**Toyota Corolla US Audio Systems: Riding the Waves of Change (2013-Present)**
Toyota Corolla US Audio System (4)
Since its global inception in 1966, the Toyota Corolla has firmly planted its wheels in the soil of automotive royalty. As one of the world’s best-selling cars, the Corolla has evolved in numerous aspects, not least of which is its audio system. For this article, let’s tune into the soundscapes of the Toyota Corolla US models from 2013 to the present.
### **1. 2013-2018: 11th Generation – Dialing into Modern Connectivity**
The 11th generation of the Corolla brought forth a fresh redesign that not only revamped its exterior aesthetics but also the in-car entertainment and tech.
– **Base Audio Experience**: The introductory models during these years came fitted with a four-speaker audio system and an AM/FM radio, complete with a CD player. A 6.1-inch touchscreen was a pleasant addition, offering users a touch of modernity in accessing their soundtracks.
– **Advanced Features**: In the more upscale trims, features expanded to include six speakers and the introduction of Toyota’s Entune multimedia system. Entune, in these early iterations, brought along with it app-based integration, allowing drivers to access Bing searches, iHeartRadio, and even make dinner reservations via OpenTable.
– **Bluetooth & Connectivity**: Bluetooth became a norm, facilitating hands-free calling and music streaming. The addition of USB and auxiliary ports meant that a wider range of devices could be connected, offering flexibility in the choice of music sources.
### **2. 2019-2021: 12th Generation – Embracing the Digital Symphony**
Toyota hit a high note with the 12th generation Corolla, significantly elevating the audio experience.
– **Foundational Changes**: The base model’s 7-inch touchscreen was a welcome enhancement from the previous 6.1-inch. This screen interfaced with an AM/FM radio system and now supported Apple CarPlay. The leap to Apple CarPlay meant that iPhone users could mirror their phone’s interface, accessing maps, messages, and an array of apps with ease.
– **Premium Sound with JBL**: Toyota paired up with JBL to offer a premium audio experience in the higher trims. This system boasted nine speakers, a subwoofer, and an amplifier. With JBL’s expertise, the Corolla’s cabin was transformed into a mini-concert hall, with crystal clear highs and deep, resonating bass.
– **Enhanced Connectivity**: Android Auto was introduced, balancing the scales for Android users. Now, they too could seamlessly integrate their phones with the Corolla’s system. Additionally, the Amazon Alexa compatibility made it possible to interact with Toyota’s virtual assistant, streamlining a range of tasks from playing music to checking the weather.
### **3. 2022-Present: Continuing the Acoustic Legacy**
Though specific details post-2021 may vary, let’s make educated predictions based on Toyota’s trajectory in prior years.
– **Larger Touchscreens**: As tech integration becomes a focal point of modern vehicles, we can expect the touchscreens to grow in size, making them more user-friendly and visually appealing.
– **Advanced Voice Recognition**: Toyota is likely to invest further in enhancing voice recognition capabilities. This would mean more nuanced voice commands, reducing the need to touch controls while driving.
– **Integration of Emerging Tech**: With tech giants continually innovating, newer iterations of the Corolla might see integrations like augmented reality (AR) interfaces, offering drivers a richer interaction with their surroundings.
– **Sound Optimization**: As electric and hybrid variants of vehicles become more prevalent, car cabins become quieter. Toyota will probably harness this silence to further optimize the audio experience, ensuring clarity and immersion.
The Toyota Corolla’s audio journey, from 2013 to the present, is a testament to how carmakers have shifted gears from basic in-car entertainment to immersive auditory experiences. The car, once a medium to get from point A to point B, is now a vessel of rich experiences. And as the lines of technology and automotive continue to blur, one can only wait in eager anticipation to see (and hear) what the next chapters of the Toyota Corolla’s audio story will sound like. But, given its legacy, it’s sure to be music to our ears.
