the Toyota Corolla 2020 sport sedan uses a 139-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The zestier versions have a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a CVT or optional six-speed manual.
the Toyota Corolla 2020 sport sedan uses a 139-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The zestier versions have a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that pairs with a CVT or optional six-speed manual. While all hatchbacks have the larger engine, only the sedan offers a hybrid powertrain. Our tests of the 2019 Corolla SE hatchback and the 2020 Corolla XSE sedan proved even the strongest engine doesn’t deliver adequate acceleration. The Toyota twins were prudent around town and steady on the highway. However, hard acceleration produced coarse engine sounds that diminished their refinement. Both the Corolla sedan and the hatchback have a pleasant ride quality that adequately isolates all but the worst bumps. Their controlled body motions also provide better agility than previous iterations. The Corolla SE and XSE further separate themselves with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension and the latter’s larger 18-inch wheels (everything else rides on either 15- or 16-inch rims). Still, compared with athletic and engaging rivals such as the Mazda 3 and the Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla’s progressive steering is satisfactory but not exemplary. While neither Corolla body style had impressive results in our 70-mph-to-zero braking test—requiring between 174 and 183 feet—their brake pedals were dependable and easy to operate. Toyota makes significant trim-level and powertrain changes to the Corolla for 2023. Corolla Hybrid models gain SE and XLE trim levels, while all-wheel drive is now optional for Hybrid SE and LE trims. The 139-hp 1.8-liter sold with the L, LE, and XLE trims has been replaced by the 169-hp 2.0-liter. Unfortunately, Toyota has nixed the optional six-speed manual for 2023, adding the Corolla to the mountain of cars offered with an automatic exclusively. A new 8.0-inch infotainment screen replaces smaller displays on all Corollas as standard equipment. The XSE and XLE now use a redesigned 7.0-inch gauge cluster; all models get an updated 4.2-inch cluster. Every Corolla receives minor visual tweaks like LED daytime driving lights and redesigned headlights for the SE, XSE, and XLE. The SE and XSE models also get a new rear diffuser and fresh 18-inch Gloss Graphite wheels. Corolla hatchbacks have a redesigned grille, LED headlights, and rear bumper with chrome accents. Nightshade and Apex trims are no longer offered. Finally, the base L trim has been removed, leaving LE models as the new entry-level Corolla. We’d choose the sporty-ish SE sedan. Along with a tauter suspension that makes it nicer to drive than the regular setup. The Corolla SE sedan still comes standard with plenty of features to keep us satisfied. The list includes LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front sport seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Corolla uses a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While all hatchbacks share that same powertrain, the sedan also offers a hybrid powertrain. Our tests of the Corolla SE hatchback and the Corolla XSE sedan proved that even the strongest engine doesn’t deliver adequate acceleration. The Toyota twins were quite prudent around town and steady on the highway, however. Unfortunately, hard acceleration produced coarse engine sounds that diminished their refinement. The all-wheel drive hybrid model we tested hit 60 mph in a rather leisurely 9.0 seconds while the last hatchback model we had in for testing did it in 8.3 seconds. Both the Corolla sedan and the hatchback have a pleasant ride quality that adequately isolates all but the worst bumps. Their controlled body motions also provide better agility than previous iterations. The Corolla SE and XSE further separate themselves with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension and the latter’s larger 18-inch wheels (everything else rides on either 15- or 16-inch rims). Still, compared with athletic and engaging rivals, such as the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla’s progressive steering is satisfactory but not exemplary. While neither Corolla body style had impressive results in our 70-mph-to-zero braking test—requiring between 174 and 183 feet—their brake pedals were dependable and natural-feeling.Toyota Corolla
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