Toyota Corolla Review 2026
Toyota Corolla Verdict
Find out more about the Toyota Corolla
How do you compete with cars like the ever-popular Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic? Toyota thought it had it sussed with the old Auris. The Auris played on Toyota’s excellent reliability record and offered something different in the form of a hybrid engine - but it was lacklustre to drive and the interior felt generations behind, even when the outgoing model was new in 2013.
In a segment that now includes the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq, more effort is required. Enter the return of the Corolla. Although a conventional petrol engine is available, the majority of buyers will opt for what Toyota controversially describes as a ‘self-charging’ hybrid.
Essentially, buyers can choose between 1.8- or 2.0-litre petrol engines, combined with an electric motor. Most of the time it runs under a combination of the two, aiding efficiency, but for short periods at low speeds, it'll run under electric power alone. In balancing affordability and real-world economy with performance, it's one of the best new hybrid cars around.
Taking the trick engine out of the equation for a moment, the Toyota Corolla is a likeable family hatchback. Its interior is modern (to even compare it to the Auris would be unfair), with a large eight-inch touchscreen display sitting on top of the dash. It’s easy to operate and, if you prefer old-fashioned buttons, don’t fear - there are plenty of those too.
The front seats are very comfortable, with plenty of adjustment. Things aren’t quite so positive in the rear, when head and legroom is quite limited for adults. The space is fine for children, with a reasonable view out of the window - but this is a car that’s primary aimed at buyers who’ll only occasionally wish to use the rear seats.
The boot also falls short compared to rivals - especially in the hybrid models, with the batteries eating into boot space. It’s fine for a weekly shop, but you’d be better with a Honda Civic if space is important.
While enthusiastic drivers should buy a Ford Focus, the Toyota Corolla remains surprisingly composed on twisty roads, without too much in lean. The steering gives you lots of confidence, and around town it's light enough to make darting in and out of traffic a breeze.
Unfortunately, the Toyota Corolla isn’t a cheap option. It’s pricier than the equivalent Volkswagen Golf - which is traditionally seen as one of the more premium cars in the class (although it is showing its age compared to the Corolla). If you’re after a hybrid, the Hyundai Ioniq is cheaper.
Even the cheapest models are very well equipped, however, with the central touchscreen display, a reversing camera and heated front seats standard across the range. Toyota's Safety Sense features - including automatic high beam and lane deperature alert - are also standard on all trim levels.
In a time when more car buyers than ever are considering a hybrid, the Corolla is a car that can be legitimately recommended for reasons other than its eco-credentials. It's loaded with kit, has a comfortable interior and - surprisingly - is good to drive. Combine that with low running costs and Toyota's superb reliability record, and it could make for an excellent purchase.
Looking for a second opinon? Why not read heycar's Toyota Corolla review.
Toyota Corolla handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 to 2.0 Hybrid
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 42–74 mpg
The entry-level 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine is fine around town, but will soon start to feel out of its depth during motorway driving. It won’t be as economical as the hybrids in the real world, either.
Unsurprisingly, the hybrids are the star of the show. There’s a 1.8-litre already used in the C-HR and Prius, and a new 2.0-litre introduced for the Corolla.
For most buyers, the 1.8-litre will be more than sufficient. It's eager enough, with enough performance to join the motorway or perform the occasional overtake. Accelerate hard and there's the usual irritating noise of the CVT transmission, but it's less obvious than it was in the Auris. Most drivers won't be too concerned.
If you do want a bit more performance, the 2.0-litre has a healthy 180PS and 190Nm of torque. This means you don't have to work the engine as hard to pick up speed, cutting down the amount of time passengers are subject to the unpleasant engine noise caused by the CVT gearbox. Once you're up to speed and off the accelerator, the Corolla is a refined and leisurely cruiser, with little in the way of road or wind noise making its way into the cabin.
No matter which engine you opt for, the Corolla rides superbly. Its suspension isn’t easily unsettled, and is more comfortable than the likes of the Ford Focus.
Despite that, it also handles surprisingly well. The steering is nicely communicative on twisty roads, while excellent visibility and light steering helps around town. It’s in town that the Corolla is at its best, with the hybrid system and CVT automatic transmission working well to provide a smooth ride. The transmission suits the car well, ironing out any hesitation at junctions.
