The 2020 Toyota Corolla lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor stereo and A/C system issues reported. At $19,400 to $23,025, it’s pricey, but worth the money for one of the most reliable compact cars on the market.
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Toyota Corolla since it offers a lot of technology with efficient engines. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, comfortable seating, along with the smooth engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are good for a compact sedan, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also good in the trunk.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread mechanical issues on the 2020 Corolla. Avoid models from 2009–2010 while versions from 2011–2022 are all very reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay for a compact car, although the Corolla is not as exciting to drive as some of the competition.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 Corolla sedan is a safe small car earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG, giving 435 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $51 cheaper than average at $132 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Toyota Corolla is more expensive than other small cars, although depreciation is better than average, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Corolla?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Toyota Corolla offers improvements on the outgoing models, with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Corolla at 3.5/5, praising the comfortable ride quality, but doesn’t like the limited rear seat headroom.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2020 Corolla a 4.2/5, enjoying the advanced standard safety features, but owners don’t like the boring driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Toyota Corolla Have?
Common problems found on the 2020 Toyota Corolla include the stereo system freezing, a sour smell from the A/C system, along with trouble changing gears in cold weather. Overall, these problems are fairly minor compared to other compact cars on the market, leading to low repair costs as the Corolla ages.
The stereo system freezing is the most widespread complaint on the 2020 Toyota Corolla, showing up in the first 1,500 miles. There are software updates available for the EnTune infotainment system which improves its reliability. Most dealers will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50.
A sour smell from the A/C system is another issue reported by 2020 Corolla owners at around 5,000 miles. Usually the problem is caused by a clogged condenser drain line for the A/C system. Cleaning out the drain line costs around $100, depending on local labor rates.
Trouble changing gears in cold weather also shows up on some Corolla models in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is just caused by the fluid being thick in extreme cold conditions. Allowing the transmission to heat up, which will cause the fluid to thin out, solves the problem usually.
There are two recalls on the 2020 Toyota Corolla, which is similar to other small cars from the same year. The most serious recall covers the backup lights, which may fail. Toyota will replace the wire harness on affected models for free. The second recall is for a load capacity label, which Toyota will also replace.
How Long Will the 2020 Toyota Corolla Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Toyota Corolla can last over 300,000 miles, which is over 50,000 miles more than competitors like the Honda Civic. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $304 per year.
As a used 2020 Toyota Corolla reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the fuel filter costing $130, stabilizer bar links costing $200, along with the crankshaft position sensor which costs $250.
Yes. It is a reliable vehicle. This is a brand that I trust and all cars I have purchased in my lifetime have all been corolla vehicles.
No the car is brand new it is a 2020 has no problems whatsoever the car rides perfectly fine with all the essentials that it brings with it.
Yes it is very reliable. I didn't see any problems with it in the past 6 months that I've been using it.
Yeah it is reliable have not had any problems with it everything about it works very well I enjoy driving it.
Yes it is Highly reliable. It will automatically put your car in the right direction is you accidentally move toward the curb or fall out of line. It will remind you if you are too close and it will DEFINITELY remind you if you do not have your seatbelt. It is a very loud never ending noise.
It has been very reliable. I have had no problems and have no concerns at this time. It is a new car so there have been no problems
It's very reliable. I haven't had any problems with it thus far. It's safe and reliable and I feel safe knowing my daughter is safe
It's my third Toyota so it's definitely a brand I trust. I have not had any problems with my Toyota. It's fuel efficient.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great in the 2020 Toyota Corolla offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with more powerful stereo options.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a compact car since it has Toyota Safety Sense which offers:
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Lane tracing assist
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
The only optional advanced driver assistance feature is blind spot monitoring.
Is the 2020 Toyota Corolla a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is a good value since it’s one of the most reliable compact cars on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,400 to $23,025, making it more than a Kia Forte or Hyundai Accent. When new, the price range was $19,600 to $25,550. Depreciation is better than other small sedans, only losing about 3% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Corolla?
There are five models of the Toyota Corolla offered for the 2020 model year from the base L all the way up to the more luxurious Corolla XSE. All of the Corolla models come standard with front-wheel drive. There’s also a Corolla hatchback model available.
