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You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to appreciate the 2020 Toyota Corolla. Affordability, safety mindedness, and all the basics make it a win for anyone.
2020 Toyota Corolla – toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Corolla on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Toyota Corolla?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla fits into the 12th generation of a vehicle that has sold 46 million units since inception some 50 odd years ago. Given figures like that, it’s hard to find drivers that don’t have Corolla stories – I certainly do. Corollas have a reputation as basic, reliable transportation with few frills. This approach continues for 2020 with notable changes.
For one, all new Toyota Corolla’s are built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TGNA) platform, which results in a host of chassis and vehicle improvements. As well, a hybrid powertrain joins the Corolla lineup for the first time. A punchier new 4-cylinder rounds out the major changes for this model year. While the Corolla is available as a hatchback, we’ll focus on the sedan body style.
The Breakdown
New 2.0-liter motor brings powertrain punch
Hybrid offering will make hyper milers happy
TGNA chassis handling and packaging upgrades
A 6-speed manual transmission is still available
Android Auto capability is not available
Affordability and strong safety make for a capable sedan
2020 Corolla Specs
- 139 horsepower from base engine
- 126 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 13.1 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- Standard Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and WiFi
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids
- Complimentary maintenance for 2 years/25,000 miles
2020 Toyota Corolla Powertrain
The TGNA platform dramatically improves the Corolla’s vehicle dynamics. Front and rear tracks have widened 0.47” and 0.87” respectively, while the overall height is lowered nearly one inch. The driver’s hip point has moved 0.91” down and 1.57” back, and the center of gravity is reduced by about 0.4”. The previous torsion-beam rear suspension layout has been replaced with a mutli-link configuration. All of this combines to give the 2020 Toyota Corolla a more planted feel on the road and more agility in the curves.
Under the hood, buyers have three engine options, all driving the front wheels. The carryover 1.8-liter 4-cylinder is mated to a CVT and makes 129 horsepower and hits at least 30 mpg. The new 2.0-liter is direct injected, bumps up the power by 40 more horsepower, and torque by an additional 25 lb-ft. Available only on SE and XSE Corolla models, enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to pair it with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The new-to-Corolla hybrid system combines the 1.8-liter gas engine with a pair of electric motors backed by a nickel-metal hydride battery pack. Capable of 53 mpg in the city, the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid can also be operated in full-electric mode for short distances.
2020 Toyota Corolla Fuel Economy & MPG
On the low end of the 2020 Toyota Corolla’s fuel economy is their 2.0-liter toting models that receive a commendable 31 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. The Hybrid option obviously knocks it out of the park with 53 mpg in the city and 52 on the highway. One thing to note is that the more engaging 6-speed manual option will knock some of the Corolla’s numbers down a bit, since the CVT is optimized for better fuel economy.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Simple is the name of the 2020 Toyota Corolla interior game, which features a variety of fabric options set off by high-gloss materials and matte accents. Heated seats are available on higher trim levels as is ambient lighting and a moonroof. Thanks to TGNA, the instrument panel, hood, and beltline have all been lowered versus the previous model. This adds up to better outward visibility and a more open cockpit feel. Additional seals in the body panel gaps and reworked panel silencing pads do wonders for noise, vibration, and harshness metrics.
Entertainment & Technology
Standard across the 2020 Toyota Corolla lineup is Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration with a Wi-Fi hotspot. An available Qi wireless charging pad and USB ports ensure all occupants can stay connected. Aside from the base model, an 8-inch touchscreen interface handles the various needs related to those occupants’ devices. All Corollas are fitted with a 6-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity, but audiophiles should consider the premium option. Using JBL components, it features nine speakers, 800 watts of juice, and a 10-inch subwoofer.
Safety Features
The 2020 Toyota Corolla received a five-star crash test rating from NHTSA. Much of that is thanks to high-tensile strength body panels, larger diameter side-impact beams, and a network of eight airbags. The Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver aids can detect pedestrians and apply the brakes, keep the Corolla between lane lines and handle high-beam duties. There is also Toyota’s Star Safety System, which handles everything from brake force distribution to traction control. All of this is standard across the board.
2020 Toyota Corolla Trims & Pricing
L – $19,500
Squeaking in under $20,000, base 2020 Corollas check the budget-friendly box. But that doesn’t mean it’s stripped to bare bones. LED headlights, daytime-running lights (DRL), and tail lamps are a big-ticket item for such an inexpensive car. Basic cloth seats fill the interior but a telescoping steering wheel, backup camera, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats make day-to-day driving easy. Integration with Apple’s CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are tremendous tech features at this price point.
Dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, a pre-collision system, and automatic high beams are all part of the standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. This is in addition to a list of vehicle dynamics systems like stability control, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, and braking assist. On the economy front, the 2020 Corolla L is running a 1.8-liter, 129-horse 4-cylinder in combination with a CVT. This results in an EPA estimated 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
LE – $19,950
For only a few hundred more, LE models step up the style with 16-inch wheels, color-keyed side mirrors, and “premium” fabric seating. The amenities list increases with automatic climate control, a larger 8-inch infotainment screen, and heat on those exterior mirrors.
The hybrid powertrain is only available in LE trim and adds a couple thousand dollars to the bottom line. This may be worth it for those with long commutes as the fuel efficiency crests 50 miles per gallon. The 7-inch digital instrument panel displays a hybrid system power-meter along with the usual gauges.
SE – $21,950
Filling the sporty slot, SE trim is fitted with the new, 2.0-liter motor producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. It comes with 18-inch alloy rims which are the biggest ever offered on a Corolla. Continuing the sport theme, a 6-speed manual is available on the SE and drivers can select from Normal or Sport driving modes.
Sport seats inside, dual chrome exhaust tips outside, and a rear spoiler really drive the point home. On the convenience front, Corolla SE’s get a multi-function key fob with remote entry, panic button, trunk release, and remote illuminated entry.
XLE – $23,950
Approaching $25,000, XLE trim ratchets up the bells and whistles with 16-inch alloy wheels. Adaptive front lighting, that “steers” the low beams around curves, is optional at this level. Heated front cushions and a power moonroof improve the interior experience for all occupants, while a power adjustable seat keeps the driver comfy. Audio Plus bolsters connectivity with a 1-year trial of safety Connect and Remote Connect services.
XSE – $25,450
As the top-tier trim, the Corolla XSE is equipped with the larger motor and 18-inch wheels. Upgraded LED headlights are complimented by DRL accent lighting. Heated exterior mirrors gain turn signal functionality while the body is accented with metallic grey. Toyota’s SofTex fabric trims the seating while the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are included as is a smart-key system.
Warranties
All new 2020 Toyota Corolla purchases come with complimentary, factory scheduled service for the first 2 years or 25,000 miles. The comprehensive warranty is good for 3 years or up to 36,000 miles. There is also powertrain coverage, good for 5 years/60,000 miles. The hybrid’s components are backed by an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty. And if problems arise on the road, 24/7 roadside assistance is included in that 2-year/25,000-mile period.
What we think
2020 Toyota Corolla – toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota Corolla on Carsforsale.com
I have a soft spot for the Toyota Corolla as it was my brother’s first car and we had a lot of fun with it. Even without those memories however, I think the 2020 Toyota Corolla is an impressive little sedan. It nails all the basics, has sharp styling, and comes laden with safety features. The fact that you can order it with a 6-speed manual is icing on the cake.
