2019 Toyota Corolla Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

byWill KaufmanSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　

What's new

Corolla sedan carries over unchanged from last yearPart of the 11th Corolla generation introduced for 2014

　　Toyota has some excellent laurels on which to rest: a history of outstanding reliability and affordability are nothing to sneeze at, as are many of its past and current vehicles of high status. But that doesn't change the fact that it feels like Toyota is resting on its laurels with the 2019 Corolla. The Corolla does a few things well -- offering ample passenger space, comfortable seats, and a suite of standard accident avoidance tech -- but beyond that, the Corolla is a conveyance, and little more.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota Corolla L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$120/mo  for Corolla L

　　Corolla L

　　L 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $18,700 MSRPLE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $19,135 MSRPLE Eco 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $19,535 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $20,645 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 6M) - $21,865 MSRPLE Eco w/Premium Package 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $21,500 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $22,135 MSRPXSE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl CVT) - $22,880 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　That's a problem when the rest of the compact car class has been making such strides in quality, drivability, and technology. Compared to its rivals, the Corolla is slow and dreary to drive, with fuel economy that lags behind class leaders. The interior feels a bit hollow and low buck, and it lacks the easy smartphone integration that's become available in most other compact cars. A smaller-than-average trunk is another issue. Overall, there's not much about the 2019 Toyota Corolla that impresses.

　　

zzdcar' Expert Rating

6.5 / 10

　　The 2019 Toyota Corolla is popular, but quantity does not necessarily equal the best quality available. Though packed with standard features, the Corolla is let down by an outdated powertrain and lackluster interior materials. This car is due for a genuine overhaul.

　　

Trim tested

　　Trim Levels & Features Advice Module: Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota Corolla (1.8-liter inline-4 | CVT | FWD).

　　

Scorecard

Overall	6.5 / 10
Driving	6.5
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.5
Utility	6.0
Technology	6.5

　　

Driving

6.5

　　Performance has never been a Corolla strong suit, and it still isn't, especially given the current crop of compact cars. The engine hasn't changed since 2009 and the CVT seems conflicted about its identity. If you value an engaging drive, there are better options, including the new Corolla Hatchback.

　　

Acceleration

5.5

　　The aging four-cylinder engine delivers underwhelming acceleration and whines unpleasantly when asked to work. This characteristic is exacerbated by the CVT, which tries to simulate transmission gear changes without success. We needed 10.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is quite slow for the class.

　　

Braking

7.0

　　Around town, the brakes have a good feel, are smooth and easy to modulate, and don't have the pedal squish that plagues some of the other Toyota models. In our emergency braking tests, the Corolla needed 125 feet to stop, which is slightly longer than average for this segment.

　　

Steering

6.5

　　At slow speeds, the steering is light, but it's numb and disconnected. Things begin to improve in Sport mode at higher speeds where there's less assist, better on-center feel, and even some semblance of feedback rounding a corner. Most buyers in this segment will find this adequate.

　　

Handling

7.0

　　Without any real sporting intentions, the Corolla exhibits surprisingly tidy handling. There isn't much grip supplied by the all-season tires, but we were surprised by how composed the Corolla remains at a mildly spirited pace, which is more than enough to make it feel lively around town.

　　

Drivability

6.5

　　The powertrain delivers decent throttle response despite its lack of power and unrefined character. The CVT is a little more fickle in how it adjusts ratios on the fly, but it also simulates gear shifts in certain instances. Putting aside all the aural idiosyncrasies, the Corolla is a decent driver.

　　

Comfort

7.0

　　The available sport seats on the SE trim provide great support, even if they seem a bit misplaced. There's nothing outstanding about the ride in the Corolla, but we did find the climate control to be more than sufficient in keeping cabin temps in check. The biggest sound ache is self-inflicted.

　　

Seat comfort

8.0

　　The SE trim includes sport seats with generous lateral support, and despite its sparse adjustments, the seats proved comfortable during a three-hour drive. Cloth seat center sections provide breathability, which prevented the seats from getting swampy over the longer drive stents.

