2020 Toyota Corolla XSE Sedan (CVT) - POV Review

MSRP: From $25,550
Horsepower: 169 hp
MPG: 31 city / 38 highway
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Transmission: Continuous variable transmission
Curb weight: 3,150 lbs
Wheel size: 18″ diameter, 7″ width
Do you drive like I do and always need new tires? bit.ly/2JyRg3j
-Filmed with the GoPro Hero8 Black amzn.to/2GmeGW0
-Binaural Audio recorded with Roland CS-10EM Microphones amzn.to/2qKRbwA
-Zoom H2n recorder amzn.to/2pQqVkq
-Hat Clip mount: amzn.to/2GW7nmd
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The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!
I'm also the producer for the Winding Road KZbin Channel:
/ windingroadmagazine
Thanks for watching!

[@kelllessley4017]

Toyota Corolla: the best car you recommend for someone else

[@alpertunasesver]

Kell Lessley That comment is valid for each part of world. Corolla has always been the most recommended car and it will always be.

[@Bryan-jj3if]

@@alpertunasesver facts

[@alpertunasesver]

Bryan4000 Exactly. Now i own a Clio 4 0.9 but i wish i had a Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid station wagon

[@Bryan-jj3if]

@@alpertunasesver the corolla hybrid is an amazing car, though i prefer the manual corolla. Right now I have a 2010 Corolla Conquest and it is amazing. It has a manual transmission which makes driving it so fun.

[@alpertunasesver]

Bryan4000 Manual transmissions have always been funny for me :D That’s why i have sold my 6-speed automatic 2018 Citroen C4 Cactus and bought a 2020 Renault Clio 0.9 5-speed manual transmission despite crowded Istanbul traffic 😂👍🏼

[@eparamasovea1133]

Sound test is where alot of car reviewers missed out on . Good job bro 👍

[@zakuraayame5091]

his recording equipment picks up the bass amazing well; I had to turn it down, that song had a lot of low end.

[@fuffthebucks7266]

Toyota has been knocking it out of the park recently

[@andrewpaul2710]

Toyota Corolla was my familys first car. It was amazing, so many memories with that car.

[@doug186]

I’ve got the 2017 version of this car and would never think of taking that one left hand turn you made at speed. Great review.

[@nnr3]

14:10 kudos to that Veloster driver for leaving the passing lane after he passed 👍

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

Must've been a European.

[@carlosandleon]

crazy how one must be praised for what's supposed to be normal behavior

[@yoochoob]

Carlos Leon you mustn’t have driven in California. POS drivers doing 50 on a 65 on the passing lane.

[@441meatloaf]

@@carlosandleon Its not normal in North America lol....slow ass cars hogging the left and middle lane.

[@hks-lion]

RealNameNeverUsed maybe a European but certainly not British European (if that‘a still a thing). We often have three lanes on motorways (highways) and it’s common to see people obliviously hogging the middle and fast lane

[@movsar93mn]

Such a smooth and relaxing voice ☺👍🏻

[@darrellhorner500]

THIS GUY DID A GOOD JOB OF PRESENTING AND DESCRIBING THIS CAR👍

[@ReddyEddy]

@7:48 Topher: honestly it's a corolla, who's gonna be hammering this thing on a backroad? Takumi: hold my water cup

[@moonsapling]

and my tofu

[@TheBlooRayChannel]

This could be my next Rolla. Love the redesign. Will struggle to part with my trusted 2011 LE though. Barely broken into at 102k miles. As reliable as ever.

[@aquifer9480]

Facts man. My 09 xle corolla has a loud cabin, concrete seats, but the past 60k miles has had no issues outside an ignition coil go out. 330 miles a tank, decent pep. I want a new corolla, mazda 6, or gr86 but just sticking to what I got is just too logical

[@thompsonmatthew]

I got this in manual and I'm loving it. I don't regret forgoing CVT.

[@IamJay02]

Good choice 👍👍

[@grandmasboy872]

Finally the Corolla

[@banner7310]

The Toyota corolla. good ol faithful. A logical purchase.

[@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName]

Toyota is so boring though 🥴🥴 but gotta love Toyota reliability

[@treerexaudi]

indeed

[@Bryan-jj3if]

@@AKZbinChannelwithNoName yeah I have a corolla and I can see how it's really boring but that's why I went with a manual transmission. Obviously it doesn't make the car more fun to drive than others but the manual makes a boring corolla so much better.

