2020 Toyota Corolla | Redesigning An Icon

As expected, the 2020 Corolla sedan is the 4-door version of their recently launched 5-door hatchback. Power is up thanks to a new 2.0L engine that's available in the SE and XSE trims, fuel economy has improved and there are more gadgets than ever before. On the downside it appears that legroom has dropped notably vs the last generation.
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[@Chrisp707-]

The only automotive journalist who do doesnt bash a car that isnt meant to be sporty for not being sporty.

[@ARentz07]

Funny enough, the multi-link rear suspension probably makes it a lot more refined and capable than the last gen. I had a 2015 Camry, and I rented a 2018 Camry from Enterprise not long ago. Both my former car and the rental were SE trim. The 2015 had a twist beam rear, and the 2018 had the multi-link unit. The ride quality was significantly better in the 2018, and it felt a little bit flatter in turns at the same time. I expect the Corolla would get similar benefits from the suspension change.

[@leebee1100]

I know right. It’s extremely factual and not filled with vagueness and/or comparisons to other cars that cost twice as much or are meant for an entirely different segment. Like no one buys a corolla because they want to corner without body roll. I don’t give a sh*t about how this car corners. When I watched other “reviews” I couldn’t figure out what the ride quality was like because everyone kept talking about how it cornered flatter and was more ‘composed’ than the last gen when pushed to its limits. I love cars. I love driving. I love doing something like driving a stiff, flatter cornering (rented) vehicle on a track for a day but I do not want to or care about body roll through a 90 degree corner at 45mph in my every day car because I live in reality. If I tried to take a corner on most American roads at 45mph I’d be more worried about loosing traction and skipping into a curb because the pavement hasn’t been re done in decades. I just want to know if a potential car looks good, is quiet for its segment, has decent usability, and will suck up the pothole ridden, cracked, crumbling, violently undulating disgrace my city refers to as roads (dirt would be better to be honest). Long story short thank you Alex for being real and making reviews that are suited to their viewers haha. It’s really refreshing

[@Chrisp707-]

@@leebee1100 exactly

[@roadwarrior280]

leebee1100 The 18 Corolla LE was rugged.Hit a pothole my 2009 Legacy would be stranded off of. Kept driving

[@dougn2350]

Most of these car reviews focus on stuff like how fast thru a slalom or how quick 0-60. In this price point and the type of buyer going for a car like this other things are FAR more important. Like reliability, economy, safety.. of course they don't want poor handling but a day at the road rally is not a consideration.

[@tgherman3619]

I just got the SE. Love it. A nice small sedan with a sporty kick to it.

[@xdunejunkiex]

I’d love to get this however my 2010 corolla commuter with 176k miles shows no signs of stopping anytime soon

[@aerohk]

Nothing wrong with upgrading to something better. Enjoy life bro.

[@Immortalkalashnikov]

I have 2006 with 146K miles but damn, this car just looks slick as hell. I'm thinking of getting one. Either I get this to upgrade my Corolla or get a Tundra to update my 08 Tundra. Hard decision.

[@xdunejunkiex]

Aerohk I 100% agree, but fortunately I got a new job recently and they provided me with a brand new company car

[@Chunkiemerk]

This car looks amazing in black bought it for the wife she loves it!

[@gio957]

An exciting looking Corolla, that's unheard of. This segment is changing, good.

[@AbidAli-bo8sv]

I have 11th gen Corolla E180 and it's going strong, I have it since March 2020 and it hasn't gave any issues. Apart from oil changes and brake service at 15K, no other costs involved. 30-35MPG easily. No sporty of flashy looking but works.

[@Mendark13]

Recently purchased a Lexus RC 2019 however, I still use my Corolla S 2006 with 160K Miles and it's still sturdy, dependable, and smooth driving. As my very first car, it presents that it's hanging on quite well with very little to no maintenance required in comparison to other compact sedan. I praise Toyota from head to toe with it's reliability. Rock on Japanese made vehicles!

[@kens6169]

dbnoche2 ... You may not be aware but the Toyota Avalons, Camrys, Corolla, RAV4, Highlanders, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra are all made in the US. Rock on US made cars. Nine total are made in the USA.

[@Mendark13]

@@kens6169 And so what's your point? I"m praising their reliability I didn't comment on their location of manufacturing. It's a Japanese brand isn't it?

[@kens6169]

dbnoche2 . You made the point of rock on Japanese made vehicles. I like to give the praise where praise is due! Another words USA!

[@kingvolt8694]

kens 616 no one cares bud

[@thundergato84]

@@kens6169 You may not be aware but the 2020 Toyota Corolla is made in Japan for right now.

[@herbieonline_]

This Corolla will still be running in 40+ years

[@dsugioaga]

While I have no reason to doubt the new Corolla will be reliable, don't you think it would be prudent to wait a few years before making such a statement?

[@SLee-vj4px]

you are probably correct. On the other hand, do you really want to drive this car in most part of your life? I definitely want to keep changing cars more often:)

[@suserman7775]

Just like a 40 year prison sentence.

[@austing4321]

@@suserman7775 So true 😂. Although prison might even be more fun and interesting than this car.

[@stevefranklin8052]

Uh, head gaskets wont last that long. Nor will the cvt. Lol. It might be around if it lives its life in southern California, and has a couple power train replacements. But who's going to do that on an old compact car. No one.

[@Spawn223311]

God bless toyota/lexus for being so dedicated in the name of quality, reliability and craftmanship.

[@leonardoromero8]

Alex you do the best reviews. You bring attention to things I would have not otherwise noticed or evaluated. Great work

[@marcopolo-xj4yw]

Great job. You (and Sofyan) are the two best auto reviewers on KZbin, in my opinion. Awesome quality and content.

[@brucegraner5901]

Great review. Your channel is always the first place I come for an honest look at new cars. Thanks for the work you do.

[@armandoramos1949]

Great review Alex, I've always watch your videos. Thanks.

[@chocolatewheelchair]

2020 is the year!!

[@DjTspaRoLEoffIcER]

Great review... well done.

[@KirkKreifels]

Corolla is one of the best values in the auto industry! Give me the 6 speed! #savethemanuals

[@suserman7775]

Stick shifts make up 4 percent of Coralla's sales in the US. In the rest of the world, Left-leaning governments tax cars so badly that they're super expensive, and manuals are cheaper.

[@watershed44]

@S Userman Part of that reason is because dealerships stock very few units with manual transmissions....They like selling the CVT and auto because of the higher profit margins.

[@ARentz07]

@@suserman7775 They make up 10% of the new Corolla hatch's sales though. I thought that might be worth mentioning. :)

[@karlo9535]

Who has the best CVT guys?

[@dantonliam]

watershed44 agreed....go to a dealer and try to find a manual....

[@Katxo1831]

Very informative review! Thank you

[@jeffdaman6969]

just need a reliable car to from point A to point B. this might just be it.

[@boltonhouston1]

JEFFREY Get. An older. One without the Cvt transmission

[@techno.4aov91]

Just get a 2015-19 camry they looking sick, regardless of opinions I hope you get a good deal!

[@darkpoet25]

Just got my SE in Classic Silver Metallic from my local dealer on Wed, fully loaded with the premium JBL Audio package. It had to be ordered and sent to Indianapolis from KY, but it was worth the wait. Really liking it so far. The upgraded audio sounds damn good too.

[@xanderthegreat1064]

How long did you wait?

[@darkpoet25]

@@xanderthegreat1064 Around three days I think. Wasn't long at all.

[@darkpoet25]

@Richard Favreau Yeah I still like it very much. No issues so far, as far as bumps and pot holes, it does rather well. It does jolt a little when going over certain types of pavement, my guess is due to the slightly tighter suspension.

[@arrlos5163]

Love the new look. Reminds me of the early 2000's is300's

[@ec0084]

I love the new 2020 Toyota Corolla !!! way to go Toyota...

[@jjandrooney]

CRAP... this channel rocks! informative and no draggy chitty chatter.

[@sonhuynh8222]

Great review as always. Informative and to the point. Not too much opinionated banter. 👍🏾

[@marktuyet]

The most important car in the world .

[@truantray]

Lacks compared to the Civic.

[@stevefranklin8052]

A compact Toyota economy car MOST IMPORTANT CAR IN THE WORLD?? What a moronic statement!!! Lmfao!

[@braetonwilson4296]

@@stevefranklin8052 It's the best selling car in the world, you snob.

[@clumsy124]

I like that it womewhat has the silhouette and some similar features of the Scion Tc which I liked

[@farrous13]

Love the design. Moving the emblem on to the hood gives the front end an appealing flow like feel between the headlights. The back is nice as well, has some cues from Ford Fusion?. Nonetheless, the design is spot on!

[@tipoomaster]

SE and up definitely look better. The hybrid is priced attractively, but I wish we could make it look like them.

[@dondenis1500]

Nice tour of Georgia.

[@julinization]

Looks like a great car if you can get a manual 2L , these cars will sell fast.

[@payendahariwa6193]

Thank you, you are one of the best car reviewers I ever know, but unfortunately for me, you never talk about the two things I usually like to hear: I wonder why you don't talk about visibility of the cars and sound system quality. These are two things that we cannot find through numbers and pictures and I listen to reviewers to help me in this matter. In this corolla model the location of side mirrors have been changed so that the visibility is better - every reviewer is talking about,that , and you even didn't mention it. In the next reviews please do remember these two things. I don't think that there are time limitations for you. Thank you

[@devongee1776]

Such a great looking car I can’t believe people are upset with this one! The hatchback? Much more understandable

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

4 years ago today!! Might try to get it Alex.

[@pinoyzilla7764]

What sucks is that car wont sell much unless it would be a trade in. Its hard to wait until your corralla breaks down so you can buy another one. If its well maintained that is.

[@bradyb9929]

This is a great buy for a lot of customers

[@mementomori29231]

The Hyundai Elantra / Ioniq is better IMO. Hyundai's have better warranty, amenities, and super ergonomics interior, plus Android Auto. Hyundai / Kia have come a long way and I couldn't buy Toyota after lack of support for Android Auto years after the competition.

[@jerryavanzino6062]

Just bought a new 2020 Corolla hybrid and love it! Not exactly a sports car but very smooth ride and driving in the power mode gives it greater acceleration.

[@marktuyet]

Smart selection . Thinking along the same line . Better mpg , better trans set up and assembled in Japan . Enjoy !

[@mariof9103]

Excellent review of this popular compact. The standard safety package makes the new Corolla a very interesting option in the segment. In terms of overall styling, I still prefer the Mazda3.

[@kristianhermann5971]

Finally, a non-fugly Toyota 👏

[@PartyUpLive]

I really like the look of this one. I am anxiously waiting to see what they do with the 2020 Toyota Highlander. I like the 2019 but I hear they are rediesigning it for 2020.

[@stevenjames1138]

That XSE is a sexy beast! (I can't believe I'm actually saying that about a Corolla!)

[@noelsilva5381]

Sexy rear. Toyota are doing good work on making their cars looking sporty.

[@shinrips]

In my lifetime, I've owned 4 Corollas. '74 SR5, 90' 5 spd. coupe, '94 sedan, '17 SE sedan. Love my toys. Lol

[@letsreboot]

Funny thing - there's no soundproofing liner under the engine cover on L, LE, LE (Hybrid) and SE. I've seen the XSE has it. I'm curious as to what difference it makes (road/engine noise-wise).

[@roadwarrior280]

Mihai Maties drove it as a rental. Road noise sucks

[@Elusive25]

Good looking car

[@gregmccarter3243]

Great video.....jusy got the le model ...great car....

[@rdgrf3527]

Alex I enjoy your videos but can you find out any information on their cvts knowing that they've been called back and any new information if they improve them

[@stephenrichards5386]

I have never like Toyota design but I have to admit this is an improvement.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Now we have two new Corollas (hatch + sedan) but to complete the Corolla Hat Trick we need the new WAGON #SaveTheWagon #WeWantWagons #CorollaHatTrick

[@palebeachbum]

I absolutely would have bought the Corolla wagon that's sold overseas if it were sold in the US. #WeWantWagons!

[@footieballer]

Save them? One of the rarest vehicles in North America. Bring them back.

[@wvusmc]

I wish wagons would make a comeback in the North America market. I'm bored with crossover SUVs.

[@alliejr]

Customers, not hashtags, are the only way to “save” wagons ( actually it’s too late, they are already dead, so buy a FWD RAV4).

[@alliejr]

palebeachbum But, you didn’t, so Toyota and everyone else dumped them 2 decades ago.

[@chepachem8351]

Great video! Are you going to review a basic trim of a Honda Civic by any chance?

[@Justin87878]

What a great departure from the 11th generation. Interior, exterior, especially Independent rear supsension! Great alternative to thte Civic, Jetta... while Mazda 3 that I think is the top of the segment in terms of refinement and driving dynamics, (going back to coil spring) lol

[@ZacharyHankins]

That's exactly what I did. Got a Corolla for my first car, and ended up buying a Camry after that.

[@jrag1000]

it looks good.

[@roadwarrior280]

Test drove the SE today. The hatch with the same engine felt more lively.The low profile tires provided nice road noise. Want to drive the base engine in the LE with 16 inch rims. The steering was light but very very good.

[@patty109109]

Spend a few grand more and get a camry, or spend the same and get a two year old CPO camry.

[@roadwarrior280]

patty109109 for driving in NYC , the Camry is a little wide.Have driven the new one. The seat’s lumbar is too aggressive. Otherwise a great car

[@sidney4329]

I wonder how much snow gets caught up in that low front grill.

[@grambo1313]

Great video again Alex. Looking forward to your Mazda 3 2019 review. We are looking to replace out old Corolla this fall and I have a love for Mazda's thanks to my CX-5. She prefers Toyota although our CX5 may have her converted. The Corolla's loss in legroom is quite interesting as I am 6'4 and that was the biggest knock against the Mazda 3.

[@EMichaelBall]

There's so much uncertainty in the economy, that it would probably be a better call to keep the old Corolla, and keep your debt load as low as you can. Perhaps work to pay off credit cards ASAP.

[@g352007]

I'm surprise my self that i have to say for the fist time "beautiful Corolla"

[@potatopotato8360]

You kidding? Its hideous.

[@JorgeRodriguez-po7kx]

Beautiful ! And bring back the conventional 6 speed Automatic transmission

[@mingovazquez704]

Agree

[@jimwavect]

@iicei The CVT being replaced IS the new design with a real 1st gear - it was used on 2019 hatchbacks only. Sounds like they know why the torque converter could fail and will prevent that in the future.

[@lukek1949]

Have to say, I prefer the look of the current model. I am surprised that the current model has better interior space and the same trunk space. Strange, because the new one looks bigger. The 169 hp engine is a nice upgrade, though.

[@davinp]

On the competion like the Civic some of those safety sense features are optional on the lower trims. Toyota is the only to make it standard across the board

[@mb013962]

The new Corolla hatch gets the same mpg (as tested by CR) as my 2004 honda civic HYBRID (auto). Cool! CR Numbers: '04 Civic hybrid: 26 city 45 highway 36 combined '19 Corolla hatch: 24 city 51 highway 36 combined

[@roadwarrior280]

Drove it as a rental. Terrible road noise. Handles nice though. Gas mileage not good in city driving

[@jeremynaquin2570]

Amazing

[@timshammm]

Been driving the hatch version for a year! love it overall but the infotainment system needs some work imo!

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Toyota needs to give us these Sport Seats in the Hatchback, and make an AWD option, and bring the Corolla Sportwagon to the US Market! #WeWantWagons&HatchbackAWD

[@GunZTube1]

heck yes or make a Yaris hot hatch like their WRC car xD

[@brodiwheeler7583]

GunZTube1 Hot Hatch segment has some gaps to fill, and the market is ripe for some competition there with Ford pulling out... Yota needs to go in hard and get in the fight! It would do a lot to help there reputation for not building cool cars in a while too!

[@brodiwheeler7583]

Anton Zuykov What’s your confusion?

[@00_UU]

Who cares about AWD? Biggest wasteful option in modern cars. If you need traction buy winter tires, they cost cheaper and need zero maintenance. AWD costs more money, it needs service, it is another system to fail, it consumes more fuel and it adds weight. Totally useless for 90% of the people that buy it.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

1_UW Totally Useful for 100% of people who buy it in my part of the world. Why hate on it? If you don’t like AWD, or my comment, just move along and go about your life. Peace!

[@kens97sto171]

Great review as always Alex I love how you cover all of the details and give useful comparisons between other vehicles. I'm honestly kind of disappointed with what they've done with the Corolla. From the back of the front doors forward it looks great, but the change in dimension from the back doors rearward the car looks a little squished from a side profile. Why they thought it would be a good idea to reduce rear legroom I have no idea serious that was one of the good things about the last Corolla was it it had decent rear legroom for a smaller car. So it's more expensive, it's heavier, and it's smaller. Doesn't really seem like a great combination. also why in the hell would I want Amazon Alexa in a vehicle? the purpose of systems like that are pair with your phone. I wonder what the holdup is on Android auto? Heard something about privacy concerns. That seems kind of idiotic considering if I have an Android phone I already susceptible to whatever privacy issue they're concerned about. Honestly I would buy the previous generation. Still had nice LED headlights a bigger interior oh, quite frankly I kind of like the style on the interior better to on the old one. also worried a little bit about a brand new CVT transmission. The older CVT had a good reputation for excellent reliability. Especially compared to the Nissan transmissions which I've heard very bad things about. Keep up the great work..

[@alvinsimba734]

Your android phone will work in that 2020 corolla. The only difference is that you won't see apps on that screen. You can still use spotify on there and your GPS still works like it should in that screen. I use Samsung A51 for android auto. So android auto does work, just a lil different from carplay

[@JHowardJones]

This frontend needs to go on the 2020 Hatchback.

[@lucameschino5455]

Led back up lights on the 17-19 model. Wait till mid cycle refresh then the led back up lights and other things will be standard again to entice buyers. Got to love companies.

[@swanblake]

Hate the higher trims front. Like the Corolla hatchbacks front much better. That said, way better looking than any Honda Civic. Also love that NA 2L engine. Definelty needs Android Auto though

[@reelreeler8778]

Appreciate your reviews, always well done and objective. The new Corolla is larger on the outside, smaller on the inside and heavier too, sooo...that is progress? On either trim level the grill is ugly, period.

[@achikokaxeli]

This is one of few good looking Toyota. I like this new face. Thanks for video

[@glenndavis2870]

Nice Toyota Corolla great job well done.

[@Clam73]

That snout really sticks out there...

[@rondail5675]

I like the front lights styling. Toyota and Lexus are big into the front snorkel and Darth-Vader look. Luke, use the force!! I have a Civic but like this style enough to consider it. Having an actual 1st gear in the CVT is very nice. This would help me switch away from my Honda Civic. Taking-off is a big strain on a CVT. Good for Toyota for putting a gear!!!

[@DarkxGameplays]

I have the 2020 SE and I like it far more than the older ones

[@nrich5127]

A much more modern look and really the only negative is no Android. And then there's the reliability of the brand that sets it apart from the competition.

[@discerningmind]

I think the sales drop mentioned was due to this last generation Corolla having become too much like a kids car. The seats were too stiff and the suspension was too stiff. I haven't heard anything in this video about comfort. Next review Alex?

[@Sulfen]

Honestly I hope that the 2018 car that I have now is the last gas car that I have to buy. I hope that electric cars become more affordable in a couple years.

[@frankdonovan2834]

I hope for it too. I hope some one make it with solar energy charger built in.

[@dygardion9130]

Over 300,000 models sold??? More than all of Mazda!!!! Clearly this car will hold up in the suv market

[@dougn2350]

Huge mistake going CVT. Toyota is already recalling the hatchbacks because of the CVT is having issues. They're rebuilding transmissions on dealer lots. Not a good sign.

[@dantonliam]

Doug N then buy the manual

[@dougn2350]

@@dantonliam ...exactly. And save a cool $1000 too.

[@markofexcellence5209]

I’m okay with the CVT. 1) it’s Toyota. 2) their implementation is great with the physical takeoff gear. I think that it will be fine.

[@rideandshine4634]

@@markofexcellence5209 Yeah CVTs are more reliable now than in the past.

[@brodiwheeler7583]

The recall is only on 3400 hatchback Corollas. It has nothing to do with the CVT mechanisms, it is because of a flaw in the design in the torque converter. Toyota is replacing the entire transmission on the cars that were built with this torque converter as a precaution in case the torque converter caused any wear or damage to the CVT unit. No rebuilding of the CVTs is happening with these at all. Check your facts before spreading your anti-CVT hysteria and fearmongering.

[@Misha2293]

It's sad that my 2005 Corolla XRS (with only came in a Manual) gets as good fuel economy 29/36/30 (city is worse) but is still a full second faster than the latest generation. (Both cars do have the peek power towards the top of the rev range 170@7600 rpm vs. 169@6600rpm) and the new corolla makes more torque as well than the 05 XRS (128ft-lb vs. 158ft-lb). That being said, If I was in the market to buy a new sporty sedan the Corolla would not be my first choice. The civic Si provides way more power and fun at around the same price as the top trim Corolla. Very disappointing.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Good Lord! That grill should have a super charger and twin turbos behind it!

[@elgriego331]

Toyota's are for people who do not care about a car looks but how dependable they are!

[@cipherpharmd]

Alex, when are you going to do a full review on the 2020 Corolla XSE? Also, do you know when Toyota will incorporate Android auto to the 2020 Corolla? Thanks

[@theman36]

It’s such an awesome car!

[@roadwarrior280]

The outgoing seat was very comfortable. This one, not sure , short drive

[@ArchieMakuwa]

What annoys me is we don't get the high end models in South Africa, just the trashy plastic models which make it very difficult to live with. They are also very expensive.

[@pbentsonable]

Wish it had more headroom!

[@eeeeeoww]

from the side, it looks like a distorted/rotated image (it gets proportionally bigger and bigger towards the front)

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Hi Alex. What colour is the model reviewed in your video? Apologies if you said it and I missed it. Is it the new Celestite? Or, silver?

[@stevefranklin8052]

They wont give up on the old locomotive cow Catcher grille !!!

[@Pinata8888]

I call it a mustache lol

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

front reminds me of a fish out of water

[@jeffmartin9057]

The new Corollas have the sinking brake pedal problem that can become an unsafe driving issue. And the dealerships come up with solutions like brake pad replacements and adjustment, without really solving the problem. Buyers beware.

[@amirshehzad4947]

Hi i am from england can you do estate hybird model review plz thanks great review

[@dil6969]

Only if he traveled to Europe specifically to review it. In the US, we don't get the estate, let alone the estate hybrid.

[@dsugioaga]

How does the Corolla with the 2.0 and manual compare to the Civic with the 2.0 and manual? Do they have similar driving characteristics or are they completely different?

[@JourneaultAutovlog]

why the last gen of Corolla have led reverse light but not this one... ??

[@SteveSmith-xh9hu]

The front end looks like Godzilla stepped on some child's first attempt at origami

[@Throndl]

Does the sun visor extend all the way to the end of the driver side window. My 2014 is extremely frustrating, in that it doesn’t.

[@user-nf8jm5li1k]

The right side of the dashboard (@13:09) just looks odd. They have that huge extra slab of material that just cuts into the passenger space. Weird.

[@dennisscipio]

I find the L, LE, and XLE front end more attractive than the S, and XSE.

[@eyesurgeon69]

Redline reviews sighting at 10:06 .

[@00_UU]

I went for a test drive. 2020 Corolla is a great car, especially new stick transmission, the only bad thing is lack of headroom for rear passengers. It is just sad. 2019 Corolla sedan had much more headroom in the back. But it is still better than new Corolla hatch, it has terrible rear headroom.

[@peterjordan2738]

Blind Spot Monitoring should be standard on SE and XSE

[@alvinsimba734]

It's standard on the LE model on CANADA 🇨🇦 along with heated seats lol

[@nathanyoung8284]

I was thinking "didn't the 2019 just come out?" then I looked back at reviews of the 2019 hatchback and it came out 10 months ago... guess it is time for another new release with a flashy new design.