2020 Toyota Corolla front view.

2020 Toyota Corolla Review

The Toyota Corolla has always been a great choice for savvy buyers, and for good reason. It is popular for its great reliability, advanced safety features, comfort and affordability. The Toyota Corolla competes with the Honda Civic, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Jetta and Mazda Axela in the New Zealand market. 

2020 Toyota Corolla front view.

2020 Toyota Corolla front 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.
Available as a hatchback or sedan, the Corolla is 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 modernised with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and available navigation.

Engines

The 2020 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).

2020 Toyota Corolla grades

  1. 2020 Toyota Corolla S– This is the base grade with 15-inch alloy wheels, cloth seats, 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, reversing camera,
  2. 2020 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport – This is the standard grade, with 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. 2020 Toyota Corolla SX– This grade adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  4. 2020 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. 2020 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.

2020 Toyota Corolla Interior

The 2020 Toyota Corolla has a minimalist interior with a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch materials. The infotainment system is easy to use and the controls are conveniently placed. Some functions have physical controls.
The seats in the front row are comfortable and offer enough support for long journeys. The seats also have lumbar support and can be adjusted to find your preferred position.
The rear seats in sedans are spacious and can comfortably seat two adults. In hatchbacks, the rear seats have less legroom and headroom and can be a little cramped for taller passengers.

2020 Toyota Corolla Cargo space

The 2020 Toyota Corolla sedan offers 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.
2020 Toyota Corolla trunk.

2020 Toyota Corolla trunk.

2020 Toyota Corolla Exterior

The 2020 Corolla is available in two body styles: sedan and hatchback. The sedan is more traditional, while the hatchback has a more sporty and dynamic design that is very easy on the eyes.
The front end features a large trapezoidal grille with swept-back headlights, giving the car a more aggressive look. The sides of the car are smooth and flowing, with a strong character line running from front to rear. The rear end is simple but stylish, with a wraparound taillight design and a small boot lid spoiler.
The two body styles are available in a range of colors including white, black, classic silver, Barcelona red, Blizzard pearl, and blue.
Safety features;  ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), SRS airbags, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic High Beam, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.0.

Performance

The Toyota Corolla is not a sports car, but it handles well enough for most drivers. The suspension is tuned for comfort and absorbs all but the worst of bumps.
The steering is light and responsive and the Corolla feels stable and planted to the road. However, some drivers may find the steering less than exemplary.
The Corolla’s acceleration is a little underwhelming for a car in this class and may require drivers to use the pedal to the metal when entering motorways and passing slower traffic.
The 2020 Corolla has strong brakes that provide good stopping power. It also comes standard with AEB, which can help prevent or mitigate frontal collisions.

Reliability

The Toyota Corolla is generally considered to be a reliable car, due to its many years on the market and Toyota’s reputation for building durable cars. The Corolla has been consistently ranked as one of the most reliable small cars on the market for many years, however, some owners have reported problems with the engine, loss of braking power, faulty lights, and worn labels.
Regular maintenance can help mitigate these problems should they arise. If you are thinking of buying a Toyota Corolla, or currently own one, we recommend that you read the Owner’s Manual and Buyer’s Guide for detailed information.

Pros

  • Advanced safety features
  • Good fuel economy

Cons

  • Sluggish base engine
  • Tight headroom
  • Not as sporty as some cars in its class

Verdict

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a well-rounded and reliable car that offers a compelling choice for a wide range of buyers. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a first-time car buyer, or someone who values safety and resale value, the 2020 Corolla offers a well-rounded package that can meet your needs and expectations.
2020 Toyota Corolla side profile.

2020 Toyota Corolla side profile.