2020 Toyota Corolla – Indiana, PA

In general, the 2020 Toyota Corolla comes well-equipped with power under the hood. It’s not a race car, but drivers will enjoy a little extra zoom in the sport models, along with a very comfortable and affordable fuel economy. 

The Standard Offerings

The standard engine for the non-sport trims (L, LE, and XLE) is a 1.8L inline-4. This engine has plenty of zest, getting 139 hp and 126 lb-ft of torque. It’s also a pleasure on the pocketbook, with a fuel economy of 31 MPG in the city, 40 MPG on the highway and 34 MPG combined for all models that are equipped with the CVT. For the models with the 6-speed Intelligent manual transmission, this vehicle gets 29 MPG in the city, 39 MPG on the highway, and 33 MPG combined.

Sport Trims For More Fun

While only a few people may have previously connected “sporty” and “Corolla” in the same phrase, the SE and XSE sport versions of the 2020 Corolla are exactly that. Under the hood is a 2.0L inline-4 engine, which notches up the horsepower to 169 and takes the torque up to 151 lb-ft. The SE model offers a choice of transmission: more traditional drivers can select the six-speed manual, or opt for the specialized automatic CVT, featuring paddle shifters. 

With the manual transmission, the SE model rates 29 MPG in the city, 36 MPG on the highway, and 32 MPG combined. With similar numbers, the automatic transmission sips fuel for 30 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway and 33 MPG combined. Overall, the sport versions get more power than the non-sport trims and still have similarly excellent fuel economy. 

All 2020 Toyota Corollas come loaded with standard safety features, thanks to Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 technology. TSS 2.0, as it’s called, includes features that aren’t standard on even higher-end vehicles. And overall, this system allows the Corolla to be one of the safest sedans on the road.

What's Included in the TSS 2.0?

The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection scans the area immediately in front of the vehicle to determine if a collision is possible, with fine-tuned sensors that can even detect pedestrians and cyclists. Automatic high beams control the brightness of nighttime driving, allowing drivers to see the road ahead of them without accidentally flashing brights into oncoming traffic. Road sign assist incorporates an intelligent forward-facing camera to pick up and display important information, such as speed limit changes, stops signs, and more.

Staying on the road safely to and from your destination is another focus of the TSS 2.0. Lane departure alert with steering assist ensures the Corolla stays in its lane by sensing lane markers and providing an automatic correction when the vehicle drifts over those markers without a blinker activated. Road edge detection with a sway warning system keeps drivers on the road in the most literal sense of the term. Lane tracing assist pairs with the car’s full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control to keep the Corolla centered in its lane by tracking lane markers and any preceding vehicle.

Toyota also provides the 2020 Corolla with traditional safety features, including traction control and anti-lock brakes, as well as eight airbags. The advanced airbag system features driver and front passenger-side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, as well as a knee airbag for the driver and cushion airbag for the passenger seat. With all of these features, both traditional and driver-assist technologies, the Corolla is exceptionally safe. 

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is offered in five core trim levels, and there are multiple options within the sporty offerings. The result is a Corolla that fits nearly every level of preferred comfort and features.

Standard Trim Offerings

The base trim is the L, which includes a significant amount of goodies to sweeten the ride. Inside, drivers can stay connected and entertained via the fully-incorporated infotainment system. Centered around a 7-inch touchscreen, the L trim Corolla includes Bluetooth connectivity, a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB port, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration, and a six-speaker sound system. The front seats are manually adjustable for driver and front passenger comfort, while the rear seat splits 60/40 to allow additional trunk space.

Moving up to the LE trim adds a larger touchscreen for the infotainment system and lots of automated features. For example, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, and heated mirrors make an appearance on this trim, along with an added USB port and more plush upholstery. Rear seat passengers will enjoy cupholders and a central armrest, as well.  

The XLE is the highest of the non-sport trims and adds loads of luxury to the Corolla. That includes SofTex leather-like upholstery, a virtual instrument panel, a power-adjustable and heated driver’s seat with heated passenger seat, satellite radio with a premium JBL audio system, and a power moonroof. It also includes blindspot monitoring technology and adaptive headlights.

The Sport Models

The sport offerings include the SE and the XSE, but that’s just a starting point for these higher-powered options. Both versions spin on 18-inch alloy wheels, and feature LED accent lighting, gray metallic sport side rocker panels, a color-keyed rear spoiler, and a metallic mesh grille. The front seats are sport designed, as well, with premium fabric and solid support for zipping down the highways of life. 

The SE CVT version includes paddle shifters and available sport driving mode, along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and premium JBL sound system. The SE with manual transmission includes a Smart Key System for front doors and truck, with a push-button start feature, as well as a sunroof. The features standard on the manual version are also available options for the SE CVT.

For those looking for an ultra-urban take on the Corolla SE, the best choice is Nightshade Edition. This version offers blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, a blacked-out front grille, bumper, and surround, black rocker panels and spoiler, along with mirror caps, door handles, and an antenna all in the same Nightshade black color. Even the Toyota emblems and badges are blacked out for a stealthy aesthetic appeal.

The XSE combines the sporty features and 2.0L engine offered on the SE trim with the luxury offerings from the XLE. The features include the power moonroof, premium sound system, SofTex heated sport seats with power-adjustable driver’s seat, selectable drive modes, virtual instrument panel, and a wireless charging pad. This is a truly luxurious trim. 

With all of these options, every driver can find a version of the Corolla that fits their needs.