Moving the shift lever to 'B' increases the amount of regenerative braking in the hybrid models, meaning it'll automatically decelerate as you lift off the accelerator, pumping energy back into the battery. While this isn't as severe as in pure electric cars like the Nissan Leaf, it does mean you won't have to use the brakes as much when driving through urban areas.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 | 45 mpg | 10.1 s | 128–132 g/km |
| 1.8 Hybrid | 63 mpg | 7.9–10.9 s | 76–83 g/km |
| 2.0 Hybrid | 54 mpg | 7.9 s | 89 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Toyota Corolla
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
100%
Real MPG
42–74 mpg
MPGs submitted
16
Toyota Corolla interior
- Boot space is 313–1052 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4370 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
Toyota has traditionally put build quality ahead of style when it comes to interiors - with hard but functional plastics and seats that are hard-wearing but not particularly cosseting.
In a huge contrast with the old Auris, the Corolla is quite aesthetically pleasing. It feels more upmarket than a Ford Focus, with plenty of soft-touch materials and clever features.
Getting a comfortable seating position is easy, thanks to plenty of adjustment in the seats and steering wheel. Even the tallest of drivers will find that the front seats slide far enough back for them to drive comfortably, while headroom is pretty generous.
Things aren't as positive in the rear, where tight footwells and a high window contribute to a slightly claustrophonic feel for adults. It's fine for children, but adults sitting in the rear will wish you'd opted for a Honda Civic or Skoda Octavia.
The same could be said for boot space, which is deemed average at best - especially on hybrid models. Fortunately, the rear seats split 60:40 and can be dropped pretty quickly should you need to carry bigger loads. Access is obstructed slightly by the high rear bumper, and the boot's slightly awkward shape - impeded by the wheelarches - doesn't help, either.
Standard equipment is generous, with all models getting an eight-inch media display in the centre of the dashboard. This features navigation on all but entry-level Icon trim. It's a simple enough system to use, although the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will be frustrating to some.
Specification (May 2019):
Icon models feature Toyota's Safety Sense (pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane departure alert, lane trace assist, sway warning and road sign assist), ISOFIX child seat anchors on outer rear seats, 4.2-inch colour TFT information display, electronic parking brake, electric power steering, electric windows, push-button start (hybrid models), reversing camera, 8-inch infotainment system, Bluetooth, steering wheel audio controls, alartm, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, 60:40 folding rear seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Icon Tech adds a 7-inch information display, intelligent park assist, rear parking sensors, navigation with voice activation.
Design features rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 17-inch alloy wheels, electrically folding door mirrors, LED front fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Excel models come with part-leather upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-lead headlights with lightguides.
Toyota Corolla models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4370 mm |
| Width | - |
| Height | 1435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2640 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1390–1510 kg |
| Boot Space | 313–1052 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 5000–15000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | - |
| Insurance Groups | - |
| Road Tax Bands | A–E |
| Official MPG | 44.8–62.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.2 114hp Design 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 10.1 s |
| 1.2 114hp Icon 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 10.1 s |
| 1.2 114hp Icon Tech 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | 10.1 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid 122 Design Trk CVT 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid 122 GR Sport CVT 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid 122 Icon Trk CVT 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid Exl/P/Rf Trk CVT 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 1.8 Hybrid Icon Tech Trk CVT 5dr | - | 62.8 mpg | 10.9 s |
| 2.0 Hybrid 178 Design Panoramic Roof CVT 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 Hybrid 184 GR Sport CVT 5dr | - | - | 7.9 s |
| 2.0 Hybrid Excel Jbl Trk CVT 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | 7.9 s |
| Icon 184 VVT-h Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.9 s |
| Icon Tech 184 VVT-h Auto Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 7.9 s |
Model History
- March 2018: Toyota unveils what was initially called an 'Auris', but soon became a 'Corolla'.
- August 2018: 'Auris' name replaced by 'Corolla'
- November 2018: UK prices announced
- December 2019: Toyota Corolla updated with petrol engine dropped
- November 2020: Toyota Corolla updated for 2021MY
- December 2021: Toyota Corolla updated for 2022
- May 3019
March 2018
Toyota unveils what was initially called an 'Auris', but soon became a 'Corolla'.
The new car offered offers one conventional engine – a 1.2 litre turbo petrol unit – and a choice of 120bhp, 1.8 litre or 177bhp, 2.0 litre hybrid electric powertrains. Based on Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, same as the Prius and C-HR.
The 1.8 litre system fulfils all the requirements that customers have come to expect from a Toyota full hybrid electric powertrain: silent, intuitive, responsive and self-sufficient EV technology with low cost of ownership, no need for plug-in recharging, excellent fuel economy, low CO 2 emissions, and up to 50 per cent all-electric driving in everyday commuting.
