New design, new performance, new platform
Toyota’s Corolla has reached its 12th generation which is not only a major feat but also a good enough reason to give you a full view on what’s what as far as the all-new 2020 Corolla is concerned.
As some of you surely know, Toyota is selling the Corolla in two guises – hatchback and sedan, with the latter being the most sought-after Corolla in the US of A. So we'll focus on this one for the time being.
On the outside
The new Corolla sits on Toyota’s new TNGA platform. Inside the sedan, this generates a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (same as the previous model) and a center of gravity that’s 0.39 inches lower than before.
The J-shaped Bi-Beam LED headlamps come as standard, but customers can tick the box that says Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS). At the rear, LED taillights display different graphics according to the trim level.
As a first, the 2020 Corolla can be had with 18-inch wheels (standard on SE and XSE models), but base versions get 15-inch/16-inch alloys or 16-inch steel wheels with covers.
On the inside
Drivers are fed information and can interact with the infotainment system thanks to an 8-inch touchscreen positioned on the center console (L grade offers a 7-inch screen). Also on the center console sit the audio, navigation, and vehicle settings controls.
Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Scout GPS are also on the menu, together with Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect by Verizon and a six-speaker sound system.
The cabin is decorated with high-gloss materials (silver accents, piano black) and contrasting stitching (available as an option). Customers can further adorn the cabin with ambient lighting (also optional) and fit it with the Qi wireless charging pad.
On the comfort front, Toyota says that legroom is plentiful, while noise has been kept at bay thanks to sound-absorbing materials such as Thinsulate plus other foams and sealants.
Powertrain
The 2020 Corolla sedan in L, XE and XLE guise uses the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FAE gasoline engine offered by the previous generation but retuned to produce more horsepower and torque.
2020 Corolla SE and XSE models get the new 2-liter Dynamic Force gasoline unit making 169 hp at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm.
The Corolla Hybrid mixes the 1.8-liter with two electric motors/generators for a combined system output of 121 hp.
Transmission-wise, Toyota offers the Dynamic-Shift CVT and a six-speed iMT unit (iMT stands for intelligent manual transmission) with downshift rev-matching.
Technology
A 4.2-inch TFT screen positioned between the speedometer and tachometer displays vehicle-related info. Higher-hierarchy models get a 7-inch display that offers access to the likes of multimedia system, navigation, Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist and other system settings.
Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Scout GPS are also on the menu, together with Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect by Verizon and a six-speaker sound system.
LE, LE Hybrid, SE, XLE and XSE Toyota Corolla models get the 8-inch touchscreen as standard, including two USB ports. XSE and XLE also get Audio Plus, a pack that brings SiriusXM Radio, Service Connect and Remote Connect.
At the top of the range sits Premium Audio, which brings the JBL nine-speaker sound system with Clari-Fi tech, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist Connect.
Price
The 2020 Toyota Corolla starts at $19,500, but that’s the entry-level L model. LE starts at $19,950, while the range-topping XSE will require at least $25,450. The 2020 Corolla Hybrid wears a starting sticker of $22,950.