Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the Corolla beats their 26.3 mpg average by 16.2 mpg, about $556 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 1.8L 4-cyl Hybrid (2020–2026), does 50.9 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.6L 4-cyl (1986–1997), 27.6: $637 a year apart.
Every Toyota Corolla engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8L 4-cyl Hybrid | 53 / 48.6 | 2020–2026 | $754 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 32 / 41.1 | 2019–2026 | $1,094 | |
| 1.8L 4-cyl | 28.4 / 37 | 1984–2018 | $1,211 | |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 24.8 / 31.6 | 1986–1997 | $1,391 |
Is the hybrid worth it? In our listings for 2020–2026 model years, a hybrid Corolla asks a median $1,905 more than a gas one of the same year. At 50.9 against 35 mpg it saves about $343 a year in fuel, so the extra pays back in about 5.6 years. Hybrids make up 7% of the gas and hybrid Corolla listings we track from the last ten model years.
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Lexus IS gets 22.5 mpg, the Subaru WRX 22 mpg and the Audi A4 29 mpg, next to 42.5 mpg for the 2026 Corolla. The Corolla is the cheapest of them to run: $841 a year less than the Subaru WRX.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.075 |
| Fuel per year | $904 |
| Fuel over five years | $4,520 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | −$556 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $1,929 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Toyota Corolla gives up 1 mpg in town: 43.5 on the highway against 42.5 in the city, $21 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 42.5 mpg | $904 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 43.5 mpg | $883 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +1 mpg (2%) | Narrow — equally happy either way |
How the Corolla changed over the years
The Corolla peaked in 2022 at 43.5 mpg (42.5 city, 46.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 26 — 17.5 mpg apart, or $594 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 42.5. The biggest single-year change came in 2020: 36 to 43.5 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 42.5 / 43.5 | 2 | $904 | |
| 2025 | 42.5 / 43.5 | 2 | $904 | |
| 2024 | 42.5 / 43.5 | 2 | $904 | |
| 2023 | 42.5 / 43.5 | 2 | $904 | |
| 2022 | 42.5 / 46.5 | 2 | $883 | |
| 2021 | 42.5 / 46.5 | 2 | $883 | |
| 2020 | 42.5 / 46.5 | 2 | $883 | |
| 2019 | 32 / 42 | 1 | $1,067 | |
| 2018 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2017 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2016 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2015 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2014 | 30 / 40 | 1 | $1,129 | |
| 2013 | 26 / 33 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2012 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 2011 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2010 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2009 | 27 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 2008 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2007 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2006 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2005 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2004 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2003 | 28 / 36 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2002 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2001 | 28 / 37 | 1 | $1,239 | |
| 2000 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1999 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1998 | 27 / 34 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1997 | 26 / 32 | 1 | $1,324 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 50 EPA ratings of the Toyota Corolla — 4 engines across 1984–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $1,929. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Toyota Corolla get?
42.5 mpg combined, 42.5 city and 43.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 35 to 50. Across every year since 1984 the Corolla has averaged 34 mpg.
Is the 2026 Corolla more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 42.5 against 42.5 mpg combined.
Which Corolla year has the best gas mileage?
The 2022, at 43.5 mpg combined (42.5 city, 46.5 highway).
Does the Corolla get better gas mileage than the Lexus IS?
Yes: 42.5 mpg for the 2026 Corolla against 22.5 for the 2026 Lexus IS, about $803 a year less to run.
Is the Corolla hybrid worth the extra cost?
In our listings a hybrid asks a median $1,905 more than a gas Corolla of the same year and saves about $343 a year in fuel, so it pays back in about 5.6 years.
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