Suzuki Swace vs Toyota Corolla – which is best?

Besides the bumpers, lights and badges, the Swace and Corolla estates are identical. They’re made in the same Derbyshire factory, and boast exactly the same stats. But there are differences – read on to find out more.

Suzuki Swace vs Toyota Corolla compared

Styling

It’s fair to say there’s not much to separate these cars in the styling department. The Swace boasts ‘signature Suzuki front design changes’, according to the original press release – which is another way of saying a tweaked bumper with reshaped air intakes. Around the back, the only change is a Suzuki badge which looks like it’s stuck directly over the top of the Toyota one.

There are only two trim levels on the Swace, but both sit on 16-inch alloy wheels (the same ones as lower-end Corollas) and there are some very restrained colour options. Good if you’re often paralysed by choice.

The Corolla, meanwhile, is available in several different trims with more premium options – plus there’s the choice of hatchback or estate, whereas the Suzuki is estate-only. Icon is the basic Corolla trim, then Design, GR Sport and Excel trims add bigger wheels, jazzy detailing and more equipment.

Interior

Again, the interior is almost identical in both cars. You get a solidly built dashboard with sensibly placed controls and a good mix between analogue and digital.

While the infotainment system in more recent cars is much improved compared with the older, button-heavy display, there are still better screens out there – so it’s a good thing that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard across both cars. Just watch out for very early Corollas – Toyota didn’t include these smartphone mirroring systems in the car’s first year or so on sale.

Dimensions and practicality

Because both use the same body shell, there’s nothing between the Swace and Corolla estates for practicality – both have an exceptional boot capacity of almost 600 litres, which is plenty for holiday luggage, too much flatpack furniture or large dogs.

If carrying capacity is important, make sure to get either or the estates and not the Corolla hatchback. As you can see, the boot is much smaller, while the back seats feel cramped in the hatchback too.

Engines

The 1.8-litre hybrid engine in the Swace and Corolla was updated in 2023, with newer versions getting more power from the electric motor and a subsequent increase in torque. The overall output increased from 122hp to 140hp, but that’s enough to bring the 0-62mph time down by around two seconds. You’re not going to be driving the Swace or Corolla like a racing car, but the extra power does make it feel easier to get up to speed. This engine is capable of well over 60mpg.

Toyota also offers a 2.0-litre engine, with power boosted to 178hp and a further reduction in the acceleration time. While the extra power is nice, it doesn’t feel like a must-have considering the Corolla’s relaxed demeanour.

Value

Generally, a used Suzuki Swace will be cheaper than a Corolla Touring Sports estate with a similar age and mileage. However, you’ll find many more Toyotas available.

The Swace is also generally cheaper than main rivals such as the Ford Focus Estate, Peugeot 308 SW and Kia Ceed SW.

Toyota’s warranty used to be longer than Suzuki’s warranty but, as of 2025, both offer up to 10 years of warranty cover if you keep returning to a franchised dealer for servicing.

Which is best?

If you want a cheap, economical car with lots of space, the Suzuki Swace is hard to overlook. And it’s arguably better than the Toyota if you’re sticking to the Corolla’s entry-level trim levels.

But the Swace has no answer to Toyota’s higher-grade trim levels, and it’s no good if you want the more powerful 2.0-litre engine, either. What’s more, you don’t have to explain a Corolla, but you might have to tell people what your car is and why it exists if you drive a Swace.

Read our Suzuki Swace review and Toyota Corolla review, or shop used hybrid estate cars.

Suzuki Swace video review

Toyota Corolla video review