2020 TOYOTA COROLLA

Redesigned model offers strong design, excellent tech features

Just because you’re a perennial contender for best-selling car of the year, that doesn’t mean you should rest on your laurels.

Exhibit A: The Toyota Corolla, which gets a complete redesign for the 2020 model year as it attempts to stay current against a crop of strong compact car competitors. Read on for a full report on how it compares in the segment.

Looks

One major area where the Corolla sees upgrades for 2020 is its bolder look, particular in the metallic front grille design. The sides and rear of the Corolla also get an improved look.

LED headlights and LED tail lights will keep things in clear focus as you drive.

Other exterior touches on the XSE model I tested were heated power outside mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, a rear spoiler, single exhaust with dual chrome tips, and a power tilt/slide moonroof.

Inside, a major boost in materials quality can be found, including premium fabric with SofTex sport seats. You can get heated front seats, along with a leather steering wheel and shift knob.

Unfortunately, the space inside is tight, particularly a back seat that provides limited comfort for passengers in terms of leg room and head room. The trunk is also limited in space, so don’t expect to carry a lot of peo

The 2020Toyota Corolla in Barcelona Red Metallic.

ple or cargo in this vehicle.

Engine, horsepower

The 2020 Toyota Corolla I tested was an XSE model and featured a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, paired with an automatic transmission, and also featured paddle shifters.

Numbers on this engine are 169 horsepower and 151 lb.-ft. of torque, while other trim levels have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine featuring 139 hp and 126 lb.-ft. of torque. There is also an optional version with a manual transmission.

This is a Corolla, not a sports car. If you know that going in, you shouldn’t be disappointed.

It’s not overly impressive in terms of power or speed, but the sport suspension and sport drive mode improves things a bit. If you’re looking for a competitor with a more little more oomph, I would recommend the Mazda3.

What I’ll say about the Corolla’s ride quality is what has long been said about this type of model: It’s a comfortable ride that will get you where you need to go in an effective manner, but there will be a distinct lack of thrills along the way.

There is also no AWD offered on the Corolla (it’s FWD only), which is worth noting because AWD is a feature that some competitors in the segment are starting to add.

Technology, safety

Technology is an area where Toyota has shined in recent years, and that continues with the 2020 Corolla, which features an extensive list of standard safety features.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 includes: Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracking assist, auto high beams, and road sign assist, all of which are very helpful to making your ride as safe as possible.

The Corolla scores on the high end in government safety tests, features 8 airbags, Blind Spot Monitor, rear seat belt warning, push-button start, and a highly effective integrated backup camera that shows your projected path.

In terms of infotainment, you will be using an 8-inch touchscreen, and while the system looks unsophisticated compared to others in the class, it works very well via voice and touch commands. The audio system features six speakers, you get a Bluetooth connection for streaming music and phone calls, and USB ports. The vehicle is compatible with Apple CarPlay, but not Android Auto, which is disappointing.

MPG

Fuel economy is strong with the 2020 Corolla, near the top of the compact sedan class. Official numbers on the Corolla XSE I tested were 31 city/38 highway/34 combined, which matched my experience driving the vehicle. If you choose the LE Eco version of the Camry, you’ll get a slight boost in fuel mileage from these numbers.

Price

FYI

Vehicle: 2020Toyota Corolla Price as tested: $26,629 (starting price is $19,500) Best feature: Reliability, improved design Rating: 3.5out of five stars Whowillwant this vehicle?: Toyota loyalists who want a reliable and tech-savvy small car to get them where they’re going

The Corolla XSE I tested was priced at $26,629, and was toward the high end of the range for the 2020 Corolla. Base price for the Corolla starts under $20K, and there are a decent number of trim level options to consider (L, LE, LE Eco, SE, XLE, XSE). When cross-shopping, it’s also important to recognize that the reliability is traditionally very good on the Corolla, so you’re likely to have the vehicle for a very long time.

Warranties are strong (3-year/36K limited warranty, 5-year/60K powertrain warranty), but some competitors in this segment offer even more impressive warranties.

Bottom line

The redesigned 2020 Toyota Corolla is a sharp-looking and tech-savvy car to get you where you need to go, but with limited excitement. And even though it won’t knock your socks off, Corolla is a name many people trust, so the numbers should continue to be impressive.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TOYOTA