　　

Ride comfort

6.5

　　Ride comfort is no better than average for a compact car. It isn't overly floppy and bouncy, but it transmits bumps like the small car it is. Higher-frequency vibrations are especially prominent, and it doesn't seem like much effort was put into making it ride like a larger car.

　　

Noise & vibration

6.5

　　There's an average amount of road noise, a little more than some and less than others in this class. There's also some wind noise around the mirrors, but not enough to be a nuisance. The biggest noise offender is the engine at full throttle, and not in a good way.

　　

Climate control

7.5

　　The climate controls are straightforward with a set of three rocker switches in the center for temperature, fan speed and vent control. The auto climate setting works effectively to maintain comfortable cabin temperature. The XSE and the XLE have heated seats.

　　

Interior

7.5

　　Slipping in and out of the Corolla's cabin is easy, and once you're in there's ample room to stretch out. All cabin controls are straightforward and the touchscreen is responsive, if not a bit small and oversensitive. Unfortunately, some will find an issue with the lack of steering column extension.

　　

Ease of use

7.0

　　The cabin layout is clear and familiar and doesn't try to be fancy so it's pretty easy to use and figure out. The touchscreen is responsive, but it's easy to inadvertently brush a finger against a control you weren't meaning to, which can be frustrating.

　　

Getting in/getting out

8.0

　　Getting in and out is easy thanks to a low step-over height and wide door openings. Even the rear doors have a good head clearance, which helps minimize the amount of ducking needed to slip into the back seats.

　　

Driving position

6.0

　　There are few seat adjustments beyond the basics. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, but the puny amount it extends is laughable. Taller drivers will likely have to compromise legroom to accommodate their reach. The available leather-wrapped steering wheel has a nice ergonomic feel.

　　

Roominess

8.5

　　There's an abundance of room up front, though the sport seats may feel a little narrow for larger drivers. There's decent headroom in back and 41.4 inches of legroom, which is large for the compact segment, and matches space in many midsize cars. A nearly flat floorpan also aids foot space.

　　

Visibility

7.5

　　Large front windows and thin pillars in your line of sight make for good forward visibility. Rear visibility is also decent thanks to fairly sizable rear windows and headrests that aren't obstructive. A rearview camera is also standard.

　　

Quality

5.5

　　The Corolla lacks in quality feel, especially when compared to Honda, Mazda and Subaru. Hard plastic abounds in most areas, which unfortunately cheapens an otherwise attractive interior design. The seats, infotainment, climate controls and steering wheel look of quality; everything else does not.

　　

Utility

6.0

　　Compact sedans aren't sought after for their outstanding utility, but some do a better job of maximizing the space they have. The Corolla isn't one of those cars. While we like the wide trunk opening and split-fold seats, the level change from the trunk prevented us from loading some longer items.

　　

Small-item storage

6.5

　　Storage options for small items are average. There's a small tray ahead of the shifter and a relatively small dual-level armrest bin. The door pockets will hold a standard water bottle, but not much else. The glovebox is an average size, and there's no flip-down storage for sunglasses.

　　

Cargo space

6.0

　　The trunk has a fairly wide opening and a broad floor ahead of the rear wheelwells, but at 13.0 cubic feet of volume it's on the lower side of average. The 60/40-split rear seats fold, but there's a pretty significant two-level step up from the trunk floor.

　　

Child safety seat accommodation

7.0

　　Two pairs of LATCH anchors are tucked away somewhat deeply into the rear seat cushions, which doesn't make for easy access. But the upper tethers are located under flip covers and are a little easier to access. The Corolla's generous rear legroom is advantageous when it comes to rear-facing seats.

　　

Technology

6.5

　　The Corolla is just average across the board when it comes to technology. The driver aids are standard, but they don't function to the standard of other competitors. Toyota's smartphone integration, through its own proprietary app, is a poor substitute for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

　　

Audio & navigation

6.5

　　The audio system’s sound quality begins to get a little fuzzy when you crank up the volume. Navigation comes courtesy of your smartphone after downloading Toyota's Entune app. The screen resolution is sharp, but the glassy piano black surfaces surrounding it are a magnet for fingerprints.

