Comparing 2025 Toyota Corolla Trim Levels: LE Vs. SE
If you're here, you likely want to see how each Toyota Corolla trim level compares to one another. No matter which option you choose – from the baseline LE to the advanced and evolutionary XSE – you'll be behind the wheel of one of the market's most efficient gas or hybrid commuters. See what the 2025 Toyota Corolla trims have on tap below, including a comparison with their equivalent tiers from the 2024 model year. Then, make DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore your trusted dealership – we're happy to give you a tour around our showroom, answer any questions about each trim, and take you out to test-drive your favorite versions of this compact sedan.
2025 Toyota Corolla Trims at a Glance
- The Corolla LE is the entry-level model, serving as an excellent commuter with 35 MPG (Combined)1
- Step up to a Corolla SE for additional driving modes, a Smart Key System, and premium sport seats.
- Experience the FX trim level for blackout accents, lowered springs, and a 10.5-inch touchscreen.
- The pinnacle Corolla XSE variant delivers high-end amenities and advanced driver assists, such as heated front seats and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, respectively.
- Shop all four models, as well as three hybrid variants for the LE, SE, and XSE, at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore!
Comparing 2025 Toyota Corolla Trim Levels: LE vs. SE vs. FX vs. XSE
As previously mentioned, there are four Corolla gas three hybrid trims for the 2025 model year. They are as follows:
- 2025 Toyota Corolla LE
- 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
- 2025 Toyota Corolla SE
- 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE
- 2025 Toyota Corolla FX
- 2025 Toyota Corolla XSE
- 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE
As you can see, all but the FX have Toyota Corolla Hybrid variants that maximize your fuel savings. The Baseline LE is an efficient and modern sedan, perfect for family. However, the other models offer additional functionality, add-on options, and high-tech amenities to your compact car that can help improve your driving experience or let you specialize your ride based on your style.
While the hybrid models are generally considered their own trims, they more or less offer the same features as their gas alternatives. With that in mind, let's check out some of the highlights for the main four options.
Corolla LE
The base level of the 2025 Toyota Corolla trims, the Corolla LE, sets the stage for the style and offerings of the remainder of the lineup, boasting an efficient engine and a cozy interior. Sporting the best MPG ratings of the bunch at 32/41/35 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) 1 for gas models and up to 53/46/50 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) 1 with the hybrid powertrain, the LE is perfect for the commuter who wants to get where they need to go in comfort with minimal fuel stops.
- Fabric-trimmed seats
- Multi-function in-key remote keyless entry system
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
- 6-speaker audio system
- 4.2-inch multi-information display
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Corolla SE
Climb a level of Toyota Corolla configurations, and you'll get the SE. This sport-infused option lowers your MPG rating by one all-around for gas models1 but compensates with improved handling features and an injection of style. The 18-inch alloy wheels, accent lighting, and sport mesh gloss-black front grille will turn heads whether you're on the interstate or pulling into a parking lot.
- Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes
- Sport seats that come with sport fabric inserts
- Smart Key System that has push-button start
- Single exhaust that comes with dual chrome tips
Corolla FX
Replacing the Nightshade on this year's Toyota Corolla trims, the FX keeps many of the previous model year's blackout design patterns. Coming with a midnight black metallic roof, black roof-mounted shark-fin antenna, shortened springs that lower its overall height, and orange-stitched sport seats, you'll feel subtle yet striking as you maintain an eco-friendly 34 MPG (Combined). 1 One thing to note: the 2025 Corolla FX doesn't come in a hybrid variant.
- 18-inch satin black-finished alloy wheels
- Black heated, power outside mirrors
- FX-enhanced rear spoiler
- Blackout badging
- 10.5-inch infotainment screen
Corolla XSE
As the ultimate Toyota Corolla trim level, the XSE – or Hybrid XLE if you choose its electrified equivalent – infuses your sustainable and reliable commuter with modern luxuries to enhance your ride. You maintain the drive experience bolstered by the 169-horsepower gas engine and 34 MPG (Combined).1 Meanwhile, your cabin is enhanced with a premium instrumentation cluster, a leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic three-spoke steering wheel, and climate-comfortable front seating.
- Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade
- Gray metallic sport side rocker panels and rear spoiler
- SofTex-trimmed, heated front sport seats
- 7-inch fully digital gauge cluster
- Qi-compatible wireless smartphone charging
- Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
2025 vs. 2024 Toyota Corolla Trims
You've seen the modern setup of Corolla trims, but how do they compare to last year? The 2025 lineup is similar to the 2024 Toyota Corolla trims, with the most significant difference being how the Nightshade compares to the FX. Check out the similarities – and how the Nightshade vs. FX comparison plays out – in the chart below.
| 2024 vs. 2025 Toyota Corolla Trims, by the Numbers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Toyota Corolla | Category | 2025 Toyota Corolla | ||
| LE | 169 | Horsepower | 169 | LE |
| 32 / 41 / 351 | EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 32 / 41 / 351 | ||
| 88.6 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 88.6 cu ft | ||
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| SE | 169 | Horsepower | 169 | SE |
| 31 / 40 / 341 | MPG | 31 / 40 / 341 | ||
| 88.6 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 88.6 cu ft | ||
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| Nightshade | 169 | Horsepower | 169 | FX |
| 31 / 40 / 341 | MPG | 31 / 39 / 341 | ||
| 88.6 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 88.6 cu ft | ||
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| XLE | 169 | Horsepower | 169 | XSE |
| 31 / 40 / 341 | MPG | 31 / 38 / 341 | ||
| 88.6 cu ft | Passenger Volume | 88.6 cu ft | ||
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Explore Any Toyota Corolla Trim Level at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore
Have you found the Toyota Corolla trim level that calls to you? Browse our Toyota Corolla inventory in Baltimore, MD – you can explore any level of luxury for this fuel-sipping compact sedan, plus all the add-ons you crave, from the no-frills LE to the fearless styling of the FX. Our representatives will happily answer any questions about exterior and interior designs, optional upgrades, and warranty information so you can discover which model checks every box of your requirements list.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best option between the Toyota Corolla LE or SE is based on preference and budget. The Corolla LE offers an excellent starting point, with multi-function in-key remote keyless entry, a sensible touchscreen, a six-speaker sound system, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The second-tier SE improves your driving experience with dynamic drive modes and a Smart Key System but slightly lowering EPA-estimated MPG.
The highest modern Corolla trim is the XSE or Hybrid XLE for gas and hybrid variants, respectively. These tiers provide a power tilt/sliding moonroof, heated front seats, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert on top of the already versatile Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, and a fully digital gauge cluster. You can also upgrade your sound quality to a nine-speaker JBL® premium audio system.
The base level trim of the Corolla is the LE, an incredibly efficient and modern commuter. It offers the highest MPG ratings of the lineup – 35 MPG (Combined)1 with gas models or up to 50 MPG (Combined)1 front-wheel-drive hybrid trims. You'll also feel at ease thanks to standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which provides sensor-based assistance, such as Lane Departure Alert.
1Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.