The 2.0 litre system maintains these benefits and takes full advantage of the added ride comfort, stability, handling and driving enjoyment inherent in the TNGA platform. It will offer drivers an ‘energised drive,’ with more power and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for a more dynamic, engaging driving experience. There are no diesel versions.
Longer and lower than its predecessor, the 2019 Auris adopts a significantly more dynamic design and more striking frontal styling. Overall length has increased by 40mm, all of which is contained within a longer wheelbase. Importantly, the overall height has been reduced by 25mm, while the cowl height is significantly (-47mm) lower than in the current model. The result is a sleeker shape and a more attractive, lower bonnet, which in turn improves safety by giving the driver a clearer forward view.
The new Auris’s design can be further emphasised with an optional bi-tone colour scheme, which combines the body colour with a black finish to the roof and pillars.
Length 4,370mm, width 1,790mm, height 1,435mm, wheelbase 2,640mm.
The new CVT is the world’s first to feature a launch gear, which significantly improves transmission efficiency at low speeds. It delivers direct and smooth response to the driver’s use of the accelerator pedal, and improves fuel efficiency by 6% compared to its predecessor.
Toyota has also developed a new 6-speed manual transmission. Compared to the previous unit, the new system is 7kg lighter and is shorter by 24mm, making it one of the smallest transmissions in the world and contributing to improved fuel efficiency.
For the 2.0 litre Dynamic Force Engines Toyota has developed a new hybrid electric system, using the same size, weight and loss-reducing technologies applied in the current, fourth generation Prius. The new system gives improved driving performance while maintaining superior fuel efficiency. Under acceleration, the hybrid system reduces engine revs while drawing increased electric power from the battery.
August 2018
'Auris' name replaced by 'Corolla'
The Auris name meant nothing very much. However, by 2018 Toyota had sold more than 45 million cars Worldwide named 'Corolla', making it the best selling car ever. So, from 2019 the Auris nameplate was dropped globally. This meant the next-gen Auris, launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018, was rebranded 'Corolla'.
November 2018
UK prices announced
Offered both with 1.2 petrol turbo engines and two different hybrid drivetrains. These are a revised 1.8-litre system and a new 180PS 2.0-litre version that’s engineered for more power on demand, effortless acceleration and fun-to-drive character, without compromising overall fuel and emissions efficiency. As full hybrids, both powertrains have the advantage of offering an all-electric drive capability, with zero emissions and fuel consumption; both are also matched to a seamless CVT automatic transmission.
The new Toyota Corolla hatchback and Touring Sports are manufactured at Toyota’s Burnaston factory in Derbyshire and are the first Corolla models to be built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) GA-C platform, bringing multiple benefits in terms of strong dynamic performance thanks to a lower centre of gravity, balanced chassis and a highly rigid body. It also contributes to increased safety and greater design freedom that’s witnessed in distinctly different styling for the Hatchback and Touring Sports versions.
Both the new Corolla Hatchback and Touring Sports share the same equipment grade structure, with Icon, Icon Tech, Design and Excel trim levels. Likewise, the two body styles offer the same combinations of grades and powertrains: Icon and Icon Tech models are available with the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system and 1.2T petrol engine, while Design versions additionally offer the new 2.0-litre hybrid system. Excel grade is all-hybrid, offered with both the 1.8 and 2.0-litre systems.
At the entry point to the new Corolla range, Icon models are equipped as standard with features including:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- E-Call system
- Heated front seats with lumbar support
- Toyota Touch 2 with eight-inch multimedia touchscreen
- Reversing camera
- DAB
- 2-inch colour TFT multi-information display
- Dual-zone air conditioning (1.8 Hybrid models only)
Icon Tech grade adds further useful technology features, including: –
- Toyota Touch with Go, with satellite navigation and voice control
- Seven-inch colour TFT multi-information display
- Parking sensors and Intelligent Park Assist (Intelligent Clearance Sonar on the 1.8 Hybrid models)
Design grade majors on added style and convenience, introducing: –
- 17-inch machined alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power-adjustable heated door mirrors with automatic folding function
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Rear privacy glass
- LED front fog lights
- Optional opening panoramic roof
At the top of the new Corolla range, Excel grade goes further by adding: –
- 18-inch alloy wheels (Hatchback, 17-inch for Touring Sports)
- Bi-LED headlights
- Smart Entry
- Sports front seats
- Part-leather seat upholstery
- Optional opening panoramic roof
- Optional bi-tone paint finish (Hatchback only)
- Optional eight-speaker JBL premium sound system (2.0-litre Hybrid only)
The choice of colours for the new Corolla extends to eight shades, including new Sterling Silver and Scarlet Flare pearlescent. Excel Hatchback models can specified with a bi-tone finish that matches a black roof, pillars and door mirror casings with Pearl White, Sterling Silver, Scarlet Flare or new Titan Bronze bodywork.
