Name: Toyota Corolla (2019 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Toyota Corolla
Rating: 72.0

Summary

The Toyota Corolla is a mid-sized family car available as a five-door hatchback or estate. The latest model was launched in 2019 and replaces the Toyota Auris, which had previously replaced an older generation of Corolla.

The hatchback and ‘Touring Sport’ estate models of the new Corolla are built in Burnaston in the UK. The range did also include a saloon model built in Turkey, but the saloon is no longer imported and sold by the brand in the UK. All versions sold in the UK are powered by petrol-electric hybrid engines, which are currently manufactured at a plant in North Wales.

The family car was given a facelift in 2022, consisting of a few cosmetic tweaks, Toyota’s latest infotainment and safety software, and a small performance boost for its petrol-electric hybrid engines.

The Toyota Corolla has received consistently positive reviews from the UK motoring media. It has received particular praise for its practicality, build quality and low running costs. Criticisms have been directed at its driving dynamics compared to rivals like the Ford Focus.

As of January 2025, the Toyota Corolla holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 73%.

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Key specifications

Body style: Medium hatchback and estate
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £30,505 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19
Last updated: Summer 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Corolla buyers will be happy with the eco-friendly hybrid drivetrain, in a car that offers more space than its predecessor and looks a lot more attractive.”
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Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Touring Sports
Score: 8 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is probably the best estate car of its size on the market, with recent improvements helping to boost its appeal.” (Ellis Hyde)
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Model reviewed: Range overview (hatch, saloon and estate)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla is better than ever, offering efficiency, peerless reliability and an enjoyable drive.”
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Model reviewed: Trek estate
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re expecting any sort of added off-road ability from the Toyota Corolla Trek, then you’ll be disappointed; the extra cladding and raised ride height are purely for show. The price tag also makes it look costly against its competitors, especially when the level of kit isn’t that generous either.”
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Model reviewed: Corolla hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“The Corolla is Toyota’s best family hatchback for a long time, with an appealing blend of refinement around town, as well as a comfortable ride, precise handling and solid build quality.”
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Model reviewed: Corolla Saloon
Score: 8 / 10
“The Corolla Saloon is a coherent, well-resolved proposition that deserves to do well in its admittedly small class.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: Hatchback (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Corolla is a more stylish and sharper handling car these days than in previous generations and British buyers can take pride in the fact it’s built here in the UK to such seemingly high standards.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 8 / 10
“A smart looking compact four-door derived from its hatchback brother, the Toyota Corolla Saloon is the least practical in the family but arguably the most stylish looking, its economical hybrid powertrain making it stand out against rivals from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: Hatchback Design 1.8 Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“Particularly for drivers who can’t plug in – the Corolla represents a good all-round package.” (Sean Keywood)
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Car+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Corolla gives a nod to those who want a hybrid that drives a bit more like a conventional car, with a slug of style for good measure.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid estate Trek
Score: 6 / 10
“As with the Ford Focus Active, the changes over the regular estate have not improved the car. You end up with something that’s towards the higher end of the Toyota Corolla estate price scale, but with inferior ride and questionable looks.”
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Model reviewed: Touring Sports range review
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s pleasingly roomy and uncluttered for occupants, and the easy-to-use tech feels like it’s there to help.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: (2023)
Score: 9 / 10
“Tweaks made to the Toyota Corolla have only made it an even more attractive package. With improved hybrid powertrains and a higher-quality interior, it really is a brilliant choice in this class.” (Ted Welford)
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Model reviewed: Mild Hybrid range
Score: 8 / 10
“While Toyota’s family hatchbacks might have lacked flair in recent years, the latest Corolla is a solid return to form. With a striking look, it’s one of the most attractive models in this class, while generous equipment levels and its easy-going nature will appeal to many.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8.6 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla hatchback is great for low running costs, comfort and reliability.” (Tom Jervis, Sam Naylor)
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8.4 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is a family-friendly estate with economical, reliable hybrid powertrains.” (Ben Custard)
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Score: 8 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla feels like the right car at the right time, especially in hybrid guise. It’s efficient, well-equipped and relaxing.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Touring Sports estate range
Score: 7 / 10
“If you’re looking for an estate car with low running costs but aren’t keen on the idea of owning a diesel, the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is an ideal alternative. However, it still isn’t the best of its kind if boot space matters most.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon range
Score: 7 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla Saloon is a comfy, quiet long-distance cruiser, but it can’t match some alternatives for rear seat space.”
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Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 9 / 10
“If you want low running costs but also want to avoid a diesel, the Toyota Corolla is a stylish, comfortable and good-to-drive hybrid. However, it can’t match alternatives for space.”
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Score: 7 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla is a great-looking family car with efficient hybrid engines. However, it can’t match alternatives on practicality.”
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Company Car Today+

