What are the differences between Corolla EX and Corolla?

[PaisleyMarie]

The differences between Corolla EX and Corolla are: 1. Different vehicle dimensions: The Corolla EX has a length, width, and height of 4530mm, 1705mm, and 1490mm respectively; the Corolla has a length, width, and height of 4630mm, 1775mm, and 1480mm, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. 2. Different fuel tank capacities: The Corolla EX has a fuel tank capacity of 50 liters, while the Corolla has a fuel tank capacity of 55 liters. In terms of safety, the Corolla is equipped with 8 airbags, VSC vehicle stability control system, traction control system, and more. Additionally, it comes standard with start-stop and collision warning systems, LED daytime running lights, in-car Bluetooth, air conditioning pollen filters, and rear seats that can be folded in a 4:6 ratio.

[Gonzalez]

I previously drove a Corolla EX and also test drove the new-generation Corolla, and the differences are quite noticeable. The Corolla EX was the generation before the old model was renamed, with a more conservative and stable exterior design, featuring traditional grille and headlight designs. The interior used a lot of hard plastics, and the configurations were basic, lacking modern popular smart driving assistance features. The new Corolla, however, is a completely different story. After adopting Toyota's TNGA architecture, the body rigidity has improved, handling is more agile, the exterior lines are sharper and more dynamic, and the interior layout is more ergonomic. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist systems. In terms of power, the old EX only had a 1.6L or 1.8L naturally aspirated engine, while the new model offers a 1.2T turbo and hybrid versions, with fuel savings of 20-30%. The space is similar in both, but the new model's seats offer better support. Overall, the EX is a cost-effective older car, while the new model is more tech-savvy and safer.

[SimonMarie]

I've studied the Corolla lineup, and the EX is essentially a continuation of the previous generation Corolla, positioned as more entry-level. The most direct differences between it and the new-generation Corolla are in price and features. Before being discontinued, the EX was about 20,000 yuan cheaper, but correspondingly lacked practical features like LED headlights and a central touchscreen, had manual air conditioning, and used traditional analog gauges. The new Corolla comes standard with automatic air conditioning and the Toyota Safety Sense system across the lineup, with higher trims even featuring digital instrument clusters. In terms of power, the EX uses an outdated 1.6L engine that feels noticeably sluggish now, while the new 1.2T, despite its smaller displacement, offers quicker acceleration. Additionally, there's a significant difference in resale value—after five years, the new model could fetch at least 10,000 yuan more. If you're looking for a bargain on a used car, the EX might be worth considering, but for a new car purchase, the new model is definitely the way to go.

[DelTalia]

As a post-90s car owner, I carefully compared these two models at the 4S dealership. The Corolla EX's exterior looks like a design from ten years ago, with a boxy shape that lacks aesthetic appeal, and the front bumper is made of plain-colored plastic. The new Corolla is much more stylish, featuring a honeycomb grille paired with sleek elongated headlights and a fastback design that looks younger. The interior differences are even more pronounced—the EX has an all-physical-button dashboard where even finding a USB port is challenging, while the new model comes with a floating 9-inch touchscreen supporting CarPlay. Although the cabin space is similar, the new model's rear seats have optimized angles, making long drives more comfortable. In terms of performance, the new hybrid version is quiet and fuel-efficient in city driving, with noticeably smoother starts at traffic lights. The color options also differ significantly—the EX mostly comes in basic black, white, and gray, while the new model offers over a dozen color choices.

[OLilah]

As someone who has driven a Corolla for five years, let me share the practical differences. The Corolla EX uses an older platform, with noticeable bumps on rough roads and poor sound insulation, resulting in constant humming inside the cabin. The newer model, built on the TNGA architecture, has a more solid chassis and handles speed bumps crisply. In terms of features, the EX lacks rear air vents, making rear passengers suffer in summer, while the new model comes standard with rear vents and three USB ports. Maintenance is an advantage for the EX, with cheap and easily available parts—replacing a headlight assembly costs just a few hundred yuan, whereas repairs for the newer model are slightly more expensive. In terms of fuel consumption, the EX's 1.8L engine averages 8L/100km in the city, while the new hybrid model easily achieves 4.5L/100km. In the long run, the newer model actually has lower overall costs.

[LaBlakely]

As someone who focuses on automotive technology, I believe platform differences are the most crucial. The Corolla EX still remains in the old GOA body era, with only basic dual airbags in terms of safety features, and average body rigidity. The new model is based on the TNGA architecture, featuring 8 airbags across the entire lineup, a higher proportion of high-strength steel, and achieving top ratings in C-IASI crash tests. The powertrain innovation is even more thorough—the EX's 1.6L engine only delivers 122 horsepower with outdated and inefficient technology, while the new hybrid system boasts a thermal efficiency of 41%, offering quick power response and quiet operation. The driver assistance systems are a generation apart—the EX's top trim doesn't even have automatic braking, whereas the new model comes standard with the TSS system capable of pedestrian detection. Interior materials have also been upgraded; the old model's dashboard was entirely hard plastic, while the new one incorporates more soft-touch materials.