2019 Toyota Corolla Review
2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE
MSRP: $19,990
Engine: 2.0 liter 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 168
Torque: 151
MPG: 37 mixed as observed
Text: Yousef Alvi // Photography: Jonathan Walker
As an automotive journalist you become spoiled when a car gets dropped off. Usually it’s a top of the line model brimming with all the tech, leather and toys you can imagine. It’s like candyland for a nerdy car guy like me. So when this new 2019 Toyota Corolla got dropped off I was expecting the same but what I got instead was the lowly SE trim...and it was excellent.
“Toyota injected personality and soul back into the Corolla”
So what’s different about this generation Corolla compared to the last? Everything. Instead of a dreary snoozemobile, Toyota injected personality and soul back into the Corolla and that makes it one of the best small cars on the road today.
What exactly did they change? They added splash of sport, a dash of tech, a heaping full of refinement and sprinkle of style. Add those ingredients together you get one of the best small cars I have ever driven. Quiet, comfortable, fun, practical and efficient. All the attributes that one is looking for in a small runabout and all priced at $19,000! What a effing bargain!
The new Corolla is powered by a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder making 168 horsepower and a not bad 151 ft/lbs of torque. Our tester also came with the 6 speed manual transmission and it was nothing short of joyous to drive. The gears were precise but hit the iMT button the fun begins! The Corolla will revmatch downshift for you, hold revs so it does not stall out at low speeds and it will also smooth out gear changes! It’s the perfect vehicle for beginners but even those with a lot of experience is still a blast to use. The clutch is nice and light and the entire experience just makes the Corolla come alive at your fingertips.
Dynamically the Corolla is a playful thing in the corners with it’s light but accurate steering. It’s more of a composed cruiser though and oh boy does it cruise down the highway. It’s quiet, comfortable and refined. The ride quality and NVH of this new Corolla rivals much more expensive cars. Kudos Toyota...kudos.
Interior wise the seats are supportive and comfortable. While our tester did not come with nav...it did come with CarPlay which to be honest is better anyway. Adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist come stock in all trims, making model selection a lot easier and safer no matter what your budget. The rear seat legroom can be a bit tight but there is plenty of headroom and the rear hatch is just huge with added fold flat seats.
So how do I sum up the 2019 Toyota Corolla? Refreshing, bold, and exciting. Not sure those three words were ever uttered about a Corolla before but it fits this new one succinctly.