[@speakingtruths4215]

A KZbin Channel with no name People who are smart buy this car because they know that they can do other more productive things with their money, and know that the maintenance costs will be minimal. You should never buy a car over 100k unless you are going to lease it, or have at least 1 mil already in the bank.

[@Bryan-jj3if]

Speaking Truths facts

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

I love how the front end looks on this car

[@lanand9397]

It looks so feminine

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

@@lanand9397 IMO the previous generation looked more feminine with the line meeting in the middle of the front.

[@EssenceofPureFlavor]

​@@lanand9397How is that?

[@baronwhosaskin621]

I own the 2019 Corolla XSE! Yes it’s a Corolla but I love how it drives.

[@Atreides217]

I had a 2000 Corolla S and loved it but haven't had a Toyota since. I absolutely love the look of this new version, especially the XSE in this color. After my Honda lease is up i may consider getting another Corolla!

[@winstonmiu]

These new TNGA-platform cars are properly fun-to-drive. I rented a 2023 Camry LE, recently, and the steering was responsive. Power was surprisingly good as well. You can’t lose buying these types of cars.

[@marcopolo-xj4yw]

Excellent review. The best Corolla review I’ve seen by far...and I’ve seen all of them!

[@dariang6444]

i am picking up my white xse 2020 tomorrow from the dealership, can’t wait!

[@jma0612]

how is it?

[@dariang6444]

Ended up buying a Mercedes!

[@jma0612]

@@dariang6444 oh, cool! which mercedes, and do you like that?

[@jake-n-4405]

Dying lol

[@alwaysiyi272]

I personally think the Corolla hatch and sedan are one of the best looking in the segments, I would get mine in the hatch with that gorgeous blue, with the white interior

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

Mind trying out the 2020 C-HR? Facelift's been given.

[@Vtethers1314]

Topher - "Always good deals to be had out there." Chip shortage enters chat: "Less is more."

[@ImOnly1Person]

For how ridiculous car prices are these days, and for how cheaply they are making vehicles, this Corolla looks so thoughtfully designed and laid out. Sure its not a sports car, but for being your daily commuter, being good on gas, being good looking, and having some new innovative tech and designs, this is great quality. Ive been pricing new vehicles for the past two weeks as Im in the market for a new car, and all Ive wanted to do is barf my face off from looking at the crap out there. You can really tell with these top end Corollas though that your pretty much getting what you pay for.

[@sagetangent6692]

Haven't been impressed by Corollas recently but this is nice 👍

[@gmill1795]

Guys Im talking to all the youth like me. Im 24, I have tested the corolla se yesterday, I WAS SHOCKED And AMAZED how fun it is to drive and quicker to respond. I tested the civic sport this morning wich was less confortable and not as fun next to the corolla se upgrade package. Also the sound system on the corolla is way better!

[@luutranthienphuc8001]

now i want to buy one ! pretty good car actually

[@napassacholkulkittisawat4141]

Corolla is the best segment in middle sedan car

[@moonsapling]

A simple comfortable car...better than a SUV imo!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Can't wait for the upcoming 2022 GR Corolla Hatchback.

[@tsar2057]

What I like about the sedan is rear legroom, more space but I like the looks of Hatchback, expecially in the rear of the hatchback - tail lights and rear bumper.

[@tawsifmasrurhaque]

waiting on the night time video of this car on the winding road channel

[@chrisolbrycht9858]

I have 2003 toyota corolla still running ok . Around 650 k on it .

[@teun9380]

Damn that sound system is fire

[@PhillipAntoneOMara]

I have the 2020 Corolla LE and I love it.

[@jadenbertrand7114]

Phillip O'Mara you my friend have lacked, I would have saved up some extra money and got the 2l better performance and gas mileage

[@louiebarrera4463]

how does your center console hold from scratches?

[@Raptormanwizard]

@@louiebarrera4463 I only have scratches on the shifter area, everything else is fine. I have a 2020 LE too.

[@amazingtech2471]

your voice is relaxing

[@nathanvbrown3630]

I had a Corolla hybrid as a rental and I had no problem with passing people on the highway. That engine has only 121 hp with an ECVT and I was going 70-75 mph on my trip. The most annoying part was not having Android Auto!

[@macjoseph2375]

Check out the Honda Insight.

[@nathanvbrown3630]

@@macjoseph2375 it was just a rental, I have a different vehicle at the moment.

[@RealNameNeverUsed]

7:42 the paddle shifter looks legit fun to operate even for a CVT

[@samvocella]

The Corolla has both port and direct injection.

[@patwickgriff]

Chris you are the best! Always enjoy your reviews!

[@grand_vacation]

I rented a 2020 LE in Florida last July.. it was hands down way better than my 2013 Accord at the time.

[@shakes2277]

SGDevotee well you said 2020

[@fahadnadir2403]

Really better than accord in terms of comfort and handling ??

[@v60polestar88]

Perfect sporty car for your grandmother or point A to B transportation.

[@janjohnny4945]

For picking up girls BMW is the best.

[@VG22.]

The best appliance vehicle for daily commute. Fully loaded it has everything you need for a safe everyday commute.... Lumbar support, Blindspot monitoring, JBL sound system, auto climate control, heated seats.... All for $28,000 or $29,000. No turbos so there is a sense of better reliability.

[@T800-b2m]

Subaru's cvt are more relaible with their chain, but they are imposible to repair. In this, just change the belt and you got yourself a brand new CVT.

[@user-oq3lv6lv7x]

T 800 subaru’s cvts even have their problems. toyota’s are the most reliable .

[@goldenspark4life]

I just bought a 2015 corolla. Now I want this one!

[@tabban21]

Topher delivers again

[@zachlemay88]

At least this XSE doesn’t have fake exhaust tips... only reason I hate the hatchback XSE

[@rightlanehog3151]

Good point.

[@buffalop32acdm23]

So auto makers are just sticking those screens on the dashboard at this point right?

[@christopherlewis241]

The Corolla does offer a CVT with a first launch gear on higher trim levels. Aiding in quicker launches

[@yahir03c]

yes on all 2023 corolla non-hybrid models

[@Sam_420]

I’m surprised the hazards didn’t go off on that hard stop. Most new car will

[@thndercat1]

Never heard that song before, had to go to Apple Music.Thnx’s for a new song: Pink Mirror

[@MariaMoreno-nx7rx]

This is my dream car

[@Muturucgaming]

I prefer the Civic touring sedan over this, overall more performance and nicer materials

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

Nicer materials? Neither are luxury cars, but are on-par and comparable now in quality. Performance? The Civic's only advantage in the drive is just that has a few more upgraded engines, nothing more than that. That said, neither are sports sedans either.

[@pilotvanquish3886]

IAmJustLordFarhan: The Normal Dude I’m not sure what you are trying to accomplish here. The new corolla most definitely has better interior material and soft touch then the civic. It’s up there with the Mazda which is the best best. The previous gen Corolla was junk the new model is leaps and bounds. Also the new corolla has auto up and down windows for driver an all passengers, what other compact has that ? nothing else. Nobody ever categorized these compact vehicles as sport vehicles. In terms of handling though the corolla is best in class, and the Honda Civic is right behind not to far.

[@juicybullfrog]

The civic touchscreen is not as responsive like this Corolla. I ended getting Corolla because Civic has outdated UI. The new Accord however has the new software UI which is fast and responsive.

[@alwaysiyi272]

Sorry to disagree, but the new Corolla's interior blows the civic out of the water, the only thing the civic has going for it is that it has performance mode;s

[@Muturucgaming]

​@@pilotvanquish3886 Mine has auto up down for all 4, civic touring europe

[@ingenunis5003]

👍🏼 Nice review~ I’m 63 years young, I like the hatchback better as well😬

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

Hatchback has the fake exhaust and smaller back seat, no thanks.

[@rightlanehog3151]

If you are not going to get the manual version then the #Hybrid makes most sense. I also think the 16" alloys and the price of the SE are more suitable for a 168 HP economy car.

[@braetonwilson4296]

In the US, the Corolla SE sedan comes standard with the 18 inch wheels so your point is moot here.