Across the complete range, all models are equipped with the enhanced functions of the second generation of Toyota Safety Sense. The upgraded package includes a Pre-Collision System that can now detect pedestrians in the vehicle’s path during both day and night-time driving, and cyclists during daylight hours. The Adaptive Cruise Control has improved deceleration and acceleration control, keeping the Corolla a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. The ACC also has a new low-speed function for driving in stop-start traffic, bringing the car to a halt when the vehicle in front stops. Other systems include Lane Trace Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High beam
The full Corolla line-up and on-the-road prices are given in the table below. Toyota’s UK retailers are now accepting pre-orders for the vehicles ahead of the sales launch in March next year.
| GRADE | BODY STYLE | POWERTRAIN | OTR PRICE |
| Icon | Hatchback | 1.2T manual | £21,300 |
| Icon | Hatchback | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £23,750 |
| Icon | Touring Sports | 1.2T manual | £22,570 |
| Icon | Touring Sports | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £25,020 |
| Icon Tech | Hatchback | 1.2T manual | £22,350 |
| Icon Tech | Hatchback | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £24,800 |
| Icon Tech | Touring Sports | 1.2T manual | £23,620 |
| Icon Tech | Touring Sports | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £26,070 |
| Design | Hatchback | 1.2T manual | £23,375 |
| Design | Hatchback | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £25,825 |
| Design | Hatchback | 2.0 Hybrid CVT | £27,550 |
| Design | Touring Sports | 1.2T manual | £24,645 |
| Design | Touring Sports | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £27,095 |
| Design | Touring Sports | 2.0 Hybrid CVT | £28,820 |
| Excel | Hatchback | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £27,345 |
| Excel | Hatchback | 2.0 Hybrid CVT | £29,070 |
| Excel | Touring Sports | 1.8 Hybrid CVT | £28,615 |
| Excel | Touring Sports | 2.0 Hybrid CVT | £30,340 |
December 2019
Toyota Corolla updated with petrol engine dropped
Corolla becomes exclusively a hybrid range in the UK with the discontinuation of the 1.2T turbo petrol engine. The new line-up carries forward Toyota’s improved 1.8-litre system and the new 2.0-litre hybrid which made its debut with the model.
A new GR Sport is also being introduced. This features a sharper design for the lower centre bumper section, a wide honeycomb mesh pattern for the front grille and piano black surrounds for the grille and fog lights. There is a black insert in the rocker panels and the new 18-inch black alloy wheels have a contrasting bright machined finish to the tips of each spoke and red GR centre caps (17inch diameter wheels in the same design are featured on the Touring Sports model). At the rear there is a silver insert in the lower bumper, creating the look of twin tailpipes and a diffuser.
The finishing touches are black backgrounds for Toyota emblems on the bonnet and tailgate, official GR (Gazoo Racing) badging and the option of a new Ash Grey paint finish.
The GR Sport cabin is fitted with sports front seats, upholstered in fabric with a dedicated pinstripe pattern and with seatback and cushion bolsters finished in black and grey synthetic leather. It is also equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia package, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions for seamless smartphone integration.
The equipment specification matches the Corolla Design grade and further includes a new seven-inch colour TFT multi-information screen with 3D-effect graphics, and a colour head-up display. Other standard features include Toyota Safety Sense, LED headlights, smart entry, rear privacy glass, automatic wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and power-adjustable door mirrors with an auto-folding function.
The new head-up display measures 265 by 70.5mm and presents data clearly in the driver’s line of sight, even in bright light conditions. Brightness and the position of the display can be adjusted using controls on the steering wheel.
For 2020, the Corolla Excel grade has been enhanced with the standard provision of sports seats with black leather upholstery and red accents. The Excel Touring Sports further adds the convenience of a hands-free power tailgate that can be opened using a kick sensor below the rear bumper.
