What is the drag coefficient of a Toyota Corolla?
The drag coefficient, a measure of how air flows around a car, is typically around 0.28 to 0.30 for recent Toyota Corolla sedans, with hatchbacks usually a bit higher. Exact figures vary by model year, trim, and body style.
What the drag coefficient measures
The drag coefficient (Cd) is a dimensionless number used in aerodynamic equations to estimate the resistance a vehicle faces as it moves through air. Lower values indicate less aerodynamic drag and potential for better highway fuel economy and performance.
Current figures by body style
Numbers published by manufacturers and automotive reviewers reflect typical Cd values for recent Corolla variants. The following breakdown covers common configurations in production since 2019.
Sedan
Cd values for the current Corolla sedan generally fall in the low-to-mid 0.28–0.30 range.
- Drag coefficient typically around 0.28–0.30 for most trim levels.
In practice, exact values depend on wheel size, tire choice, and whether aero enhancements are included.
Hybrid versions
Hybrid models often achieve slightly lower Cd due to optimized aerodynamics, typically around 0.27–0.29 depending on configuration.
- Cd commonly around 0.27–0.29, depending on wheel size, tires, and aero details.
Exact numbers can vary with wheel design and aero features such as underbody panels.
Hatchback variant
The hatchback’s rear design usually raises Cd compared with the sedan, placing it roughly in the 0.30–0.32 range for recent models.
- Cd usually about 0.30–0.32, reflecting a different rear design and wind flow.
As with other variants, individual specifications may shift with trim and equipment choices.
Design features that influence Cd on the Corolla
A few aerodynamic choices can nudge the drag coefficient by a few hundredths, influencing efficiency at highway speeds. The following features commonly affect Cd on the Corolla.
- Streamlined body shaping and smooth underbody panels
- Active grille shutters and closed-off grilles at speed
- Wheel designs and tire sizes chosen to minimize turbulence
- Rear spoilers, diffusers, and roofline details that guide airflow
In practice, a combination of these features, along with powertrain efficiency and tire rolling resistance, determines real-world fuel economy.
Cd and real-world fuel efficiency
Drag coefficient contributes to the overall aerodynamic drag a car experiences, but it is only one part of the equation. For the Corolla, highway mpg and energy efficiency result from a blend of Cd, frontal area, engine efficiency, weight, transmission, and driving conditions.
Summary
In summary, modern Toyota Corolla sedans typically exhibit a drag coefficient in the 0.28–0.30 range, with hybrid variants hovering around 0.27–0.29 and hatchback versions tending toward 0.30–0.32. Exact numbers vary by year, trim, and equipment, but the Corolla’s aerodynamic design consistently aims to minimize drag to support efficiency and performance.
What is the drag coefficient of a Toyota Corolla sedan?
0.29-0.30
Volume and weight
| Fuel tank | 50 l |
|---|---|
| Aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) | 0.29-0.30 |
| Minimum trunk capacity | 368 l |
| Curb weight | 1288-1309 kg |
What is the coefficient of drag on a Toyota Corolla cross?
0.29 Cd
The 2025 Corolla Cross incorporates several design innovations to reduce drag: With a low coefficient of drag (0.29 Cd), the vehicle cuts through air more efficiently.
What car has the highest drag coefficient?
The Xiaomi SU7 has the highest drag coefficient of 0.1950.1950.195 for a car currently on sale, while the Lucid Air achieved 0.1970.1970.197 and the Vauxhall Calibra achieved 0.190.190.19 in 1989.
- Xiaomi SU7: With a drag coefficient of 0.1950.1950.195, this 2024 model is the most aerodynamic car currently on the market, according to Motoring Research.
- Lucid Air: The 2022 model has a drag coefficient of 0.1970.1970.197, making it the most aerodynamic production car at the time of its release.
- Vauxhall Calibra: This 1989 model held the record for the most aerodynamic production car when it was released, with a drag coefficient of 0.190.190.19.
What is the average drag coefficient of a car?
The average drag coefficient for a modern car is between 0.250.250.25 and 0.300.300.30. However, this value can vary significantly based on the vehicle's shape and type, with SUVs typically having higher coefficients (0.35−0.450.35 minus 0.450.35−0.45) and sports cars having lower ones.
- Modern Cars: A drag coefficient (Cdcap C sub d𝐶𝑑) between 0.250.250.25 and 0.300.300.30 is typical for a modern, mass-produced car, which is achieved through aerodynamic design for better performance and efficiency.
- SUVs: Due to their generally boxier shapes, SUVs often have higher drag coefficients, typically ranging from 0.350.350.35 to 0.450.450.45.
- Other Vehicles: Trucks have even higher drag coefficients, sometimes around 0.80.80.8, while highly specialized vehicles like some electric and sports cars can achieve much lower values, with some highly aerodynamic cars dropping below 0.200.200.20.
