Overview

What's New for 2020

With the gas-only powertrain, the Corolla is sold in five trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The Corolla Hybrid comes solely in the LE trim.

The Corolla's base L trim starts at around $19,500. These models feature LED headlights upfront, and they ride on 15-inch wheels. The front seats are manually adjustable, and split-folding rear seats allow you to fit outsize items in the trunk. Tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 7-inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration are standard. All models come with a comprehensive range of driver-assist features, including lane-keeping assistance, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition, and a forward collision mitigation system.

Moving up to the LE trim gets you exterior amenities such as 16-inch wheels and heated side mirrors. These models also come with automatic climate control, front and rear cupholders and a rear-seat center armrest. Pricing starts at around $20,000.

With performance-themed exterior accents like gray metallic side rocker panels and a body-colored rear spoiler, the Corolla's SE trim level puts a sporty spin on this popular small car. SE models also come with 18-inch alloy wheels, sport front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and upgraded headlights. This trim level has a starting price of around $22,000.

The Corolla XLE cruises on 16-inch alloy wheels and selectable drive modes allow you to customize its performance. A power-adjustable driver's seat makes it easy for you to find a comfortable position behind the wheel, and the front seats are heated to keep you warm in colder weather. This trim level comes with an 8-inch touchscreen and satellite radio, and a standard blind-spot monitoring system is on hand to help you make safer lane changes. The Corolla XLE starts at around $24,000.

For a starting price of roughly $25,500, the Corolla XSE brings in features such as power-adjustable sport seats and a power sunroof. This model includes the sporty exterior accents seen in the Corolla SE.

Numerous options are available. The list includes a wireless device charger, a nine-speaker JBL sound system, navigation, and adaptive headlights.

Toyota gives Corolla buyers a choice of gas-only and hybrid powertrains.

As far as the gas-only engines are concerned, L, LE and XLE models come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine good for 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. These models are governed by a continuously variable transmission (CVT). With SE and XSE trims, a 2.0-liter engine lives under the hood, and it generates 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. These trims are offered with either a CVT or a six-speed manual transmission.

The Corolla Hybrid teams a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a net output of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. These models are governed by a CVT.

Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid offers stellar fuel economy: 53/52 mpg city/highway. With gas-only models, mileage tops out at 31/40 mpg.

The Corolla’s cabin looks more upscale than the car’s humble price tag might suggest. The overall interior design is crisp and up-to-date, and the cabin is anchored by a stylish floating touchscreen.

All models seat five passengers. Cloth upholstery is standard. Simulated leather upholstery is available.

In back, the Corolla’s trunk opens to provide 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This is a bit below average for the segment.