The Corolla Saloon matches its Hatchback and Touring Sports stablemates by introducing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functions as standard on all versions. It’s also available with a new Scarlet Flare paint finish option. The Saloon’s powertrain choice is the 1.8-litre self-charging hybrid system.
The new-look Corolla range is available in Icon, Icon Tech, Design, Excel and GR Sport grade for the Hatchback and, with the addition of TREK trim, Touring Sports. The Corolla Saloon, powered by the 1.8-litre hybrid system, is offered in Icon, Icon Tech and Design specifications.
Toyota’s latest multimedia system, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, is standard on all new Corolla models.
The new line-up is on sale and available for delivery now; GR Sport model deliveries will commence in January 2020.
November 2020
Toyota Corolla updated for 2021MY
For the Icon grade – entry point to the Corolla line-up – the specification now includes a new seven-inch colour multi-information display in the driver’s instrument binnacle, while both Icon and Icon Tech versions are fitted with new LED front fog lights. These features are now standard across the full Corolla range.
Design models present a new-look cabin with a new black cloth seat upholstery and a textured chrome trim line running through the dashboard and door panels. There’s a new material for the door panel inserts and centre console trim, plus cool blue ambient lighting in the doors, front cup holders and centre console tray.
The Design grade comes with new-design 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.
There are four new colour choices for the optional bi-tone finish for the GR Sport and Excel Hatchback models: Denim Blue, Manhattan Grey, Obsidian Blue and Pure White, each combine with a black roof, pillars and door mirror housings. Obsidian Blue also joins the list of Corolla monotone paint finishes.
All Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon models gain an EV drive indicator in the driver’s instrument binnacle, showing when the car is running on electric power alone, with zero emissions and fuel consumption. The MyT connected car app and multimedia has additional functions, including stolen vehicle tracking, remote status check which confirms if the lights are off, the windows closed and the doors locked, and eCare remote “health check” which alerts the owner to any malfunction warnings that require attention.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla range is on sale now.
December 2021
Toyota Corolla updated for 2022
For 2022, the Toyota Corolla adopts Toyota Smart Connect+, Toyota’s latest multimedia system, taking connectivity, functionality and ease of use to a higher level.
Provided as standard or an option on all versions except Corolla Icon grade, the new platform has more powerful processing capacity (CPU) that operates 2.4 times faster than the current system. Operated via an eight-inch High Definition central touchscreen, it gives instant access to a series of smart connected services, including cloud-based navigation with continuous, “always on” traffic information, 3D city mapping, highway signage and fixed traffic camera locations.
All data and information are delivered via the communications module (DCM), so no phone pairing is required for smart connected services and no additional data costs are incurred.
The driver can also make use of a new on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia and navigation.
Software updates are made seamlessly, over the air and easy smartphone integration is provided via Apple CarPlay, with wireless connection, and (with a wired connection) Android Auto. A four-year Toyota Smart Connect package, including local parking and road event information, over-the-air updates and the voice agent, is included in the vehicle’s purchase price.
New colours are also being introduced for Corolla – Hatchback, Touring Sports and Saloon – with the addition of Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic. These will also be available in a bi-tone combination for the Hatchback.
For the saloon, the model’s exterior appearance is gaining an extra touch of refinement with a new 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheel design with a bright machined finish. This will be fitted as standard to the Design grade.
Toyota is extending its partnership with leading bicycle manufacturer TREK Bikes, a partnership that has seen the hybrid electric Corolla Touring Sports doing regular service as team cars for the TREK-Segafredo pro-cycling team.
With the relationship set to continue through to December 2022, Toyota is introducing a new Corolla Trek Special Edition model, building on the established Trek Touring Sports. It offers a higher specification while retaining the more purposeful design that reflects Corolla’s ability to meet the demands of supporting elite athletes competing on some of the world’s most challenging roads.
The Corolla Trek Special Edition will be powered exclusively by the 2.0-litre self-charging hybrid electric system and feature the more powerful Trek exterior look, with ride height raised by 20mm, wheel arch mouldings and front and rear under-runs.
The Trek Special Edition will introduce new-design 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome door window frames, while the cabin will feature piano black door handles, black leather upholstery and a satin chrome deco line across the instrument panel and front doors.
May 3019
Toyota five year warranty can now be extended to seven years for £495, including MoT and Toyota Roadside Assistance.
What to watch out for
The petrol gauge on a 2019 Corolla Hybrid Excel reads 3/4's when the tank is full. Toyota dealer is unable to fix the fault.
