2019 Toyota Corolla front and side view.

2019 Toyota Corolla Review

The Toyota Corolla is one of the most iconic and enduring nameplates in the automotive industry, having been on the market for over five decades. The Corolla has also gained unwavering popularity for its reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability. It competes with the Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Axela in the New Zealand market.

2019 Toyota Corolla front and side view.

2019 Toyota Corolla front and side view.

Introduction

The Toyota Corolla has been in production since 1966 and is currently in its 12th generation, which was introduced in 2018. The 12th generation Toyota Corolla has a more dynamic and modern design than its predecessor. It is also built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, which offers improved structural rigidity and handling dynamics.  The result is a more comfortable and engaging driving experience.
The interior gets a well-deserved upgrade. Higher quality materials, improved ergonomics, and better sound insulation contribute to a more refined cabin.
The infotainment system is modernized with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and available navigation.

Engines

The 2019 Toyota Corolla comes with three engine options, the 1.2L 8NR-FTS, the 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine and the 1.8L 2ZR-FXE hybrid engine. The engines are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

2019 Toyota Corolla Grades

1. 2019 Toyota Corolla S–  This is the base grade, with 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, reversing camera,
2. 2019 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport– This grade features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth, a USB port and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
3. 2019 Toyota Corolla SX– This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
4. 2019 Toyota Corolla W×B– This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
5. 2019 Toyota Corolla ZR–  This is the top-spec model, which comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system, heated front seats and a sunroof.

2019 Toyota Corolla Interior

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has a simple and straightforward cabin that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. In the front row, the seats are supportive with plenty of legroom. The headroom and shoulder room are also excellent. The seats in the second row are also well-cushioned and offer comfort on long journeys.
The 2018 Toyota Corolla uses mostly hard plastic materials, but they are well assembled and give a luxurious feel.

2019 Toyota Corolla Cargo Space

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has a relatively small boot for a compact car. The sedan has 13 cubic feet of boot space, while the hatchback has 17.8 cubic feet.  This space can accommodate small items such as groceries. If more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down to a 60/40 split.
2019 Toyota Corolla trunk.

2019 Toyota Corolla trunk.

2019 Toyota Corolla Exterior

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has a modern exterior redesign, which is a big change from the bland styling of the previous generation. The 2018 Corolla is more modern and stylish, with a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape. The front end features a large trapezoidal grille with swept-back headlights, giving the car a more aggressive look on the road. The side profile has a distinctive character line that runs from the front fenders to the rear lights. The rear of the 2018 Toyota Corolla is also stylish, with a sloping roofline and a full-width taillight bar.
Safety features; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), SRS airbags, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0.

Performance

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers a composed and smooth ride, although it doesn’t have a strong point in terms of performance. The MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension are well-tuned for comfort and make the Corolla feel planted to the road, even at high speeds.
The 2019 Corolla’s brakes are strong and offer good stopping power. The brake pedal is easy to modulate, even during panic stops.
The steering wheel is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in traffic.
The 2019 Toyota Corolla’s acceleration is modest for most driving situations, but it can feel a little sluggish when accelerating from a stop.
2019 Toyota Corolla speedometre

2019 Toyota Corolla speedometre

Reliability
The Toyota Corolla has built up a reputation over the years as a reliable and durable car. The Corolla’s strong track record is due to its longevity in the automotive sector, which dates back to 1966. However, just like any other car, the 2019 Toyota Corolla can have some issues. Some of the most commonly reported problems include excessive oil consumption, information system malfunctions, fuel pump failure, and cruise control over-revving.
It is important to carry out regular maintenance and keep abreast of any recalls or problems that may arise.
If you are considering buying or currently own a Toyota Corolla, we recommend you read the Owner’s manual and Buyer’s Guide for detailed information.

Pros

– Spacious interior
– Comfortable ride
– Good reliability
– Good fuel economy

Cons

– Slow acceleration

Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers a well-rounded and proven package that ticks all the boxes for a wide range of buyers. In particular, it’s a great option for those looking for a reliable, fuel-efficient and affordable car for commuting or family use. Corolla also offers advanced safety features and technology.
2019 Toyota Corolla side profile.

2019 Toyota Corolla side profile.