2020 Toyota Corolla

Pros: Peppy, efficient drivetrain with 2.0-liter engine; sporty driving personality; available hybrid model

Cons: Limited back seat room in hatchback; infotainment screen looks tacked on; XSE’s upsized wheels and tires compromise ride quality somewhat

CG Says: Toyota introduced a redesigned Corolla 4-door hatchback last year and this year a new Corolla sedan joins the hatchback on the latest platform. However, the sedan gets a wheelbase that is 2.4-inchs longer than the hatchback for better rear-seat room. All Corolla hatchbacks are powered by a 168-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. That same engine is rated at 169 hp in SE and XSE sedans. L, LE, XLE sedans have a 139-hp 1.8-liter four. Plus, a hybrid powertrain is now available in the Corolla sedan. The Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with two electric motors for a total of 121 horsepower. Transmission choices for gas-powered cars are a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. The hybrid is CVT only. Available features include forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot alert, lane-departure warning and mitigation, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, road-sign identification, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa Connectivity, and keyless access and starting. The 2020 Toyota Corolla’s chassis has far better driving dynamics than either the previous Corolla iM or Corolla sedan, plus the new 2.0-liter engine is more powerful and is mated to much-improved transmissions. These new sporty attributes, combined with Toyota’s traditional value equation, make the Corolla an especially strong competitor in the compact-car class.