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid Corolla Trek estate
“The Trek’s raised right height cladding and particularly extra equipment and interior flourishes make for a useful addition to the impressive new Corolla range.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic GR Sport
“The GR Sport trim improves on the already sharp-looking Toyota Corolla with some neat, if slightly understated, cosmetic enhancements. It’s not cheap, although running costs help rein in some of the up-front price.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Excel
Score: 7.7 / 10
“The Toyota Corolla has a lot more going for it than its Auris hybrid predecessor, and does much more than just make a good theoretical buy. Although it does that, too.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Design
“One of the most refined cars in the class at a steady cruise. The 1.8 hybrid offers class-leading tax figures, too.”
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Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: (range review)
“The Corolla Hatchback is a particularly eye-catching proposition, with real kerb and car-park presence and a smart interior.”
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Daily Mirror+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric hybrid estate TREK
Score: 6 / 10
“Practical and attractive, the Corolla Trek should be as reliable as most Toyotas. Whether it is any more appealing than the standard estate will be very much down to your taste. And lifestyle, of course.”
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Design hatchback
Score: 6 / 10
“If you want an attractive, practical and economical hatch that’s made in Britain then you should certainly consider a Toyota Corolla.”
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“This is a solid, reliable family car and the worthy next generation of the Corolla brand.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“This is a solid, reliable family car and the worthy next generation of the Corolla brand.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“It’s not just the striking looks that aim to change our perception of the new Corolla, but also the platform underneath it – one that in other guises within the Toyota range has slowly been transforming the driving experience of Toyota’s mainstream offerings one new model at a time.”
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Green Car Guide+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre hybrid automatic Excel
Score: 8 / 10
“If you want an economical, low emission car, and if you can’t make a pure electric car or a plug-in hybrid work for you, then the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a good option.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s solid, comfortable, good looking, practical enough and… quite unexpectedly… half decent to drive.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Return to a traditional name for the radical Auris replacement”
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Model reviewed: Touring Sports estate range
Score: 8 / 10
“Practical, niche, but still absent in the Sports department”
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Score: 8 / 10
“The Corolla gives a nod to those who want a hybrid that looks like a conventional car and, crucially, drives like one too.”
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The Sun+

“Great chassis. Multi-link rear suspension means better ride quality. Lower centre of gravity and stiffer body improves handling. Distinctive looks. Head-up display. Adaptive cruise control. Better residual values than a Focus, Astra or Golf and cheaper to own.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 1.8 Hybrid Excel
Score: 7 / 10
“Excels in ride and handling but drops marks on practicality and price.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol/electric hybrid GR Sport
Score: 8 / 10
“This has been that rarest thing, a worthwhile mid-life update. The Toyota Corolla was already pretty good, but this substantial set of tweaks make it a car that competes with the very best in its class, delivering a sleeker driving experience than before, with miniscule running costs and a remarkably generous equipment list.” (Alex Robbins)
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Model reviewed: 1.8-litre petrol-electric hybrid automatic Icon Tech
Score: 6 / 10
“Thankfully no longer as soulless as previous iterations of the Toyota Corolla, and blessed with a comfortable ride and satisfying handling. Good though it is, though, this Touring Sports has too many flaws; there are better small estates with more conventional powerplants.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“The twelfth version of the world’s most popular car nameplate is a big improvement over the Auris it replaces.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Corolla looks more striking than ever, and proves Toyota is really on a roll with making its cars less boring. The looks alone may tempt some people away from competitors, as might its British-built status.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 95%
Child protection: 84%
Vulnerable road users: 86%
Safety assist: 77%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2025, the Toyota Corolla has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	60 mpg	A	52 – 64 mpg	A – B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	148 g/km	B	143 – 153 g/km	B – B
Hybrid models	106 g/km	A	98 – 123 g/km	A – A

