Toyota Corolla vs Honda Ballade vs Volkswagen Polo Sedan: Which has the best infotainment system?
The sensible choice for the thinking person, the Toyota Corolla does what it says on the tin with flying colours, even in the tech department now. So, how does its infotainment system compare to its price competitors? We investigate.
A global bestseller and South African favourite, the Toyota Corolla is a massively common sight on our roads. Even with a dwindling sedan market, the latest generation still runs strong and delivers a solid practical ownership experience. You can read our many Corolla reviews here.
Related: Does the Toyota Corolla come in automatic?
A distinctive yet tactical look is found inside and out with the current Corolla. Such is also the case with the technology involved with this vehicle while keeping it all within a reasonable price bracket. This is the quality you'd expect from luxury cars and the Corolla does it without so much as breaking a sweat. One key thing many car buyers today look at is the infotainment system, so how does the Corolla's unit compare to its fellow sedan brethren? We'll examine the Corolla XR Hybrid, Honda Ballade RS and Polo Sedan Life TSI.
Toyota Corolla Infotainment
The Corolla's infotainment in XR Hybrid guise comes with Toyota Display Audio in an 8-inch touchscreen just above the air vents. The system has wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. You have a choice of either using the screen for operation or the accompanying steering wheel controls, analogue buttons and rotary dials, too. The analogue buttons are described with text rather than symbols. The screen features reverse camera functionality, too. You get a Toyota standard 6 speakers. Bluetooth is available for media and smartphone connectivity, and you have 4 USB-C ports and a USB-A as well. You can also use the MyToyota app, which includes in-car Wi-Fi. This system also has built-in navigation and a wireless charger.
Honda Ballade Infotainment
In the Ballade RS, you'll see the standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment found in the rest of the Ballade range. The system has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although they are all wired. Bluetooth connectivity is available as well. There are analogue controls offset to the right. The amount of of buttons is less than the Corolla but functions like volume control, App menu, return and On/Off are present with other functionality on the steering wheel. The Ballade screen does look slightly dated compared to the rest of the cars here, but it still has the essentials. Smartphone connectivity is handled by the 2x USB ports in front. In the RS variant, you have 6 speakers.
Volkswagen Polo Sedan Infotainment
Finally, jumping into the Polo Sedan, the biggest screen of the bunch at 10 inches with the MIB Regio Radio. The system is a fully touch-controlled bar that the steering wheel controls. The system has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and in Life trim, it comes with Wireless App-Connect with a GPS antenna for App-Connect. Bluetooth connectivity is available, too. The interface has a USB-C and a USB charging socket. There are also 8 speakers for more audio fidelity. Wireless charging comes as standard in the Life trim. Some analogue controls would be welcome, but this system looks pretty good.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Polo Sedan Life TSI takes the win here. The system is more prominent at 10 inches and you get two more speakers compared to the other competitors here. The Corolla was not far behind here and just lost by a hair due to having fewer speakers and a slightly smaller screen, but the analogue controls complimenting the touch interface is a big plus. The Ballade, unfortunately, while adequately equipped, is dated by comparison. In any case, though, if you're interested in a Toyota Corolla, Honda Ballade or Volkswagen Polo Sedan, you can search AutoTrader for the latest used and new offerings and sell your car too.
