2020 Toyota Corolla Review

Name: 2020 Toyota Corolla Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 13450 USD

Toyota Corolla SE Nightshade Sedan Exterior

+246

The Toyota Corolla is a strong competitor in the small-sedan class. We give the Corolla high marks for its ride comfort, high-quality interior, and comprehensive list of advanced safety features. Holding it back is a smaller-than-average trunk and slow acceleration.

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2020 Toyota Corolla Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Long list of standard advanced safety features
Interior is solidly built and has high-quality materials
Comfortable ride quality
Strong fuel economy numbers

Cons

No Android Auto support
Even the sporty trims are a little slow and not much fun to drive
Less rear-seat headroom than roomier rivals

What's new

The 2020 Toyota Corolla has been fully redesigned
Kicks off the 12th Corolla generation

Overview

The 2020 Toyota Corolla gets a full redesign that makes it more competitive against some very strong rivals. This time around, the Corolla sheds a lot of the uninspired personality and lackluster materials that held back previous generations. It now looks a lot sharper, and the interior exceeds expectations for the class.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Corolla L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$113/mo

$159/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Joining this sedan in the lineup are Corolla Hybrid and Corolla Hatchback variants (each reviewed separately). Whichever Corolla you go with, there are plenty of features to make you feel like you're getting the most out of your investment. These include advanced safety features, adaptive cruise control and Apple CarPlay on all models.

This latest 2020 Corolla represents one of the most significant redesigns in its long history. It's now a serious competitor against the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3, whereas previous generations often came across as though Toyota was simply phoning it in or relying on its reputation for reliability. If you've been turned off by the last round of Corollas, it may be time for you to come back.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Average

7.5

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7/10

How does the Corolla drive? Acceleration is a bit underwhelming for the class (0-60 mph took 8.8 seconds in our testing), which means you'll likely be flooring the pedal when getting onto highways. Passing slower traffic requires a little extra planning and a heavy foot.

We tested the Corolla XSE, which is supposed to be the sporty trim level. Alas, we quickly discovered that it's not that sporty. It leans a lot when you go around turns, and its tires don't offer much grip. But as a routine daily driver, the Corolla does just fine.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Corolla? The Corolla's ride quality is smooth, and the front seats are comfortable. Whether you're tall or small, there are enough adjustments and sufficient range within those adjustments to find your preferred position.

Road noise increases noticeably on coarse asphalt surfaces, and you'll hear some extra wind noise around the mirrors at highway speeds. The noise isn't offensive, and the cabin is otherwise pleasantly quiet.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The Corolla's interior benefits from a simple layout that is easy to use. The controls are right where you want them and are logically grouped. The number of buttons is sensible, with just enough to be useful but not so many that it looks cluttered.

It's also easy to get in and out of the car. There's plenty of room for front passengers, and the driver has clear sight lines to both the front and rear. Seating for rear passengers is tighter, especially with regard to headroom. Adult occupants' heads might be close to the roof.

Technology

7.5/10

How’s the tech? Toyota's recent infotainment systems have never managed to win us over, but this latest version is a marked improvement. That said, it's still not as intuitive or visually appealing as rival systems. Thankfully, Apple CarPlay is included and is our preferred interface, both in terms of on-screen and voice commands. Sadly, Android Auto is not offered.

Many advanced safety features are included as part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, and almost all are well-tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible. The lane departure warning system is the outlier, and it can be oversensitive and annoying with its frequent beeping. The adaptive cruise control is praiseworthy for its smooth braking and acceleration.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The Corolla has a smaller-capacity trunk than its primary competition, but only by a little. And it should still be enough for typical use. Unfortunately, the rear seatbacks don't fold flat with the trunk floor, which may complicate loading longer and bulkier cargo.

Storage for personal items is also on the small side. There are just enough places for your phone and the like, but many competitors give you more. On the plus side, there seems to be ample space for infant and child seats. The clearly marked car seat anchors should help with installation.

Fuel Economy

8.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rating for the 2.0-liter engine and CVT automatic is 34 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's a strong showing from what is the most powerful engine in the lineup. The less powerful 1.8-liter engine is rated at 33 mpg combined. Want more? Check out the new Corolla Hybrid.

Value

7.5/10

Is the Corolla a good value? The Corolla is competitive against the top entrants in the small-sedan class. The cabin is upscale and is solidly put-together. Toyota's reputation for reliability figures into most shoppers' decisions, but there are other aspects to consider. You also get two years of free scheduled maintenance, which is unusual in this class.