L is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Air Conditioning
- LED Headlights
- Automatic High Beams
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 60/40-Split Folding Rear Seats
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- USB Port
- Rearview Camera
- Six-Speaker Sound System
LE is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Wheels
- Heated Mirrors
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Automatic Climate Control
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Rear-Seat Center Armrest
- Front and Rear Cupholders
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
SE adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Upgraded Headlights
- Sport Exterior Trim
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Selectable Drive Modes
- Sunroof
XLE is next in the lineup with:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Virtual Instrument Panel
- SofTex Simulated-Leather Upholstery
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Heated Front Seats
- Satellite Radio
XSE is the flagship model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power-Adjustable Sport Seats
- Nine-Speaker JBL Premium Audio System
- Ambient Interior Lighting
- Adaptive Headlights
What Engines Come In the Toyota Corolla?
- The base engine in the 2020 Corolla is an average 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 139 horsepower while getting up to 33 MPG. This engine comes standard on the L, LE, and XLE trims and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- The second engine option is a stronger 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 horsepower while also getting 33 MPG. This engine comes standard on the SE and XSE trims and is also paired with a CVT. However, the SE trim also offers the option of a six-speed manual transmission for those who prefer a more engaging driving experience. Performance is okay, taking 7.8 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Toyota Corolla Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Corolla?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla provides a comfortable ride with supportive seats and ample space for passengers. The front seats are well-padded and provide good lumbar support, which is important for long journeys. The rear seats also offer a good amount of legroom, making it easy for adults to sit comfortably.
The cabin is also designed to minimize road noise, which contributes to a more peaceful driving experience. Additionally, the climate control system is easy to use and provides ample airflow throughout the cabin. Overall, the 2020 Toyota Corolla offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience, making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and convenience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Corolla Have?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla comes with a variety of storage options, including a spacious trunk that provides 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space. This should be enough to accommodate several large suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded down to create even more storage space.
The Corolla also has a lot of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a center console with a sliding armrest and a storage tray. The door pockets can also hold water bottles, and there are cup holders in both the front and rear of the vehicle.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The twelfth generation of the Toyota Corolla was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: Fold-down rear center armrest standard on all models above the L.
2016: Updated Entune stereo system along with minor exterior styling changes.
2017: New LED headlights, better interior materials, along with a standard rearview camera.
2018: No major changes.
2019: No updates since 2017.
2020: Fully redesigned for the twelfth generation with new styling, interior, and technology.
2021: Standard Android Auto on all models, new Apex Edition sport model added.
How Does the Toyota Corolla Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Toyota Corolla is one of the best compact cars on the market, offering outstanding reliability loaded with all of the latest safety technology, making it a great choice for shoppers.
The Honda Civic is another popular competitor available for about $2,000 less. Where the Honda Civic stands out is with a sportier driving experience, while the Toyota Corolla offers more standard safety technology. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since it lasts longer, although both are excellent cars worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Toyota Camry is a larger sedan offered by Toyota which is about $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Toyota Camry, while ownership costs are lower on the Toyota Corolla since it has a more efficient engine. We recommend the Toyota Camry for most shoppers since it’s more practical, although both are excellent cars.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Corolla?
Yes, the 2020 Toyota corolla se is a reliable vehicle. The brand is reliable and provides a good drive with advanced safety features.
Yes it is amazing car drives by itself and everything it is a great car to take out the family a nice road trip s and enjoy a nice view around the city.
Yes it is a very good vehicle. Simple, useful and such a convenient car to use. The fact that Toyota has a 10 year reputation makes me trust it more.
Yes it is a great car it is smooth riding do wish it was a little bigger but I like the technology it has in it.
It was about 23,800 dollars. It saves great on gas. It has two doors, 5 seats. The technology is amazing. A full tank of gas is $23.
Yes, smooth ride, luxury for cheaper. I get compliments a lot. The wheels are nice. It looks nicer than what I actually paid for it.
Yes it's a great car. It's great on gas. It's very safe. It's got amazing features especially related to safety.
I'm in love with my Toyota...it drives so smooth and the safety features are great. It's good on gas.