2019 Toyota Corolla Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview

Those seeking safety versus sporty will be pleased with the affordable and reliable 2019 Toyota Corolla. While the compact sedan is packed with standard driver-assistance technology, excellent crash-test ratings, and class-leading rear-seat legroom, what you won’t find is driving excitement. An asthmatic four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is the standard powertrain; an optional six-speed manual provides a pulse to an otherwise lifeless front-drive partner. Apart from subpar fuel economy and inferior interior quality, the 2019 Corolla is a segment staple that will satisfy those who just want to get to their destination. Thankfully, the completely redesigned 2019 Corolla hatchback is based on an all-new platform that kicks off the next-generation models.

What’s New for 2019?

The 2019 Corolla has no changes whatsoever. This current generation has been around for several years, but Toyota lightly refreshed its exterior and interior styling for 2017. Every Corolla also added the company’s suite of driver assists that year. While the sedan stays the same for now, an all-new Corolla hatchback was released for 2019, which rides on a separate platform. An all-new 2020 Corolla sedan is also now on sale, but we have yet to test one at the track.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The Corolla is for buyers on a budget, and its numerous models will suit different tastes. Among those are the LE Eco for fuel-conscious folk and the SE that offers a six-speed manual and other sporty elements. We like the XLE version, which adds standard comfort and convenience features such as heated front seats with a power-adjustable driver’s seat, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, passive entry, and a sunroof. While the XLE costs more than the LE Eco or the SE, it has a better ride than the sporty SE, and its more luxurious cabin outweighs the LE Eco’s higher fuel economy.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

If slow and steady wins the race, the Corolla takes the checkered flag. The only noteworthy aspects of its uninspired engine and transmission options are an available manual transmission and a more powerful LE Eco model. For a more involved driving experience, opt for the stick shift, but don’t expect anything transformative. Buyers seeking a semblance of peppiness should look at any other competitor. The Corolla is a snoozer in terms of driving enjoyment, and its poor braking capability doesn’t gel with its otherwise spotless safety shtick. The sporty SE and XSE drive differently than the rest of the lineup. Their larger 17-inch wheels and tires improve handling but have a harsher ride as a result. Compared with the comfortable and athletic Mazda 3, the Corolla simply doesn’t compare.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

We can’t call the Corolla’s fuel economy bad, but its EPA highway rating is meager versus more powerful compacts. The Toyota also underperformed in our real-world fuel-economy test. We’d forgive this if the small sedan didn’t feel so underpowered. Corolla buyers concerned with fuel economy should consider the LE Eco. Its boosted horsepower (140) and aerodynamic exterior features improve fuel efficiency versus other versions.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Corolla’s back-seat passengers will think they’re riding in a Toyota Camry thanks to its class-leading legroom. Its interior materials, however, lack the quality and attractive designs of most other compacts, and it serves as a constant reminder of the Corolla’s bargain price. The low quality is particularly glaring compared with the upscale interiors of the Honda Civic and the Mazda 3. The Corolla managed to hold more carry-on-sized bags than its sedan rivals, but its overall score was hindered by average interior cubby storage and a recalcitrant folding rear seat. The drawback of extra legroom in the back seat is diminished space in the trunk. This is the case for the Corolla and its 13 cubic feet of cargo room, although the trunk is practically shaped, as indicated by its ability to fit six carry-on luggage bags.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Corolla features a touchscreen infotainment system, but the average response time and the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto hinder the experience. In the XSE we drove, the integrated navigation worked well but the unit’s interface was overcrowded with touch functions, and the control to adjust the navigation volume was difficult to access.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Corolla is a safety superstar, with an abundance of standard driver-assistance features and top marks in crash tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named it a Top Safety Pick for 2018, and it earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Those looking for the safest and cheapest car in this class can feel confident in making this choice. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Corolla has competitive warranty coverage, but it can’t compete with the Hyundai Elantra, which provides an unmatched powertrain warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles. The Corolla does include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for 2 years or 25,000 miles