2020 Toyota Corolla

The five Corolla trim levels start with the L. This has 15-inch steel wheels, automatic high beams, and LED headlights. The LE adds heated side door mirrors and 16-inch wheels, while the sportier SE adds 18-inch alloy wheels, unique exterior trim elements, and upgraded headlights. Bump up to the XLE for 16-inch alloy wheels and several interior upgrades, or the XSE for the XLE's upgrades with the sportier look and power of the SE. A sunroof comes with the SE if you get the manual transmission and is an available option with the CVT.

All the models except the SE get a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain works with a CVT and comes with front-wheel drive. The SE and the XSE get the 2.0-liter engine with 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Toyota also gives these a special CVT with paddle shifters, and you can opt for a manual transmission with the SE.

The new suspension Toyota added to the Corolla for the 2020 model year improves the quality of the ride. It stays composed when you bring it around tight corners and smooths out bumps to make the ride more comfortable when riding over most road surfaces. The new platform feels solid, and the steering is quick and responsive.

Both the sedan and the hatchback have room for up to five passengers, and if you bump up to a higher trim level, the sport seats provide more support. The cabin has a minimalistic design without a lot of extra's to get in the way. The SE adds sport seats up front along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the XLE and above have simulated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Technology in the Corolla starts with a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port, and a six-speaker stereo. Moving up through the trims adds extra USB ports, an 8-inch touch screen, satellite radio, and an upgraded stereo.

All the 2020 Corolla's have a rearview camera, and it comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite. This includes forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, a traffic sign reader, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. It also comes with lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning. The XLE adds a blind-spot monitoring system, and adaptive headlights are an available option for the XSE and the XLE.