　　

Smartphone integration

5.5

　　There's a USB connector, and Bluetooth pairs quickly and works well. Toyota provides smartphone integration through its own app called Entune, but unlike in most competitors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available.

　　

Driver aids

6.5

　　Lane departure/lane keeping assist doesn't operate below 32 mph, though it does a decent job when it is operational. The adaptive cruise control had some trouble maintaining uphill speed and, like Mazda's system, won't bring the car to a stop. Bummer. But this stuff is standard! That's rare.

　　

Voice control

7.5

　　The voice controls responded well to our commands, but if they don't there is an option to train the system to your voice. Functions are limited to audio and phone calls unless you use Toyota's Entune app. Siri voice will work with a paired iPhone if you hold the button longer.

　　

Which Corolla does zzdcar recommend?

　　If you're just out for a bargain, the LE Eco trim is your best choice thank to its low cost of entry and improved fuel economy. However, we think the Corolla SE is the pick of the litter. It looks snazzier, has upgraded upholstery and your hands will be gripping a leather-wrapped wheel. Plus, you can get it with a manual transmission, which dodges the drony and annoying CVT, and brings with it some extra features like an upgraded infotainment system and a sunroof.

　　

2019 Toyota Corolla models

　　The 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan is sold in six trim levels, and all are well equipped. The bargain-priced L comes with notable features that include LED headlights, automatic emergency braking and a touchscreen. The LE costs just a bit more and adds automatic climate control and keyless entry, while the LE Eco has a different engine and aero enhancements for improved fuel efficiency. The SE adds sporty touches, and can be ordered with a manual transmission, which also includes extra features. The XSE and XLE are luxury-themed versions of the SE and LE, respectively.

　　The base L model has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (132 horsepower, 128 pound-feet of torque) and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Standard equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 6.1-inch touchscreen and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player and a USB port. Standard safety systems include a rearview camera, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist (to nudge you back into your lane) and automatic high beams.

　　The LE adds 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, keyless entry, metallic cabin accents, upgraded upholstery, a rear armrest and automatic climate control.

　　The LE Eco is the only Corolla with a different engine (140 hp, 126 lb-ft) that, together with aerodynamic enhancements, special 15-inch wheels and tires, and different suspension tuning, results in improved fuel efficiency.

　　The XLE builds upon the LE's set of features, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, upgraded headlights, LED taillights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights, a sunroof, keyless entry and ignition, simulated leather upholstery (Toyota's SofTex), a power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an upgraded driver information display, a 7-inch touchscreen, an app-based navigation system (Scout GPS Link), and satellite and HD radio.

　　The SE is the sporty Corolla, although we use that term loosely. It starts with the LE's features and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, unique front-end styling, a rear spoiler, steering-wheel paddle shifters (for CVT automatic models), sport front seats, SofTex upholstery with cloth inserts, and a sport-style gauge cluster. Also included are the XLE's upgraded headlights, bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SE is the only trim that can be had with a manual transmission, which brings with it a sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, and the XLE’s upgraded infotainment system.

　　The XSE has the SE manual transmission's extra features and adds heated front seats, the power driver's seat, the paddle shifters and full SofTex upholstery.

　　A few options packages are also available. LE and LE Eco models can select the Premium package, which adds 16-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated LED running lights and the upgraded infotainment system. A sunroof can be added to this package for the LE. (It's included with the package for the LE Eco.)

　　The Premium package for SE CVT automatic models includes keyless entry and ignition, a sunroof and the upgraded infotainment system, while XLE and XSE models can opt for an integrated navigation system and smartphone integration via the Entune App Suite.

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2019 Corolla Highlights

Trim: LLELE EcoSELE Eco w/Premium PackageXLEXSEL

　　

Base MSRP	$18,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	32 MPG
Cost to Drive	$120/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles