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The Corolla is Toyota’s bestselling vehicle, as it’s easy to see why. Here’s what to look for when buying a pre-owned Corolla.
When we compiled our list of the 10 best used cars in Canada, the Corolla was the clear choice for best used small car.
But before we get into the Toyota Corolla review, let’s give props to Akio Toyoda. In 2016, Toyota’s then-president and CEO (he stepped down in January 2023) declared that he was done with boring cars, delighting everyone who dearly missed the last-generation Supra, MR2 or Celica, amongst others. Toyoda knew he was making a bold claim—Toyota is one of the world’s largest carmakers, and ushering in sweeping changes takes time.
Since Toyoda issued that challenge to his team, however, the company’s progress has been brisk—it has released new versions of the Camry and Supra, as well as the company’s bestseller: the Corolla.
Yes, it’s a great car, and improvements have kept coming over the years. For model-year 2014, Toyota launched an all-new version of the Corolla, complete with standard 17-inch wheels, a more chiselled exterior design and improved fuel efficiency thanks to a new transmission and ECO trim level. This 11th-generation Corolla was refreshed for model-year 2017, just in time for the car’s 50th birthday: it received new safety features, styling updates and interior improvements.
In 2019, the Corolla hatchback arrived, and 2020 marked the introduction of a new 12th-generation sedan model complete with available hybrid power. Model-year 2021 saw the introduction of a sportier Corolla Apex Edition model with unique styling and a higher-performing suspension. The 2021 Corolla also got Android Auto, joining Amazon Alexa and Apple CarPlay functionality added the previous year. Additional airbags make for 10 in total, and advanced safety equipment is now standard across a wider range of models. If it’s in your budget, a 2021 Corolla is likely your best bet.
If we hadn’t told you the car in the photo above was a Corolla, would you have known? It looks particularly slick in Blue Flame paint, which is about as far from Corolla’s default livery of beige as you can get. Toyota front grilles can be pretty polarizing, but this car makes the design look cool.
The excitement has been amped up inside as well—not as dramatically as on the outside, but what the interior lacks in style, the Corolla makes up for in function. Toyota’s expertise in build quality and ergonomics is on full display, and everything is tastefully designed. The dashboard features an eight-inch infotainment screen with Toyota’s Entune app suite.
On the safety front, Toyota’s got you covered with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety technologies including blind spot warning, collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert/steering assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control and automatic high beams.
While the recent Corolla Hatchback is undeniably sportier than its predecessors, it isn’t ready for the big leagues just yet. Let’s look at the engine, a 2.5-litre unit that Toyota calls “Dynamic Force.” The good points: It makes much more power than before and sports a lofty 13:1 compression ratio but still runs happily and efficiently on regular gas.
The downside: The horsepower seems to be provided by Clydesdales instead of thoroughbreds (meaning it doesn’t really feel all that quick), the engine doesn’t sound thrilled to be revved past 4,000 rpm, and when we shift gears, its management software causes it to hang on to revs more dearly than an aging star quarterback clinging to faded glory.
Perhaps a turbo would help in adding to the pace this car craves. For buyers with bigger budgets, the Toyota GR Corolla, introduced in 2022, answers that call—but good luck finding a used one. In between? Consider the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, available in the model’s sedan configuration from model-year 2020. Not only faster and more powerful than the standard Corolla, the hybrid-powered version also uses less fuel, especially in city driving. (It also happens to be our pick for the best used small hybrid sedan in Canada.)
The Corolla’s engine will not protest being shifting into sixth gear even at sedate city speeds; it doesn’t lug or judder—an asset to those steadfast on wringing every bit of energy from each tank of gas.
The chassis is also a huge step in the right direction, starting with the decision to turf the twist beam rear suspension for a more contemporary and sophisticated multilink setup. The TNGA platform—which happens to be a good one—underpins this car as well as others in Toyota’s lineup, including the jumbo Highlander. Handling is actually fun, and it does not come at the expense of comfort. However, some owners will wish for a larger cargo hold, a more impressive infotainment display, and improved performance from the low-beams for nighttime driving.
The Corolla Hatchback is now less like an appliance and it’s become a car you’d sincerely want to drive, but there is still room for improvement. Enthusiast drivers will likely wish for a more positive and precise feel from the clutch, shifter and steering, although the Corolla is easy to keep locked on course on the highway. It doesn’t drift absentmindedly within its lane.
Those coming from Corolla sedans and the iM Hatchback will lament the reduced space in the rear seats and cargo area. If you need more room, look for the sedan version.
When test-driving a used Corolla hatchback with manual transmission, take note of the quality of the gearshifts, especially from 1 to 2. Some owners have reported difficulty here, specifically in the form of shifting that’s notchy, rough or difficult. This, as well as unwanted noises or grinding sensations from the transmission, can be a sign of trouble. These symptoms may be more prevalent in extreme cold. Some owners have had manual transmissions repaired or replaced under warranty.
If the service history of the Corolla you’re considering is unclear, be sure to budget for a professional battery and charging system inspection at or before your purchase. These days, factory-installed batteries don’t seem to last as long as they used to, and a weak or dying battery can wreak major havoc with the performance of numerous electronic and safety systems. To be clear—starting your ownership experience off with a fresh battery is a great way to defend against potential electronic gremlins and associated headaches.
Finally, carefully check the Corolla’s windshield and bumper for signs of damage. Safety systems rely on cameras and sensors built into (or positioned behind) the windshield and front bumper, and damage to these parts can negatively affect their operation. If you notice a cracked or chipped windshield or a damaged front bumper, proceed with caution.
Simply put, Toyota’s venerable Corolla has been the gold standard for those looking for a vehicle with competitive pricing, incredible reliability and excellent fuel efficiency. Bundled with Toyota’s Safety Sense technology, it’s clear why the Corolla has been the bestselling nameplate of all time, with over 50 million of them having been sold since its introduction in 1966. The Corolla has a stellar reputation for reliability for a reason.
Auto insurance quotes are based on several factors, including your age, location and more. Here’s the estimated monthly cost to insure a 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE for these driver profiles:
Quotes provided by Ratehub*. (Ratehub and MoneySense are both owned by Ratehub Inc.) Policies include $1 million liability coverage, $1,000 collision deductible and $1,000 comprehensive deductible, with discounts for bundling and UBI.
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I wish the Corolla hybrid wagon was sold on this side of the Atlantic.
Give me a wagon over a sedan any day.