2020 Toyota Corolla

We don’t often get the chance to say 12th generation… but that’s the case with the 2020 Toyota Corolla. It looks far better… with the added sophistication we first saw in the Corolla hatchback last year. 

For the first time, a hybrid is being offered in the U.S. The hybrid’s heart is the 121-horsepower 1.8-liter 4-cylinder gas engine with two motor/generators shared with the Toyota Prius. Gas only engines are the carryover but stronger 139-horsepower 1.8-liter I-4, and new 169-horsepower 2.0-liter I-4. Transmission duties are handled by one of 3 different CVT’s depending on the model… or a six-speed manual available on the SE. 

Riding on a more rigid TNGA platform, this new Corolla soaks up the bumps better than before with revised MacPherson struts up front… and surprise…replacing the torsion beam rear is a multi-link suspension.

The uncluttered interior includes an 8-inch touchscreen on most grades. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, Apple Car Play and Amazon Alexa are standard.

The Toyota Corolla became the world’s best-selling car for being practical, economical and dependable. For 2020 they’ve added more responsiveness and finesse. Dealers have them now starting at under $20,000.