2019 Toyota Corolla

2019 Toyota Corolla Overview

Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla a Good Used Car?

The 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan is an OK used compact car . Highlights include an extensive list of standard safety and technology features, as well as excellent fuel economy. On the downside, the Corolla sedan has less cargo space than most rivals, a weak base engine, lackluster cabin materials, and some complicated infotainment controls.

The Corolla hatchback is all new for 2019. It's generally more expensive than the sedan, and it has less passenger space, but it’s the better option between the two body styles. The hatchback comes with more safety and tech features, and it has a larger cargo area and a stronger, more fuel-efficient engine.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our Toyota Corolla review includes far more than just one person's opinion. We collected professional evaluations from 50 sources and combined them with concrete data like fuel economy estimates, safety features, and performance specs to help you make an informed buying decision.

The U.S. News Best Cars team has been ranking cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our staff has more than a combined 75 years of automotive industry experience. To ensure our impartiality, we never accept expensive gifts or trips from car companies, and an outside team handles the advertising on our site.

Pricing

How Much is a 2019 Toyota Corolla?

Based on listings for the 2019 Toyota Corolla, the average list price is $18,296. Prices range from $16,505 to $21,836 and vary depending on the vehicle’s condition, mileage, features, and location.

See the Best Used Car Deals »

How Much Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla Cost to Own?

The 2019 Corolla’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $24,500, or $4,900 per year. That’s about average for the class.

2018 vs. 2019 Toyota Corolla: What's the Difference?

While there are no major differences between the 2018 and 2019 Corolla sedans, there are several notable differences between the sedan and the all-new 2019 hatchback. For example, the hatchback comes standard with several features that aren't even available in the sedan, including an updated infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay. The hatch also comes standard with advanced safety features such as a pre-collision system (with low-light pedestrian and vehicle detection, as well as daytime bicycle detection), full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and road edge detection, automatic high-beam headlights, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist. Additionally, the hatch boasts a peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 168 horsepower, while the sedan features a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder.

Compare the 2018 and 2019 Corolla »

Here are the key changes for the Toyota Corolla over the last few years:

• 2016: special edition model introduced
• 2017: refreshed with updated interior and exterior styling; gained a standard continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a rearview camera, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance features
• 2018: no major changes
• 2019: Corolla hatchback reintroduced (replacing the Corolla iM hatchback) and gets standard Apple CarPlay and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced driver assistance features

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 Corolla , 2017 Corolla , and 2018 Corolla reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Reliable Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

The 2019 Toyota Corolla has a stellar predicted reliability rating of 4.5 out of five.

Read more about Corolla reliability »

2019 Toyota Corolla Recalls

There are no major recalls for the 2019 Toyota Corolla at this time.

See more information on Toyota Corolla safety recalls »

Which Used Toyota Corolla Trim Is Right for Me?

The 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan comes in five trims: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE. The 2019 Corolla hatchback comes in two trims: SE and XSE.

The base Corolla L sedan comes with a 132-horsepower four-cylinder engine and enough features – including plenty of driver assistance technology – to please many compact-car shoppers. That said, we prefer the Corolla SE for its performance-enhancing features, extra technology, and distinctive styling.

Corolla SE hatchback models come with a peppier 168-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a manual six-speed transmission (an automatic is available). The SE hatch offers even more appealing features than the sedan does, including an upgraded infotainment system and a few more advanced safety features.

• Toyota Corolla L: The base model Corolla L has an Entune Audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, six speakers, voice recognition, and Siri Eyes Free. Standard safety features include a rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes a pre-collision braking system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control.
• Toyota Corolla LE: The Corolla LE doesn’t add much more than automatic climate control. The LE comes with the standard engine, but the LE Eco has a slightly stronger and more fuel-efficient version of this engine.
• Toyota Corolla SE: The SE sedan offers some performance-oriented features such as a Sport driving mode, as well as bolder exterior styling. The SE is the only sedan trim available with a six-speed manual transmission. Additional standard features include synthetic leather upholstery, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Available features include a moonroof and an upgraded Entune Audio Plus system with a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, and navigation.
• Toyota Corolla XLE and XSE: The Corolla XLE and XSE build off the LE and SE trims, respectively. Both add an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, a moonroof, and the upgraded Entune Audio Plus system.
• Toyota Corolla SE hatchback: The SE hatchback features Toyota's Entune 3.0 infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. It also comes with the Toyota Safety Suite 2.0, which includes a pre-collision system (with low-light pedestrian and vehicle detection and daytime bicycle detection), full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with steering assist and road edge detection, automatic high-beam headlights, road sign assist, and lane tracing assist.
• Toyota Corolla XSE hatchback: The Corolla XSE hatchback features genuine leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and blind spot monitoring.

See 2019 Toyota Corolla trims and specs »

What Does Toyota's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?

Toyota offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 85,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Toyota provides a one-year/12,000-mile limited warranty on all its certified pre-owned vehicles, and it extends the original new-car powertrain warranty to seven years from the initial sale date or 100,000 miles. For 2020 and newer models, hybrid components are covered for eight years from the initial sale date or 100,000 miles. Each CPO Toyota must pass a 160-point inspection. Additional benefits like a CarFax vehicle history report, towing, and roadside assistance may be available. 

Toyota’s CPO program is about average for an affordable carmaker, according to our research. Hyundai and Kia both have better programs.

See the best CPO programs »

Extended Warranties for Toyota Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Not every used Toyota will qualify for a certified pre-owned warranty. However, there are still options available if you want additional coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. 

Read more about extended car warranties »

2019 Toyota Corolla Safety

Score: 9.3/10

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2019 four-door Corolla sedan an overall safety rating of five out of five stars, with four stars in frontal crash and rollover evaluations and five stars in side crash testing. The 2019 five-door Corolla hatchback earned an overall safety rating of five stars, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover testing.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Corolla sedan the highest rating of Good in the five crash tests that were performed. The IIHS named the 2019 Corolla hatchback a Top Safety Pick and gave it a Good rating in all six crash tests. Standard headlights in the sedan and hatchback earned the second-highest rating of Acceptable for how well they illuminate the road ahead. The hatchback’s available adaptive headlights received the second-lowest rating of Marginal.

The IIHS grades collision avoidance systems on a different scale. The Corolla sedan received the highest rating of Superior for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, while the hatchback earned a Superior rating for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian systems.

Standard advanced safety features:

• Rearview camera

Available advanced safety features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure alert with steering assist
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control (hatchback only)
• Lane tracing assist (keeps the car in its proper lane) (hatchback only)
• Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection
• Pre-collision braking with low-light pedestrian and vehicle and bicycle detection (hatchback only)
• Road sign assist (hatchback only)
• Upgraded lane departure warning that detects the edge of the road (hatchback only)

2019 Toyota Corolla Versus the Competition

Which Is Better: 2019 Toyota Corolla or 2019 Toyota C-HR?

If you have your eye on the Corolla hatchback, the 2019 Toyota C-HR , a subcompact SUV , may also be on your radar. It’s roomier than the Corolla hatchback, with a few extra inches of legroom up front and about 13 more cubic feet of overall cargo space. The C-HR boasts a vibrant and stylish cabin with mostly quality materials. It comes with about as many driver assistance features as the Corolla, plus standard dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the CH-R is no match for the Corolla hatchback when it comes to performance. Stick with the hatchback.

Which Is Better: 2019 Toyota Corolla or 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze , like the Corolla, is available as a hatchback and a sedan. The highly ranked Cruz offers some of the best fuel economy estimates in the compact car class . It has a good-looking cabin with soft-touch materials and several standard features that aren't available in the Toyota sedan, including Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hot spot. It also has a more user-friendly infotainment system than the Corolla, as well as more cargo room. Its only major drawback is its underpowered engine. Still, the Cruze is one of the top dogs in the class, and it certainly overshadows the Corolla.

Compare the Corolla, C-HR, and Cruze »

2019 Corolla Performance

How Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla Drive?

The Toyota Corolla sedan has an underpowered engine, so expect a delay getting up to highway speeds. The Corolla LE Eco has a modestly more-powerful version of this engine.

The hatchback has a more-potent engine that provides decent acceleration both from a stop and when getting up to highway speeds. Its standard six-speed manual transmission gets the most from the engine, while the available continuously available automatic (CVT) dulls power delivery a touch.

The Corolla has a fairly composed, smooth ride. Steering is accurate and the brakes are strong. Still, many cars in the class offer sharper handling.

• Base engine: 132-horsepower 1.8-liter four-cylinder
• Available engines:
  • 140-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder (LE Eco trim only)
  • 168-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder (hatchback only)
• Drivetrain: front-wheel drive
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic (standard in sedan, available in hatchback); six-speed manual (standard in hatchback, available in sedan)

Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla Get Good Gas Mileage?

The base Corolla sedan gets above-average fuel economy estimates for the compact car class , and the fuel-efficient LE Eco trim gets even better estimates. Hatchback models with the CVT earn the best fuel economy ratings in this lineup, as well as in the class (among nonhybrids).

• 1.8-liter with CVT: 28/36 mpg city/highway
• 1.8-liter with manual: 27/35 mpg
• 1.8-liter, Eco with CVT: 30/40 mpg
• 2.0-liter with CVT: 32/42 mpg
• 2.0-liter with manual: 28/37 mpg

Read more about Corolla performance »

2019 Corolla Interior

How Many People Does the 2019 Corolla Seat?

The 2019 Corolla seats five people in two rows. The sedan is the roomier of the two body styles, with more legroom than most rivals (and even some midsize sedans). The hatchback, on the other hand, has decent front-seat space but cramped back seats. The seats are fairly supportive and comfortable in both models. The Corolla has a simple, clean cabin layout, but some surfaces are covered in low-quality plastics.

Standard seating features:

• Cloth upholstery
• Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Four-way adjustable front passenger seat
• 60/40-split-folding rear seat

Available seating features:

• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Genuine leather upholstery
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Heated front seats
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel

How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

The Corolla hatchback has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear outboard seats and an upper tether for the rear middle seat. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the highest rating of Good+ for ease of use. The "+" indicates that the system is among the easiest to use. The sedan has the same number of LATCH connectors, but it earns the second-highest rating of Acceptable because the anchors are located too deep in the seats.

2019 Toyota Corolla Features

Toyota’s standard Entune infotainment system has a simple interface. However, it can be slow to respond to inputs, and it’s easy to unintentionally select the wrong menus. The upgraded Entune 3.0 system, which is only available in the hatchback, doesn’t work much better. Fortunately, it has standard Apple CarPlay, which is a godsend for smartphone connectivity.

The abundance of physical dashboard buttons makes it easy to adjust some settings.

• Standard infotainment features (sedan): a 6.1-inch touch screen, six speakers, Bluetooth, a USB port, voice recognition, and Siri Eyes Free
• Available infotainment features (sedan): the Entune Audio Plus interface, a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, and navigation
• Other available features (sedan): automatic climate control, a moonroof, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start
• Standard infotainment features (hatchback): an Entune 3.0 infotainment system with an enhanced interface, an 8-inch touch-screen display, six speakers, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Bluetooth
• Additional standard features (hatchback): automatic climate control
• Other available features (hatchback): an eight-speaker JBL sound system, wireless device charging, Entune 3.0 Audio Plus, and satellite radio

See 2019 Toyota Corolla specs »

Read more about Corolla interior »

2019 Toyota Corolla Dimensions

Toyota Corolla Cargo Space

With 13 cubic feet of trunk space, the Corolla sedan has one of the smaller trunks in the compact car class . The hatchback has more storage room, with 17.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 23.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That’s on the small side compared with other hatchbacks in the class. A 60/40-split-folding rear seat is standard, and a level cargo floor makes it easy to load items into the vehicle.

2019 Toyota Corolla Length and Weight

• Length: 14 feet, 2.4 inches (hatchback); 15 feet, 3.6 inches (sedan)
• Curb weight: 2,840 to 3,060 pounds

Where Was the 2019 Toyota Corolla Built?

Toyota built the 2019 Corolla in Mississippi and Canada.