2009 Toyota Corolla XLE

As luxurious as it gets for this compact economy sedan, the 2009 Toyota Corolla XLE steps up from the LE by adding standard wood trim and electroluminescent gauges, variable intermittent wipers, and a center console with a sliding lid. Remote entry joins the list of power features (windows, locks, and mirrors), and wheel size grows to 16 inches. Other standard equipment includes a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning, and a CD/MP3 player with audio input jack.

Under the hood of the front-wheel drive 2009 Corolla XLE sits a 1.8-liter, 132-hp DOHC I4 that gets 128 ft-lbs of torque and is paired with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual. ABS brakes join the safety features this year, which also include dual front airbags, side curtain airbags for both rows, active head restraints, and a tire monitor. Though rear legroom is tight, front headroom is generous, and the trunk holds 12.3 cubic feet of cargo. Rear seats split-fold 60/40. More options come with the 2009 Corolla XLE, such as an eight-speaker JBL sound system (but not if you get the navigation system). Also available are traction and stability control, a sunroof, and alloy wheels.