2019 Toyota Corolla Review

Detailed Review

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback replaces the Corolla iM (previously the Scion iM), and with sharp new styling, a redesigned interior, and a newly developed manual transmission, this new Corolla may have the makings of something more than just another appliance.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (168 horsepower, 151 pound-feet of torque) that drives the front wheels.

Toyota does offer two transmission options: a six-speed manual transmission as standard (as was the case with our tester) and an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT simulates ten gear ratios and even includes a launch gear to make the vehicle feel more sporty off the line.

2019 Toyota Corolla Grades 

2019 Toyota Corolla L: This is the base trim and comes with an Entune Audio system with a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth, USB connector, six speakers, speech recognition, and Siri Eyes Free is standard on the Corolla L basic model. A rearview camera and Toyota Safety Sense P, which offers automatic high-beam lighting, lane departure warning with steering assistance, pre-collision braking with pedestrian recognition, and adaptive cruise control, are both standard safety features.

2019 Toyota Corolla LE: The only significant upgrade in the Corolla LE is automated climate control. The LE Eco has a somewhat more powerful and fuel-efficient version of the normal engine that comes with the LE.

2019 Toyota Corolla SE: The SE sedan is equipped with performance-oriented features such as a Sport driving mode and a more assertive external design. Standard extras include upholstery made of synthetic leather, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start. Moonroof and an improved Entune Audio Plus system with a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, and navigation are among the available amenities.

2019 Toyota Corolla XLE and XSE: The Corolla XLE and XSE are derived from the LE and SE models. Both models have an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, proximity keyless entry, a sunroof, and the Entune Audio Plus system.

Interior

Corolla’s interior can appeal to any driver. Its controls can be picked out quickly, and the easy outward visibility promotes driver confidence. But the fairly modest back seat takes the scoring down a little.

Front passengers have more than adequate room all around, but taller occupants will steal much of the legroom from rear-seat passengers. There’s considerable shoulder room in the rear, and the back of the front seats are chopped away to give for a bit of additional rear-seat knee room. Even so, taller passengers will still feel crowded.

Cargo Space

A nearly absurdly high cargo floor robs this hatchback of much of its utility. When the seats are folded down, the cargo space is compact and small, measuring just 17.8 cubic feet. 

The door pockets and cup holders can accommodate a small range of goods. In front of the shift lever is a shelf that appears to be for a smartphone, but it isn’t quite large enough. Additionally, the middle console bin is quite small and difficult to reach into.

Exterior

The 2019 Corolla Hatchback is fascinating, headed from the front by a large new grille and aggressively designed LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED taillights. 

The XSE trim level also has LED front fog lights and a chrome front grille surround, as opposed to the regular SE’s dark gray appearance. The Corolla SE comes standard with 16-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, while the XSE adds 18-inch machine-finished alloys. 

Regardless of trim level, a chrome rear diffuser with slim dual chrome exhaust tips is standard.

Safety Features

Toyota Corolla’s Star Safety System features include; Four-wheel ABS, EBD, and brake assist both a driver knee airbag and a front passenger seat-cushion airbag. 

Ground Clearance 

The 2019 Corolla has a ground clearance is 5.1 inches which is below the minimum recommended ground clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may not clear some speed bumps. It might be necessary to modify the ground clearance to adjust the car to Kenyan roads. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.

Fuel Consumption 

2019 Toyota corolla 1.8 engine fuel consumption: 11.9L/100Km

2019 Toyota corolla 2.0 engine fuel consumption: 6.5L/100Km

Stability and Handling 

Given the current crop of compact vehicles, performance has never been a huge aspect for the Corolla and it still isn’t. The steering is light but numb and disconnected at low speeds. At higher speeds, when there is less help, greater on-center feel, and even a semblance of feedback turning a corner, things start to get better in Sport mode.
Even when not driving with any real athletic intent, the Corolla handles remarkably well. The all-season tires don’t offer much grip, but we were pleasantly pleased by how composed the Corolla stays at a moderately enthusiastic pace, which is more than enough to make it seem energetic about town.
Around town, the brakes feel decent, are smooth and simple to modulate, and lack the pedal squish that some other Toyota models suffer with.

What we like about the 2019 Toyota Corolla

• Great fuel economy
• Roomy cabin
• Many standard tech features

What we don’t

• Below-average cargo space
• Sluggish acceleration
• low ground clearance

Conclusion 

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is one of the best compact sedans on the market, making it easy to recommend. Although it lacks the upgraded technology of the 2020 model year, it retains Toyota’s famed dependability. If you want a car that will get you from A to B without a lot of hassle, the Corolla is an excellent option.