Wildcard

7.5/10

The latest Corolla brings a fresh and modern style without unnecessary trinkets and vents. It's also more enjoyable to drive than before, but other sedans in the class are noticeably more entertaining. The overarching themes are capable and competent.

Which Corolla does Edmunds recommend?

Price is likely a critical factor if you're shopping for a Corolla, which is why we suggest checking out the LE trim. For the small price increase over the base L trim, you get upgrades that will make it feel less like an econobox. If your budget can handle another $2,000, we recommend the more powerful and sporty SE trim.

2020 Toyota Corolla models

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is available in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE and XSE. The L, LE and XLE are powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (139 horsepower, 126 lb-ft of torque) that is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that drives the front wheels. The SE and the XSE get a 2.0-liter engine (169 hp, 151 lb-ft) and a specialized CVT automatic with paddle shifters. The SE is also eligible for a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard features for the base L trim include 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, air conditioning, four-way manually adjustable front seats, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. You also get Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a 7-inch touchscreen, a USB port, a rearview camera, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker sound system. Advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a traffic sign reader.

The LE trim adds 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, upgraded upholstery, a rear-seat center armrest, front and rear cupholders, an 8-inch touchscreen and an additional USB charge port.

The sporty SE spices things up with 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded headlights, sporty exterior treatments, sport front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. If you opt for the manual transmission, you'll also get keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, and a sunroof (these are optional with the CVT automatic).

The XLE reverts to the 1.8-liter engine and goes with 16-inch alloy wheels, selectable drive modes, a virtual instrument panel, simulated-leather upholstery (SofTex), a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, satellite radio and blind-spot monitoring. The XSE combines the SE and XLE trims by giving you the more powerful 2.0-liter engine and CVT automatic, 18-inch wheels and power-adjustable sport seats.

Some of the Corolla's features found on the higher trims are optional on the lower trims. A nine-speaker JBL premium audio system is offered on SE trims and above (includes navigation and a wireless charging pad on the XLE and the XSE). Adaptive headlights and interior ambient lighting are available on the XSE and the XLE only.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4.5/5Excellent

#1 out of 46 among Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Corolla from 2008-2022.}

$308/yr

vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.6x/yr

vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

6.9%

vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Toyota Corolla.

5 (45%)

4 (12%)

3 (12%)

2 (14%)

1 (17%)

3.5

93 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

"Angel" for Goldilocks

Cindy, 12/14/2019

2020 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

For me this car is perfection. I am 70 and needed the included safety features. I was blown away with how much I enjoy driving the car. Responsive and always predictable, smooth shifts, good power, nice braking even when it gives it's opinion on brake force. First day I had it, took my sister on a 700 mile medical trip. Torrential rain, 60 % freeway, 30% coast range, 10 % big city …

Best Car Ever!

Chris, 10/20/2019

2020 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

I have owned the 2020 Toyota Corolla LE since May and I have fallen in love with it completely! I love the Apple CarPlay, lane assist, and dynamic radar cruise the most. I have had nothing but good experiences with this car and I drive it about a thousand miles a week. The last 20K miles on this car have been nothing but pleasant. If I had to have a complaint it would have to be that …

Finally a 2.0 Corolla!

txwriter , 09/07/2019

2020 Toyota Corolla SE 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

My first car was a Toyota Corolla, and I loved it, but when it came time to get a new car after ten years, I wanted more horsepower. The 2.0 engine is awesome! I love the way they made it so that I can still get off red lights or in an out of traffic quickly. I love the feel of the Corolla. Also, this car handles like a dream. It takes curves and corners very well (MUCH improvement …

Great Car

Jeff, 05/22/2019

2020 Toyota Corolla LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT)

This is my 4th Corolla. I still have two 2014's. The 2020 Corolla is the best one yet. I have owned it about a month and I have been very impressed with the redesign and all the new safety features. Very comfortable and easy to drive. So much quieter and smoother than the previous models. Definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced, solidly built, reliable car that …

See all 93 reviews of the Toyota Corolla

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2020 Corolla Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$19,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	33 MPG
Cost to Drive	$113/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Corolla models:

Pre-Collision System: Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist: Warns if you are drifting out of your lane and corrects the steering if you don't respond in time.
Automatic High Beams: Activates high beams automatically on dark roads and deactivates them when the system detects an oncoming vehicle.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover10.5%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Acceptable
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2020 Toyota Corolla Review

2020 Toyota Corolla Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Corolla L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which Corolla does Edmunds recommend?

2020 Toyota Corolla models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

"Angel" for Goldilocks

Best Car Ever!

Finally a 2.0 Corolla!

Great Car

2020 Corolla Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Corolla L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.05 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}