2019 Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is Toyota's compact sedan and hatchback. The car is positioned above the subcompact Yaris and below the larger and more expensive Camry and Avalon.

For the sedan, the base L trim, the LE, the slightly more efficient LE Eco, the well-equipped XLE, the sporty SE, and the range-topping XSE trim will likely return to the lineup for 2019. The LE model should have the same features that include LED headlights, 16-inch steel wheels, automatic climate control, a 6.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and the Toyota Safety Sense package of driver assist safety features. The top XSE should still feature a sporty gloss black front fascia, 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, a 7.0-inch multimedia screen, SiriusXM satellite radio, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a Sport mode.

Engines for the front-drive Corolla should carry over. Most trims are powered by a 132-hp 1.8-liter I-4 engine backed by a six-speed manual or CVT. The LE Eco utilizes a 140-hp version of the same engine that is tuned for more fuel efficiency and backed by a CVT. In 2018, fuel economy figures ranged from 27/35 mpg city/highway to 30/40 mpg in the LE Eco.

The Toyota Safety Sense package of driver assist safety features is standard and includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane keep assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The 2018 Corolla fared well in IIHS crash testing (scoring the highest rating of Good in all crash tests) and received the highest five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Expect to see the standard 6.1-inch multimedia touchscreen return in 2019, including the optional 7.0-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM satellite radio and its available navigation system. Siri Eyes Free is standard but requires a compatible iPhone.

We concluded a First Test review on the refreshed 2017 Toyota Corolla by saying: "There's no doubt the 2017 Toyota Corolla has improved, but it's not moved far enough dynamically to grab the attention of consumers not already enamored of the nameplate's reputation for producing cars that last a long time. Drivers who remember their sister/uncle/friend's Corolla that seemed to last forever should be thrilled at how much better the compact looks than previous generations," we said. "The Corolla is spacious but slow, and it's not quite as good to drive as others in the class, some of which offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto," we continued. "When interior space and safety tech are more important than class-competitive acceleration and driving fun, the Corolla will still earn its place among those with fond associations of the Toyota brand."

Read our First Drive review of the new 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback here.