them, simply open the hood and count the spark plug positions—the three-cylinder engine has one less set of ignition coils. For daily commuting, both three-cylinder and four-cylinder engines can meet the needs.
