Makes›Toyota›Corolla›2020

2020 Toyota Corolla

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.

Toyota Corolla
Pictured: Toyota Corolla Hybrid (E210) IMG 4338. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Hybrid, 4dr Sedan L/Le, 4dr Sedan Se/Xle/Xse, 5dr Hatch
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl
Horsepower
139–169 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Seats
5
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
52 combined · 53 city / 52 hwy
Length
172.4–182.7 in
Curb weight
2,899–3,075 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 52 MPG combined — 90% better than the average 2020 compact car (27.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 169 hp, versus about 228 hp for similar 2020 models.
  • Many owner complaints314 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 54 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is a compact car offered with 2 engines (1.8L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,042 lb (4dr Sedan Hybrid).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 52 MPG combined (53 city / 52 highway), 90% better than the 2020 compact car average of 27.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,300 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 314 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2020

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 36 to 52

Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 Corolla →

Trims, performance & features

Engine169 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine139 hp1.8L 4-cyl
Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SE, CVTLESE, CVT, w/Premium pkg

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Adaptive driving beamStandard

Built in: Toyota City, Aichi · Blue Springs, Mississippi

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 Corolla configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Hybrid182.7 in69.3 in55.9 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.8 in3,042 lb61/39
4dr Sedan L/Le182.7 in69.3 in55.9 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.8 in2,899 lb61/39
4dr Sedan Se/Xle/Xse182.7 in69.3 in55.9 in106.3 in59.8 / 59.8 in3,075 lb61/39
5dr Hatch172.4 in70.5 in56.7 in103.9 in63 / 63 in3,060 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Corolla Hybrid Hybrid1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive53 / 52 / 52+90%$1,300170
Corolla Hatchback2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive32 / 41 / 35+28%$1,900250
Corolla2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 40 / 34+25%$1,950257
Corolla XSE2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 38 / 34+25%$1,950265
Corolla1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 38 / 33+21%$2,050267
Corolla1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 39 / 33+21%$2,050266
Corolla Hatchback XSE2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S10)Front-Wheel Drive30 / 38 / 33+21%$2,050266
Corolla2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 36 / 32+17%$2,100277
Corolla XLE1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 37 / 32+17%$2,100274
Corolla Hatchback2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 37 / 31+14%$2,150280
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $5,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27.3 MPG2020 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.4%
2020 Toyota Corolla 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.5%
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash test — 2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD
Side crash test — 2020 Toyota Corolla 5 HB FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2020 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2020 Toyota Corolla (this car)52 MPG★★★★★6
2020 Honda Civic36 MPG★★★★★5
2020 Honda Accord48 MPGNot rated6
2020 Toyota Camry52 MPG★★★★★3
2020 Nissan GT-R18 MPGNot rated0
2020 Toyota Prius56 MPG★★★★★0
2020 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (6)

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Dec 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V865000 · 999,901 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Exterior Lighting › Back Up Lights · Apr 8, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V205000 · 960 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Corolla Hatchback vehicles. A rear hatch wire harness connector may have been damaged during assembly, which may cause the back-up lights to fail.
Risk
If the back-up lights fail, there can be an increased risk of a crash while the vehicle is reversing.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear hatch wire harness, free of charge. The recall began June 30, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB07 and 20TA07.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Dec 11, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V877000 · 9,468 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019-2020 C-HR and 2020 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid vehicles equipped with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.
Risk
In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 19TB22 and 19TA22.
Service Brakes · Jul 24, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V544000 · 6,925 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2019 Lexus LS500, LC500, ES300h, UX250h, LS500h, Toyota Prius, RAV4 HV, 2019-2020 Toyota Prius Prime, and 2020 Corolla HV vehicles. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Risk
Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2019. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 and Lexus owners may contact Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are K1L/K0L. Lexus' numbers for this recall are K2F/KLF.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Mar 27, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V244000 · 3,634 vehicles

Problem
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2020 Toyota Corolla is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

314Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
22Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
23Injuries reported
10,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine111
Unknown Or Other79
Power Train39
Electrical System33
Service Brakes24
Air Bags19
Visibility/Wiper17
Fuel/Propulsion System14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 624/12: 225/01: 425/02: 425/03: 525/04: 725/05: 1025/06: 625/07: 425/08: 325/09: 525/10: 425/11: 425/12: 226/01: 426/02: 326/03: 126/04: 326/05: 426/06: 226/07: 126/08: 326/09: 226/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2020 Toyota Corolla buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 111 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 39 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Electrical System — 33 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Corolla. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Corolla years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Corolla50–Not rated00
2026 Corolla50182.7 inNot rated118
2025 Corolla50182.7 in★★★★★133
2024 Corolla50182.7 in★★★★★368
2023 Corolla50182.7 in★★★★★474
2022 Corolla52182.7 in★★★★★0105
2021 Corolla52182.7 in★★★★★1188
2019 Corolla36182.7 in★★★★★6205
2018 Corolla34182.7 in★★★★★3143
2017 Corolla34182.7 in★★★★★3190
2016 Corolla34182.7 in★★★★★1215
2015 Corolla34182.7 in★★★★★1220

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →