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2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Review: Spacious Trunk and Comfortable Backseat in a Stylish Package

2020 Toyota Corolla: Redefining the Compact Sedan Experience | MotorVero

2020 Toyota Corolla: Redefining the Compact Sedan Experience

2020 Toyota Corolla

Introduction

The 2020 Toyota Corolla has undergone a significant transformation, shedding its reputation as a mere "appliance" and emerging as a stylish, tech-savvy, and engaging compact sedan. With a new global platform, enhanced safety features, and a more refined interior, the Corolla now stands out in a competitive segment. This review delves into the key aspects of the 2020 Corolla, highlighting its design, performance, technology, and safety innovations.

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Design and Style

Toyota Corolla

The 2020 Corolla boasts a fresh, modern design that sets it apart from its predecessors. While it may not be as flamboyant as the Honda Civic or as sleek as the Mazda3, the Corolla's crisper styling, stronger wheel openings, and upswept character line give it a more dynamic appearance. The front features a revised trapezoidal grille and new bumper corners that vary by trim level, while the standard LED headlights and "triple J" LED accent lights add a touch of sophistication.

The rear design is more subdued, with slimmer LED taillights and an upturned trunk lid. Sportier models, such as the SE and XSE, come with a dark gray rear spoiler and twin exhaust tips. Alloy wheels are standard on higher trims, with 18-inch wheels available on the sportier models.

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Interior and Comfort

2020 Toyota Corolla Interior

The 2020 Corolla's interior has been significantly upgraded, replacing the previous rental-car materials with a cleaner design and better trimmings. The soft-touch dashboard with piano-black accents is now standard across all trim levels, enhancing the overall feel of the cabin. The front seats are roomy and comfortable, with sportier trims offering supportive sport seats with vinyl trim and color-accented cloth inserts.

The backseat is surprisingly spacious, offering ample leg and headroom even for taller passengers. While the cabin is still a bit noisy, the 2020 model has reduced wind, road, and engine noise compared to its predecessor. Visibility is excellent, thanks to thinner front pillars and relocated side mirrors.

  • Storage: The Corolla offers a large but hard device bin at the front of the center console and a small covered bin at the rear. Front door bins include a handy divider for securing water bottles.
  • Trunk Space: With 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, the Corolla is competitive in its class, though it falls short of the Civic and Jetta. All trims feature 60/40-split folding rear backrests for added versatility.
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Multimedia and Technology

The 2020 Corolla comes equipped with a user-friendly touchscreen that includes volume and tuning knobs, as well as mechanical shortcut buttons. Base L models feature a 7-inch screen, while higher trims get an 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are standard, though Android Auto is still unavailable.

Higher trims offer a 7-inch configurable instrument display, providing drivers with essential information at a glance. Two USB ports are standard on all but the base L trim, with one located in the center console for rear passengers. Optional features include wireless charging and a nine-speaker JBL audio system with a rear subwoofer.

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Performance and Driving Dynamics

The 2020 Corolla offers two engine options: a carryover 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The 2.0-liter engine, available in the SE and XSE trims, delivers 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with a physical first gear for improved acceleration.

The Corolla's new platform is 60% stiffer, contributing to a more planted and composed ride. The inclusion of a multilink independent rear suspension, uncommon in this segment, enhances the car's agility and handling. While the Corolla may not top the class in terms of driving dynamics, it is a significant improvement over previous models.

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  • Fuel Efficiency: The 2.0-liter engine offers better gas mileage than the 1.8-liter, with EPA ratings of 32-34 mpg combined. The hybrid model, not covered in this review, boasts an impressive 52 mpg combined.
  • Driving Experience: The Corolla's steering has better weighting, and the Active Corner Assist system helps maintain stability during cornering. Higher trims with sportier suspension tuning and 18-inch wheels offer a more dynamic driving experience.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2020 Corolla comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. This includes a full-speed front collision warning system with automatic braking, lane departure alert with steering assist, road edge detection, automatic high beams, and full-speed adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality.

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Higher trims offer additional features such as blind spot warning and adaptive headlights. While the standard LED headlights received a marginal rating in IIHS tests, the optional adaptive LED headlights performed better. The Corolla's safety package is more robust than many competitors, making it a strong choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2020 Corolla is available in five trim levels: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. Prices have increased across the board, but Toyota justifies this with the added value of standard safety tech and improved features. The base L trim starts at $20,555, while the high-volume LE trim starts at $21,005. The sportier SE and XSE trims, equipped with the 2.0-liter engine, start at $23,005 and $26,380, respectively.

The Corolla hybrid, available only in the LE trim, starts at $24,055, offering excellent fuel efficiency at a competitive price. All trims come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, along with two years or 25,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance.

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Conclusion

The 2020 Toyota Corolla represents a significant step forward for the compact sedan. With its improved design, advanced technology, and enhanced driving dynamics, the Corolla is no longer just a practical choice—it's a desirable one. Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver or a more engaging compact sedan, the 2020 Corolla offers a compelling package that stands out in a competitive market.

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Last Updated On Mar, 31-2025

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