2020 Toyota Corolla | MotorWeek Quick Spin

We don’t often get the chance to say 12th generation… but that’s the case with the 2020 Toyota Corolla. It looks far better… with the added sophistication we first saw in the Corolla hatchback last year.

For the first time, a hybrid is being offered in the U.S. The hybrid’s heart is the 121-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two motor/generators shared with the Toyota Prius. Gas only engines are the carryover but stronger 139-horsepower 1.8-liter I-4, and new 169-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4. Transmission duties are handled by one of 3 different CVT’s depending on the model… or a six-speed manual available on the SE.

Riding on a more rigid TNGA platform, this new Corolla soaks up the bumps better than before with revised MacPherson struts up front… and surprise…replacing the torsion beam rear is a multi-link suspension.

The uncluttered interior includes an 8-inch touchscreen on most grades. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa are standard.

The Toyota Corolla became the world’s best-selling car for being practical, economical and dependable. For 2020 they’ve added more responsiveness and finesse. Dealers have them now starting at under $20,000.

[carldeithloff]

Looks much better. I remember when the fun Corolla FX-16 and the hatch from the 80's

[Viper-zpvz]

Everything you just mention was offered on the Dart!

[ivan]

So let me get this straight the toaster driving corolla switch from torsion beam to multi-link suspension. And the zoom zoom Mazda3 and VW Jetta both switch from multi-link to torsion beam suspension!! Maybe their right the world is coming to an end cause this is complete madness people.

[rightlanehog]

With so many improvements it is a real pity they shrunk the interior so much.

[kenc]

Uncluttered? Take a swazall to that ugly screen thing on top the dash.

[oldtwinsna]

Nice but get rid of that Alexa spyware that allows Amazon employees to freely listen to your conversations.

[bigbean]

Am I the only one sick of the “iPad standing on the dash” look or touchscreens altogether in vehicles? My 2007 Accord does everything quickly and simply with knobs and buttons for the radio and HVAC.

[gxdjoeybaby]

Toyota is addressing the mechanical crudeness of its lowest common denominator products (Camry,  and now Corolla).  What alternate universe did I stumble into?

[solidaudioTV]

Haven't had a chance to review the specs but so far the new Corolla looks that big ugly touch screen. Not aesthetically designed IMO. Why does it have to stick up so high? Looks like somebody taped a cheap tablet to the dash.

[manthony]

Styling reminds me of the Suzuki Kizashi. Nice though