2019 Toyota Corolla

2019 Toyota Corolla Highlights

The 2019 Toyota Corolla represents the final year of the iconic compact sedan's 11th generation. While it doesn't introduce significant changes compared to the previous model year, it continues to offer the reliability, efficiency, and value that have made the Corolla a perennial bestseller in its segment.

As the last model year before a significant redesign, the 2019 Corolla maintains its familiar styling and features. This consistency can appeal to buyers who prefer a well-established and proven design over the potential uncertainties of a brand-new model.

Competitors in the compact sedan include the Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Ford Focus, and Chevrolet Cruze. The Corolla Hatchback is a distinct model that is covered separately.

Key Details

• Compact sedan body style
• Two engine options: 1.8-liter four-cylinder (132 hp) and 1.8-liter four-cylinder with Valvematic technology (140 hp in LE Eco)
• Front-wheel drive (FWD)
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT) standard on most trims, 6-speed manual available on SE
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) across all trims

Benefits

• Excellent fuel economy, especially in LE Eco trim
• Comprehensive standard safety features
• Comfortable ride quality
• User-friendly technology features
• Spacious interior for a compact sedan
• Strong resale value

Related: Which Years Of Used Toyota Corollas Are Most Reliable?

2019 Toyota Corolla Overview

Performance

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers two engine options::

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 132 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque
• Standard on L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE trims
• Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or 6-speed manual (SE trim only)

1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with Valvematic technology:

• 140 horsepower and 126 lb-ft of torque
• Exclusive to LE Eco trim
• Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Corolla a top five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features across all 2019 Toyota Corolla models include:

• Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) system
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane departure alert with steering assist
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic high beams
• Eight airbags, including driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)
• Traction control (TRAC)
• Anti-lock brake system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)
• Smart Stop Technology (SST) (minimizes unintended acceleration)

Additional safety features available on select trims include:

• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Driving

The 2019 Toyota Corolla delivers a comfortable and predictable driving experience. The standard 1.8-liter engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, though it may feel strained during highway passing maneuvers. The CVT operates smoothly, helping to maximize fuel efficiency and providing a seamless driving experience.

Cornering is a no-surprises event thanks to an adequately tuned suspension, but the Corolla will never be mistaken for a sports car or a performance sedan. However, the SE trim, with its available 6-speed manual transmission, offers a more engaging driving experience for those who prefer more control over gear selection.

Interior

The 2019 Toyota Corolla interior is spacious and well-designed, comfortably accommodating five passengers. What the controls lack in sophisticated design is made up for by logical placement and a solid tactile feel. Higher trims like the XLE and XSE offer premium touches such as leatherette upholstery and contrast stitching.

The front seats provide good comfort and support. While the second row is more compact, it features generous legroom for a vehicle in this class. The trunk space is competitive for the segment, with 13 cubic feet. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats (standard on most trims) allow for expanded cargo capacity when needed.

2019 Toyota Corolla interior features available on select trims include:

• SofTex-trimmed seats
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic climate control
• Moonroof

Technology

The Entune Audio system is the infotainment command center for the 2019 Toyota Corolla. Key technology features available on select trims include:

• 7-inch touchscreen display
• Entune Audio Plus with Connected Navigation App
• Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and audio streaming
• USB port with iPod connectivity
• Siri Eyes Free
• Integrated backup camera with projected path
• Automatic climate control
• Proximity keyless entry with push-button start

Additional technologies available on select trims include:

• Integrated navigation system
• Entune App Suite
• Premium audio system

Fuel Economy

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers competitive fuel economy ratings for the compact sedan segment. EPA fuel economy estimates vary depending on the powertrain:

1.8-liter four-cylinder with CVT (most trims):

• FWD (mpg): 28 city / 36 highway / 32 combined

1.8L four-cylinder with 6-speed manual (SE trim):

• FWD (mpg): 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined

1.8L four-cylinder with Valvematic technology (LE Eco trim):

• FWD (mpg): 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined

2019 Toyota Corolla Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book gave the 2019 Toyota Corolla an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. Owners praise the Corolla for its reliability, value, comfort, quality, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Notable fuel economy for a non-hybrid vehicle
• Standard advanced driver aids
• Comfortable cabin and spacious trunk
• Available upscale trims
• Excellent resale value

Problems

• The base engine can feel underpowered in some situations
• Handling is not as sporty as some competitors
• Interior materials in lower trims may feel basic
• Limited availability of some advanced technology features in base trims
• Road noise can be noticeable at highway speeds

Review: Toyota Corolla Top Speed: How Fast Is It?

CoPilot's Take

The 2019 Toyota Corolla represents a solid choice for a compact sedan. Its reliability, efficiency, and value blend has made it the world’s best-selling car. Its strengths lie in its reputation for dependability, impressive fuel economy (particularly in the LE Eco trim), and comprehensive suite of standard safety features.

The Corolla's spacious interior provides comfortable accommodation for both front and rear passengers. Passengers will also appreciate a smooth ride and confident handling.

However, the Corolla isn't without its drawbacks. The base engine, while efficient, may feel underpowered in certain situations, such as highway merging or hill climbing. Driving enthusiasts may find the handling less engaging compared to sportier competitors like the Honda Civic.

While interior quality is generally good, lower trims can feel basic. Additionally, some advanced technology features, like blind-spot monitoring, are reserved for higher trim levels, which might disappoint tech-savvy buyers looking at entry-level editions.

2019 Toyota Corolla FAQs

Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla a good car?

Yes, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is generally considered a good car. It has a good reputation for reliability (4 out of 5 from Consumer Reports), good fuel economy (up to 40 mpg), and a reasonably spacious interior. The standard suite of advanced safety technology hasn’t been typically found in affordable cars since 2019. It’s not the most exciting car, but it gets you where you need to go safely and confidently.

Is the 2019 Toyota Corolla a hybrid?

No, the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan is unavailable as a hybrid in the U.S. market. The standard powertrain options for this model year include a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine in two variants: a 132-horsepower version for most trims and a more efficient 140-horsepower version for the LE Eco trim. However, it's worth noting that Toyota introduced a hybrid version of the Corolla with the next-generation model in 2020.

Is 2019 a good year for the Toyota Corolla?

2019 is generally considered a good year for the Toyota Corolla. As the final year of its generation before a major redesign, the 2019 model benefits from several years of refinements and improvements. NHTSA has reports of engine and transmission problems, but these aren’t widespread. Solid reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and a few consumer issues on carcomplaints.com point to a dependable vehicle. Further, the 2019 Toyota Corolla is new enough to offer advanced safety technology but isn’t very new, so there are depreciation benefits.

What are the trims for the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

The 2019 Toyota Corolla comes in six grades:

• 2019 Toyota Corolla L
• 2019 Toyota Corolla LE
• 2019 Toyota Corolla LE Eco
• 2019 Toyota Corolla SE
• 2019 Toyota Corolla XLE
• 2019 Toyota Corolla XSE

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