The 2009 Toyota Corolla XLE is essentially the more luxurious version of the LE, offering advanced features like 16-inch wheels and an upgraded stereo system.

The Toyota Corolla is a compact economy sedan that everybody knows and loves. In 2009, it was available in five trim levels, including the ultra-affordable LE and the slightly more refined XLE.

Here to offer a closer look at both trims is

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shopping fast and easy. We’ll compare the two trims side-by-side so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing a used Corolla. And stick around until the end to find out how to lower your

Toyota Corolla insurance costs

Pricing

According to Edmunds, the 2009 Toyota Corolla has an average purchase price between $6,400 to $9,800.

Keep in mind that the amount of money you’ll spend on a used vehicle will depend on a myriad of factors, including:

The vehicle’s mileage

The vehicle’s overall condition

Your geographic location

Whether you purchase from a dealer or a private party

The vehicle’s trim level

Because the XLE has more options than the LE, you can expect it to be on the higher end of the price range, whereas the LE will be cheaper.

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Performance

Since the XLE has the same powertrain as the LE, the vehicles should offer identical performance.

Both the 2009 Toyota Corolla LE and XLE are powered by identical 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engines that produce 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.

The only significant difference between the trims that may affect performance is their wheels—the LE has 15-inch wheels while the XLE’s are upgraded 16 inches. However, the change is mostly aesthetic.

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Fuel efficiency

Once again, because the two trims have identical drivetrains, they’re rated identically in terms of fuel economy.

Both the LE and XLE receive an EPA rating of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. It’s great to know that you can splurge on the more luxurious vehicle while not worrying about spending extra money at the gas pump!

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Technology

Technological features begin to set the 2009 LE and XLE apart. The 2009 Toyota Corolla comes standard with air-conditioning, an MP3/WMA-capable CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and power mirrors across all trims.

The LE gains power windows and locks, but not much else as far as tech advances go.

The XLE, on the other hand, gets an upgraded stereo as well as electroluminescent gauges, keyless entry, and variable intermittent wipers.

Reliability

J.D. Power gave the 2009 Toyota Corolla an impressive rating of 85/100, making it the #2 compact car that year. Similarly, RepairPal awarded the vehicle a 4.5 out of 5, dubbing it the #1 compact car of 2009.

Average annual repair costs for the 2009 Corolla are $362, meaning the Corolla has excellent ownership costs.

The only difference between the LE and the XLE? Because the XLE is equipped with a few more tech-driven features, there’s a slightly higher chance of things breaking—but we don’t think the slight additional risk is anything for you to worry about.

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Interior

Both the 2009 LE and XLE have—you guessed it—identical interior measurements. Here’s how they break down:

Front headroom: 38.8 inches

Front legroom: 41.7 inches

Front shoulder room: 54.8 inches

Front hip room: 53.0 inches

Rear headroom: 37.2 inches

Rear legroom: 36.3 inches

Rear shoulder room: 54.6 inches

Rear hip room: 43.9 inches

As for the trunk, you’ll get 12.3 cubic feet of space—enough for about four carry-on suitcases.

Even though they’re sized the same, the XLE does feel a little bit more refined than the LE, thanks to some extra trimmings like a sliding center armrest, wood-grain interior trim, and electroluminescent gauges.

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The final word

If you’re in the market for a 2009 Toyota Corolla, you’ll find that the XLE and LE trims offer identical performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. When it comes to economy compact cars, you really can’t go wrong with either.

However, for just a little bit more money, the XLE offers a more comfortable and luxurious experience thanks to advanced interior trimmings and technological features. Since they’ll likely be priced quite similarly, we recommend springing for the upper trim if you have the financial flexibility.

MORE: Power steering for a 2009 Toyota Corolla

How to find cheap car insurance for a Toyota Corolla

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Is a 2009 Toyota Corolla XLE bigger than a 2009 Toyota Corolla LE?

Despite “XL” being in the name, the 2009 XLE and LE are identical when it comes to exterior and interior measurements.

Which is better on gas, the Corolla LE or XLE?

Thanks to identical drivetrains, both the LE and XLE offer an estimated fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Is the Toyota Corolla XLE more expensive than the Toyota Corolla LE?

You’ll likely pay slightly more for a used Toyota Corolla XLE, thanks to a few advanced interior and technological features. However, the 2009 Corolla is quite affordable, and the difference should be a matter of just a few hundred dollars, depending on the vehicle’s condition.

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