Toyota flew me out to Savannah, Georgia to drive the brand-new 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan. This is not some mild refresh, or series of trim level updates. No, this is an entirely new generation for what is still currently the best-selling car ever here in the United States.
This post does not include driving impressions or fuel economy. As a condition of our trip, we aren’t able to talk about those until next Tuesday, February 26. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for our full impressions next week!
Styling
New generation, new updated styling for the Corolla as well. For 2020 there are three distinct style groups: Sport, Modern and Hybrid. Though, Toyota groups the hybrid in with the Modern trim vehicles. Overall, styling is much more aggressive for 2020. I spent the day in an XSE trim, which is the fully loaded sport trim. This particular car features some very aggressive styling queues including the large, trapezoidal grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear diffuser and real twin-exit exhaust at the rear.
The interior is all-new for 2020. On the XSE trim I had, the interior features some rather interesting blue-on-black seats. They feature a striped cloth insert and blue contrast stitching. Plus, blue stitching on the dash and arm rest. Much of the interior updates match that of the Corolla Hatchback, including the available 7.0-inch multi information display on the dashboard. This interface is customizable with two different looks, plus it will show you all your trip information and driving data.
Next to the gauge cluster, affixed to the dash like a large tablet is an 8.0-inch infotainment screen. This features Toyota’s latest Entune 3.0 infotainment system which now has Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity. I asked Toyota about Android Auto and why it is not on the 2020 Corolla Sedan. The answer I received was that they are working on it. There is certainly hope, though, as the whole 2020 Toyota TRD Pro lineup now comes standard with Android Auto in addition to Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
Styling is always a personal affair, but I like what Toyota has done with the 2020 Corolla Sedan. It looks sharp, modern and aggressive. But please, let us know what you think in the comments down below.
Performance
There are not one, not two, but three engine options for the 2020 Toyota Corolla Sedan. The base engine is a carryover from the previous Corolla, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that makes 139 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through a CVT. According to the EPA, this combination can get as much as 30 MPG city, 38 MPG highway and 33 MPG combined.
The Sport group models actually get a sportier engine. This XSE, for example, has a 2.0-liter inline-four that makes 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque — same as the Corolla Hatchback. Power goes to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT. However, the sport CVT has a physical gear for first which Toyota calls a “launch gear”. It works up to around 20 MPH before it disengages and switches back to a regular CVT. The EPA rates this setup at 31 MPG city, 40 MPG highway and 34 MPG combined.
Last, but not least, is the hybrid trim. This shares a powertrain directly with the Prius. In the Corolla Hybrid, you get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor that combines to make 121 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels solely through a CVT. This is clearly the MPG king of the bunch, as you’d expect. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid rings in at 53 MPG city, 52 MPG highway and 52 MPG combined.
Come Back on February 26th
Pricing information and driving impressions are restricted until February 26th. Until then, check out our preview video, plus stay tuned to TFLcar.com for the latest news, views & real-world reviews.