[@KhanhNguyen-uw2wz]

Driving car is really fun 👍👍

[@treerexaudi]

Oh man has the corolla changed

[@marshmallowpuff4899]

Looks like you didn't want to get out of the car at the end 😂

[@namastesahib94]

Have you been able to drive the manual Mazda 3? Wondering what you think of the shifter and clutch feel in that compared to the manual Corolla hatch.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Mazda's going to have a better shift feel. Corolla has rev matching downshifts

[@raheemwhite9384]

Nice one man thanks

[@Nkha6506]

I have the 2020 corolla hybrid and it’s superb

[@bbossautomotive3602]

Ngl the 2020 hatch looks pretty great for a corolla

[@Bouncingbongos]

if you going economy car... i'd go with the hatch

[@johnnybravo5044]

Turning radius not that great though. I test drove one, SE model. Other than that, not bad at all. Definitely better than the previous generation model.

[@drakkarc558]

I want this with smaller wheels. I think 16s would help with the gas mileage.

[@wl6279]

I saw your video on the new honda civic SI. You seem like you were having alot of fun in that car. Would you pick it over this one? I heard the road noise was louder in the honda. I know the new Corolla GR is coming with 300 hp. That will probably be the one to get lol. The Honda's 200 hp is not too shabby.

[@baldheadlogic]

This seems much nicer than the previous generation. I would like to see how this compares to the new Sentra SR.

[@henryquevlogsss2108]

Yeahhh nissan still using those cvts. No thank you. Id still stay clear of them.

[@Freeeagleusa]

I'm waiting for 2021 Elantra review

[@mlvj1]

NO

[@441meatloaf]

One thing toyota needs to change is really that A pillar. If it was a bit wider, it makes the viewing much better. The current A pillar is in such a awful position it blocks your vision where its most important looking slight left.

[@xFlared]

My dream car.

[@xFlared]

Said no one ever.

[@moomer2675]

@@xFlared Tbh who’s dream car is a going to be a compact sedan? Who would want their dream car to be a Civic or a Mazda3? Dream bigger like a Lamborghini or McLaren.

[@sshah2545]

Just bought a used Hatchback. The stock 6 speaker sound system is not bad at all. Really wish I had the upgraded audio, but that’s life

[@jgonsalves22]

Is the stock speakers decent enough to enjoy? What’s your opinion on them?

[@sshah2545]

@@jgonsalves22 definitely decent enough to listen. Some songs do fall flat though. Every music enthusiast knows their favourite songs that require really clean, high-fidelity audio OR deep, crisp base. The stock speakers simply don’t have that. As a stock sound system, for most applications it’s great. It’ll do 90% well.

[@jgonsalves22]

@@sshah2545 Okay, thanks!

[@aliali-ce3yf]

i'd take this over the hatchback. while i like the hatchback design, the trunk doesn't look very big, you'd have to take out that cover and lower the seats as you said to make it usable. that seems like a hassle

[@usamakhan-sl3lg]

i like corolla 2020 interior but i like the civic exterior, ufff, its hard to choose.

[@kumsamahdi3634]

Do you mind trying the Kia Forte ex 2019

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

Or the GT.

[@rolyreyes5097]

Waiting months for a Forte GT, no luck lol. Let's keep waiting...

[@Devilfish4387]

really nice review Thanks

[@amberhollowell2957]

I love Toyota! My next car will be a Toyota I like the Corolla but due to space I think the Camary will be the best. I'd really like to get a small SUV if I can though.

[@Satisfyshorts00]

Car looks good but coming soon in pakistan .

[@toyoscio]

Scotty would approve

[@daniel923e]

Hey, nice review, what camera gear are you using? thanks.

[@Matt-sn2ub]

IMO that is a great value. I have been looking at Camrys but you can get a "nightshade" Corolla for $23k (this is full msrp). That is crazy!

[@Lucky8s]

I'd get the Camry. It has an 8 speed automatic (vs CVT) and a more powerful engine. It delivers smooth power and the transmission makes the most of the torque. That's my experience from my 20 RAV4, but I'd expect the same in the Camry. The extra space is also great for passengers and cargo. I think the LE upgrade package in Canada is a fantastic value. Maybe there's an equivalent in the US.

[@Lucky8s]

@JAA I've heard about that in the 2019 RAV4s but the 2020 RAV4s are smooth af.

[@fahadnadir2403]

@@Lucky8s camry is much better and not alot difference in fuel economy definently choose camry

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@Lucky8s I disagree. Camry has more power but it also weighs several hundred pounds more so in the end, Camry is not faster than Corolla. Camry is also more difficult to drive and more difficult to park. Plus Camry with equivalent options costs more.

[@Lucky8s]

@@braetonwilson4296 You're making a lot of assumptions when there's data out there reassuring your concerns. The Corolla 2.0L with a CVT does 0-60 in 8.1 seconds. The Camry 2.5L with the 8 speed does it in 7.7-8.0 seconds depending on trim. Get the V6 and that figure drops to high 5s to low 6s. As for length, the Camry is only 20cm (less than 8 inches) longer. It's unnoticeable given the size that cars are these days. I drive a 20 RAV4 and 14 Escape. Both are extremely easy to drive. There's a reason the compact crossover segment is the best selling by far.

[@Sikh1.5Accord]

Your Toyota fan boy you’ll love all your new Toyota’s

[@blazerboiz5996]

try using english on your next comment

[@tonychau1983]

@@blazerboiz5996 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheTopher]

Except the Camry V6 and it’s horrible 8-speed tuning, CH-R why does it exist, regular non-hybrid RAV4 4 cylinder of marbles, Tacoma with the asthmatic Atkinson cycle V6, but yeah everything else is pretty good.

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

@@TheTopher The Camry's 8-speed tuning is actually pretty smooth and responsive. Sure, it can be rough on rare occasions, but you can say the same with other newly-developed transmissions. The RAV4's 4-Cylinder is also smooth and responsive. The issue is that it can get loud once you rev it at higher RPMs. As of the new Camry, Toyota has really been stepping up lately.

[@thecriticalthinkeroutsidet4947]

@Trey Darkis I personally thought it was smooth and responsive generally with a lot of torque and smooth power. On a few occasions, it was pretty rough, but for a newly-developed transmission, it's to be expected until it becomes a lot smoother on an extended time of driving. While no sports sedan (as expected or a mid-size family sedan), it's genuinely pleasant to drive overall with great acceleration on either powertrain. The interior in my opinion still looks great actually. It's close to being on-par to a base Lexus, in terms of overall quality and even a modern design, especially on the higher end trims of it. As for the Optima's case, it just got redesigned. What do you think of it so far? I do quite like it too, and better than the Sonata's redesign actually.

[@amine_d]

What is the best choice ? Corolla or Forte ?

[@CotyBasa-Oahustate808]

If they brought back the XRS and Manual, i wouldnt know how to act considering the older models got alot of aftermarket support

[@davenmac732]

that transmission is good for only 100,000 miles

[@thatguyrj7475]

that direct shift is cool but I'd rather have the stick

[@jesusm-vn7hx]

Mazda 3 mt next please.

[@cordellnaugle4]

Great video

[@koss9488]

The Camry LE has 203 HP and is EPA rated 39 highway. Why would the smaller, less powerful Colloa get less highway mileage?

[@slavanazaria5593]

Great work! What about a forte gt!?POV:)

[@maxmiau]

I never understood the fake gear ups in cvts cars

[@DYWTE]

it's for the people who's been driving regular automatic cars. they don't like the constant revving sound of the engine, they're more used to hearing the engine go through gears. personally, i like it

[@themustafagoldenboy9008]

Japanese Cars are so reliable

[@LuisGuillermoMoreno]

Are you going to test the hybrid version?

[@claudesalazar6214]

great job, great and fun commuter car. Just wondering why you have to beat on these cars you test drive, No one drives like that in real world. I know I don't but when I need the power to enter the freeway I may step on it a bit.

[@jakeess7012]

2020 tacoma with 6 speed next?

[@brandonswan679]

I'm hoping you'll be able to do a review of the new Kia Forte GT with the manual transmission. I've heard good things about it.

[@Blaze_556]

I’m in the market for a car in this class. I think I’m down to the 2020 corolla and 2020-21 forte GT. The only two in the class at the price I feel comfortable paying and still have some decent pep.

[@DinosaurTVOfficial]

How much does this car cost? I would love to drive it in the future

[@hunterkyle2021]

Just bought a 6mt xse hatch :D

[@rightlanehog3151]

Good choice.

[@dino91001]

so u got the hatch? cause i don’t believe the xse sedan comes in a manual, only the se

[@hunterkyle2021]

@@dino91001 Yep its the hatch

[@nintendoatarikiller]

Just heard the US is getting the GR Corolla. I'm trading in my Golf when it comes out

[@kamrankhan78]

Good videos.

[@rivera6180]

7:21 that hurt my soul!

[@leichen5474]

毫无激情的CVT变速箱 不过开起来挺平顺