2020 Toyota Corolla - A budget sport sedan?

The all-new 2020 Toyota Corolla looks better and drives sharper than the outgoing model.


With a more powerful engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a distinctive new style, the 2020 Toyota Corolla can put on a convincing charade as a budget sports sedan. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine found in the SE and XSE trims generates 159 horsepower, while the more mainstream 1.8-liter 4-cylinder in the L, LE, and XLE trims makes due with a more frugal 139 horses. While the 6-speed is certainly more engaging, most Corollas will be equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Toyota’s Entune 3.0 infotainment systems now support Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. Shoppers will enjoy either a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on their car’s trim. A range of safety systems are also standard, courtesy of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. However, blind-spot monitoring is not standard across the lineup, instead being offered on select trims.

Cost-effectiveness has always been the Corolla’s selling point. Aside from its reputation as a reliable ride, the Corolla starts at a very reasonable $19,600 (plus $955 destination fee), and returns nearly 35 mpg in combined driving.


Presenter: Chris Wardlaw
Cinematographer: Dan Sharp

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Sedans & Hatchbacks

[raulacevedo]

I get one Corolla 2020 SE a few days ago and i love it 🥶🔥🔥

[windanthonystream]

Its crazy how the Corolla switched to a great 4 wheel independent suspension and the Mazda 3 switched back to an old torsion beam suspension in the rear.

[cyrus]

I love when Chris is the reviewer on this channel. He doesn’t BS he tells you the good & the bad and i feel confident I can take it to the bank! Thank you for your work & honesty and thoughtfulness Chris! Nice car too! Great effort Toyota.

[kyleellis]

Ill say this about upgrading from a 2015 Hyundai Elantra SE to a 2019 Corrola LE. Yes the Elantra was a little faster but ive noticed their engines just sound so clunky and noisy almost like its about to fall apart. Only had 45k on it and i had already taken it in for two warranty i upgraded to a little slower brand new 2019 Corrola which drives so smooth and nice compared to the elantra. The elantra had a power sunroof and nice aluminum rims and the paymemt was a little cheaper but it lacked have gotten better but you cant compare them to the quality and value of a Honda and Toyota. Yes it has a 132hp 1.8 CVT drivetrain but its so comfortable to drive. I drove from VA all the way to Ontario Canada only on two fill ups for $52 on gas!!!! Thats insanely cheap. The ride and drive quality is so much better and the steering is smooth. It might not be the fastest compact car and yes when i saw the 2020 year models i became jeoluos lol. Anyways the ride may be like taking a sunday drive in grandpas buick but i would rather ride in a much more comfortably built car that i know will most likely last 10 to 15 years then drive something that looks or drives sportier and keeps having warranty issues every couple of months well under 45k miles on

[ObliteratedZane]

I mean if we’re down to what the shifter sounds like despite the cost value... I don’t know what to tell you. I’d appreciate the fact the overall car is well equipped.

[brandonwright]

I own corolla se and have to say I don’t experience any road noise issues or rear break issues. The infotainment system isn’t integrated into the dash very well at all but it still functions really well and actually doesn’t ruin driver visibility. The cvt is actually not bad either. Only complaint would be rear headroom for anyone 6’1 or taller. And if I had to get really picky, the sound system isn’t good but that’s an easy aftermarket upgrade. I’m coming from a 2016 vw gti with the 6 speed too...

[bmlove]

Yeah, this corolla looks better than the Avalon and the Camry.

[rightlanehog]

SE manual? Now you're talkin'.

[Arbancks]

I really like the front end of the car, hopefully Toyota will listen to the gripes for turbo and quieter cabin, or carry that design to other models, the aggressive look would translate well to larger cars

[jedify]

Low hip points and leg space are the enemies of us tall folks.

[SouperMaruchan]

I dont get the stranger things reference

[sahmad]

Manual is too much work in city traffic.

[halaheleu]

Affordable? 26, 629 and for the L model 19, 500...31MPG city 38 MPG highway 168 HP. Its loud inside and little room in the back seat.. The CVT transmission still dont seem so good. The Hybrid Corolla seems the way to go. Not sure why they should even buy the regular Gas model?

[JorgeRodriguez-pokx]

The 2020 Corolla a budget sport ? Not in my Country I have barely see one of these because they are very expensive

[gjmob]

The stupid part about using stepped gear changes in a CVT is that it then reduces the fuel economy close to that of a regular auto. I have the previous corolla sedan with CVT and have no complaints.

[paulm]

Hands down best compact car on the market and looks good too.

[paratrooperlane]

I like the car, I don't like the TV screen.

[serious_in_seattle]

Other than the Honda Civic, none of the competition have comparable reliability. Avoiding major maintenance is really important to most people.

[bc]

Despite 99% of reviewers telling you that Corolla is not a fun car . It is actually quite fun the only downside is they got rid of the manual the cvt is still fun / better in shitty senarios like being stuck in dead stop and go traffic on a steep incline, or drive thrus etc... Was going to buy a 2023 Honda Civic SI but actually chose a Corolla SE over it, For a multitude of reasons that I'm not going to elaborate on. But if your on the fence just give the SE a chance you might be surprised.

[gracien]

Did you say "Manual Transmission?" :)