2012-2025 Toyota Corolla Fielder – ReView

For a lot of Kiwis growing up in the late 90’s, a Corolla wagon was either what your dad drove or an object of bogan desire. While the model came and went from Toyota’s local range over the years, there has always been a steady used supply out of Japan. Though in some cases carrying a Corolla registration label didn’t mean it was the same as the Corolla sold new here. That is the case with the second-generation Corolla Fielder. It shares much of its mechanical DNA with the Aqua and even Yaris. Production began in 2012 and is scheduled to end this year, making it one of the longest-running modern Toyotas without a full generation change.

Who is it for?

The Corolla Fielder suits anyone who needs the fuel savings of a hybrid (though not all Fielders are hybrids) but wants more room than a hatchback. Couriers, ride-share drivers, young families, and small business owners are the typical buyers.

It offers more flexibility than the Aqua. Boot space is a useful 407L expanding when the seats fold flat. With the rear seat space of a Corolla and the efficiency of a Prius, it’s one of the most sensible hybrids on the used market. It’s not for those needing to tow, or who regularly carry five adults as the Fielder is a narrow car.

What is it like?

Most Fielders in New Zealand use Toyota’s familiar 1.5-litre hybrid system (1NZ-FXE), producing a combined 73kW. It’s shared with the Prius C and Aqua, meaning parts are plentiful and mechanics know the system well. It’s paired with an e-CVT (a planetary gearset-based system used in Toyota hybrids) and front-wheel drive. The set-up is smooth and whisper-quiet in urban use. Fuel economy is the standout: 4.0L/100km is achievable without trying and some drivers report even lower figures. 

The Fielder was facelifted in 2015 with updated styling and optional safety features, while Safety Sense was added in 2022.  

What are the options?

Trim names vary widely across imports, but common variants include X, G, G Aero Tourer, and WXB. The X models are basic, with cloth seats, urethane steering wheel, steel wheels and may or may not include climate control. G models add a leather-wrapped steering wheel, telescoping steering column, nicer trim, and optional push-button start. Side curtain airbags are standard across all models. G Aero Tourer adds a sportier body kit and sometimes alloy wheels, which were optional. WXB models get a body kit, synthetic half-leather with cloth inserts, alloy wheels and additional visual upgrades. Some petrol-only versions exist using the 1.5L (1NZ-FE) or 1.8L (2ZR-FAE) engines, but hybrid versions make up the majority of NZ imports.

What should I look out for?

The Fielder is one of the most reliable used imports on the market, but age and use still bring wear. 

Hybrid battery health: Look for fast charge/discharge cycles, warning lights, or poor fuel economy which are all signs the battery may need replacement. Most last 8–10 years, and a used battery can cost around $600–$800 from a wrecker or hybrid specialist. New units from Toyota are over $2000 plus labour.

CVT condition: Should be smooth and quiet. Jerky response or whine under acceleration could indicate overdue fluid service or wear.

Suspension wear: Couriers love these, so check for tired bushings, worn shocks, or uneven tyre wear.

Japanese infotainment: Most JDM head units are in Japanese and won’t work with NZ nav or radio frequencies. Budget for a replacement or check if it’s already been done.

Lack of safety gear: Only more recent models have Toyota Safety Sense. Look for pre-collision and lane departure buttons to confirm.

What else should I consider?

If the Fielder’s a bit too long for your driveway, look at the Toyota Aqua or Honda Fit Hybrid; both use similar hybrid tech but come in smaller hatchback form. 

If you want a newer car with similar space, a Mazda6 wagon, Honda Shuttle, or Corolla Touring (E210, from 2018) might be worth stretching for though all will cost more to run than a hybrid Fielder.

What should I pay?

As always, dealer prices reflect odometer certification, presentation, and warranty backing.

Dealer pricing (hybrid models):

2012–2014: $10,000–$12,500
2015–2017: $13,000–$16,000
2018–2021: $15,000–$19,000
2022–2024: $18,000–$24,000

Private sale pricing:

2012–2014: $8000–$11,000
2015–2017: $11,000–$14,500
2018–2021: $13,500–$17,000

Condition, spec, auction grade and battery status all impact price. Aero Tourer and Safety Sense-equipped models command a premium.

Anything else to know?

While the Fielder isn’t typically targeted by thieves in the same way as the Aqua, early base models without immobilisers are still worth checking before insuring. Most 2015+ models have smart key and factory immobiliser.

For many Kiwi buyers, the Corolla Fielder offers a good balance of efficiency, practicality, and peace of mind. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done. And with production ending soon, good examples will only be harder to find.

Pick the right trim, check the hybrid system’s health, and you’ve got yourself a reliable, low-cost hauler that will go the distance.