Toyota Corolla - TopCarNews

Toyota Corolla (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Toyota Corolla is a mid-sized family car available as a five-door hatchback, estate or saloon. The latest model was launched in 2019 and replaces the Toyota Auris, which had previously replaced an older generation of Corolla.

The hatchback and estate models of the new Corolla are built in Burnaston in the UK. The saloon model is imported from Turkey. All versions sold in the UK are powered by petrol-electric hybrid engines.

The Toyota Corolla has received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It has received particular praise for its practicality, build quality and low running costs. Criticisms have been directed at its driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Ford Focus.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Toyota Corolla ranked an excellent 14th.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium hatchback, saloon and estateEngines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £24,485 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19Last updated: Autumn 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Toyota Corolla saloon

Toyota Corolla TREK

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Corolla buyers will be happy with the eco-friendly hybrid drivetrain, in a car that offers more space than its predecessor and looks a lot more attractive.”
Read review

Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview (hatch, saloon and estate)Score: 8 / 10“The new Toyota Corolla is safe and well-built with genuine green credentials.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Trek estateScore: 7 / 10“If you’re expecting any sort of added off-road ability from the Toyota Corolla Trek, then you’ll be disappointed; the extra cladding and raised ride height are purely for show. The price tag also makes it look costly against its competitors, especially when the level of kit isn’t that generous either.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Corolla hatchbackScore: 8 / 10“The Corolla is Toyota’s best family hatchback for a long time, with an appealing blend of refinement around town, as well as a comfortable ride, precise handling and solid build quality.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Corolla SaloonScore: 8 / 10“The Corolla Saloon is a coherent, well-resolved proposition that deserves to do well in its admittedly small class.”
Read review

Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“A smart looking compact four-door derived from its hatchback brother, the Toyota Corolla Saloon is the least practical in the family but arguably the most stylish looking, its economical hybrid powertrain making it stand out against rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.”
Read review

Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic estate Touring Sports TREKScore: 8 / 10“Given the growing popularity of rufty-tufty raised family hatches, it stands to reason that the Corolla Trek will prove popular for Toyota. It’s sensibly priced, will prove frugal to run in almost all scenarios, and remains more enjoyable to drive than you might expect. “
Read review

Model reviewed: Touring Sports range reviewScore: 8 / 10“A big step up for Toyota in a vital sector, and a better hybrid to boot.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“For now, let’s settle on four stars and recognise that the reborn Corolla offers its driver far more than the Auris ever did, and much more besides.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre hybrid hatchback ExcelScore: 8 / 10“The Corolla is built here and it also feels like its been developed for our roads. This hybrid version doesn’t show the car at its very best, but it’s still a darn good machine.”
Read review

Car

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“The Corolla gives a nod to those who want a hybrid that drives a bit more like a conventional car, with a slug of style for good measure.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid estate TrekScore: 6 / 10“As with the Ford Focus Active, the changes over the regular estate have not improved the car. You end up with something that’s towards the higher end of the Toyota Corolla estate price scale, but with inferior ride and questionable looks.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Touring Sports range reviewScore: 8 / 10“It’s pleasingly roomy and uncluttered for occupants, and the easy-to-use tech feels like it’s there to help.”
Read review

Car Keys

Model reviewed: Mild Hybrid rangeScore: 8 / 10“While Toyota’s family hatchbacks might have lacked flair in recent years, the latest Corolla is a solid return to form. With a striking look, it’s one of the most attractive models in this class, while generous equipment levels and its easy-going nature will appeal to many.”
Read review

Carbuyer

Score: 8 / 10“The Toyota Corolla feels like the right car at the right time, especially in hybrid guise. It’s efficient, well-equipped and relaxing.”
Read review

Carwow

Model reviewed: Touring Sports estate rangeScore: 7 / 10“If you’re looking for an estate car with low running costs but aren’t keen on the idea of owning a diesel, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is an ideal alternative. However, it still isn’t the best of its kind if boot space matters most.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 7 / 10“The Toyota Corolla Saloon is a comfy, quiet long-distance cruiser, but it can’t match some alternatives for rear seat space.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 9 / 10“If you want low running costs but also want to avoid a diesel, the Toyota Corolla is a stylish, comfortable and good-to-drive hybrid. However, it can’t match alternatives for space.”
Read review

Score: 7 / 10“The Toyota Corolla is a great-looking family car with efficient hybrid engines. However, it can’t match alternatives on practicality.”
Read review

Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid Corolla Trek estate“The Trek’s raised right height cladding and particularly extra equipment and interior flourishes make for a useful addition to the impressive new Corolla range.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic GR Sport“The GR Sport trim improves on the already sharp-looking Toyota Corolla with some neat, if slightly understated, cosmetic enhancements. It’s not cheap, although running costs help rein in some of the up-front price.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic ExcelScore: 7.7 / 10“The Toyota Corolla has a lot more going for it than its Auris hybrid predecessor, and does much more than just make a good theoretical buy. Although it does that, too.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Design“One of the most refined cars in the class at a steady cruise. The 1.8 hybrid offers class-leading tax figures, too.”
Read review

Daily Mail

Model reviewed: (range review)“The Corolla Hatchback is a particularly eye-catching proposition, with real kerb and car-park presence and a smart interior.”
Read review

Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid estate TREKScore: 6 / 10“Practical and attractive, the Corolla Trek should be as reliable as most Toyotas. Whether it is any more appealing than the standard estate will be very much down to your taste. And lifestyle, of course.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Design hatchbackScore: 6 / 10“If you want an attractive, practical and economical hatch that’s made in Britain then you should certainly consider a Toyota Corolla.”
Read review

“This is a solid, reliable family car and the worthy next generation of the Corolla brand.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview“This is a solid, reliable family car and the worthy next generation of the Corolla brand.”
Read review

Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“It’s not just the striking looks that aim to change our perception of the new Corolla, but also the platform underneath it – one that in other guises within the Toyota range has slowly been transforming the driving experience of Toyota’s mainstream offerings one new model at a time.”
Read review

Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre hybrid automatic ExcelScore: 8 / 10“If you want an economical, low emission car, and if you can’t make a pure electric car or a plug-in hybrid work for you, then the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a good option.”
Read review

Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“It’s solid, comfortable, good looking, practical enough and… quite unexpectedly… half decent to drive.”
Read review

Parkers

Model reviewed: Hatchback rangeScore: 8 / 10“Return to a traditional name for the radical Auris replacement”
Read review

Model reviewed: Touring Sports estate rangeScore: 8 / 10“Practical, niche, but still absent in the Sports department”
Read review

Score: 8 / 10“The Corolla gives a nod to those who want a hybrid that looks like a conventional car and, crucially, drives like one too.”
Read review

The Sun

“Great chassis. Multi-link rear suspension means better ride quality. Lower centre of gravity and stiffer body improves handling. Distinctive looks. Head-up display. Adaptive cruise control. Better residual values than a Focus, Astra or Golf and cheaper to own.”
Read review

The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 1.8 Hybrid ExcelScore: 7 / 10“Excels in ride and handling but drops marks on practicality and price.”
Read review

The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Icon TechScore: 6 / 10“Thankfully no longer as soulless as previous iterations of the Toyota Corolla, and blessed with a comfortable ride and satisfying handling. Good though it is, though, this Touring Sports has too many flaws; there are better small estates with more conventional powerplants.”
Read review

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The twelfth version of the world’s most popular car nameplate is a big improvement over the Auris it replaces.”
Read review

Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Corolla looks more striking than ever, and proves Toyota is really on a roll with making its cars less boring. The looks alone may tempt some people away from competitors, as might its British-built status.”
Read review

What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Toyota Corolla is a fine family car, with hybrid versions that offer exceptionally low running costs.”
Read review

Which?

Model reviewed: Touring Sports Hybrid“The Corolla Touring Sports has all the qualities of the Best Buy hatchback model, but with useful additional load space. Spoiling the party, however, is high CO emissions in our independent tests, which ultimately means we can’t recommend it in the same way as the excellent hatchback.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview“The new Corolla is the best medium hatchback Toyota has produced for some time: it’s a well-deserved Best Buy.”
Read review

Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019

95%

ADULT OCCUPANT

84%

CHILD OCCUPANT

86%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

77%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Toyota Corolla has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Corolla is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: 2019

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Toyota Corolla has received

2021

Company Car Today Awards – Best Lower Medium Car

2020

Carbuyer Awards – Best Hybrid
What Car? Awards – Best Hybrid Car + Best Family Car, £20K – £26K
Autocar Britain’s Best Car Awards – Best Hybrid Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Affordable Hybrid Car of the Year
Autocar Awards – Game Changer
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Hybrid

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Toyota Corolla, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Buy or lease a Toyota Corolla

Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Corolla, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from

Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it.

We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers.

Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple.

The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place.

Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Rivervale Leasing.

Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake.

Personal contract hire deals from Pink Car Leasing.

Keyword: Toyota Corolla