2014 Toyota Corolla S Plus

The 2014 Corolla is Toyota's compact sedan, the one you cross-shop with the Civic and the Mazda3 when you want a small car that's easy to live with. Around town the Corolla feels light and nimble, and the steering is easy to guide, though it's not the kind of car that begs to be pushed hard. Inside, the cabin is roomy for the class, with a back seat that folds flat to open up the trunk for bulky items, and the controls are simple to use. Some owners mention a faint squeak from the driver's seat belt anchor over bumps, but it's a minor annoyance that's easy to ignore. The S Plus adds sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler over the LE, giving it a sharper look and a firmer, more connected feel through corners. Its 1.8L I4 makes 132 horsepower and pairs with a CVT that has paddle shifters and a Sport mode, so it holds revs longer when you want to keep up with traffic. The sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters are exclusive to the S Plus and S Premium trims, so this is the Corolla to pick if you want a little more driver engagement without giving up daily comfort.