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	19	A	14 – 27	A – B

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£152	A
Year 2	£414	A
Year 3	£666	A
Year 4	£849	A
Year 5	£1,120	A
Overall	£3,201	A

if you’re looking for a mid-sized car that’s cheap to run, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Corolla. The scores above are basically a perfect set of straight ‘A’ results, with the only ‘B’ being a CO₂ score for petrol models – which are no longer sold in the UK, as everything is now hybrid-only.

Whether its fuel consumption, road tax (which is based on the CO₂ score), insurance or servicing, the Toyota Corolla is almost certainly to be cheaper than any of its rivals.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 14
Average repair cost: £371.87
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Toyota Corolla range has a higher-than-average reliability score of 82%, according to workshop data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This covers both the current model (2019 onwards) and previous generations.

Based on a relatively small collect of 14 warranty claims, it seems that the Corolla is more likely to develop issues with its gearbox and braking system. Overall, the average repair bill is about £370. Unsurprisingly, gearbox repairs tend to be the most expensive, with an average bill of around £640.

If you own an Toyota Corolla or are looking at buying a used Corolla, it’s worth considering a used car warranty that covers all these major areas.

Recalls

Official DVSA safety recalls that have been issued for the Toyota Corolla

2023

2021

2020

2019

Date: November 2023
Recall number: R/2023/298
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 11/2022
Number of vehicles affected: 5,440
Defect: Affected vehicles are fitted with a high-pressure fuel pump which over time could develop a crack, which could lead to a fuel leak and a risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Check and replace high pressure fuel pump, if necessary.

Date: October 2023
Recall number: R/2023/279
Model types: All
Build dates: 12/2020 to 08/2023
Number of vehicles affected: 27,327
Defect: The DCM (Data Communication Module) may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off, causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. As a result, the vehicles do not comply with relevant regulations.
Remedy: The software of the DCM will be updated via an over-the-air (OTA) wireless update.

Date: November 2021
Recall number: R/2021/315
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2020 to 02/2021
Number of vehicles affected: 26,757
Defect: The emergency calling system (eCall) may not function when required.
Remedy: Inspect the emergency calling system and update DCM software. If the DCM is found to be damaged, replace it with updated software.

Date: June 2021
Recall number: R/2021/185
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2018 to 10/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 5,440
Defect: The inside of the high-pressure fuel pump may be worn or damaged over time during operation.
Remedy: Inspect and, if necessary, replace the high-pressure fuel pump. (based on engine variant and/or pump manufacturer/pump serial number.)

Date: December 2020
Recall number: R/2020/337
Model types: All
Build dates: 06/2019 to 05/2020
Number of vehicles affected: 9,751
Defect: A possibility that a bolt of the brake pedal bracket may not have been torqued correctly.
Remedy: Tighten the bolt of the brake pedal bracket to the appropriate torque.

Date: June 2019
Recall number: R/2019/124
Model types: All
Build dates: 01/2019 to 02/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 19
Defect: The panoramic roof deflector may not be secured correctly.
Remedy: Inspect and repair the panoramic roof deflector as necessary.

Date: May 2019
Recall number: R/2019/122
Model types: All
Build dates: 10/2018 to 04/2019
Number of vehicles affected: 3,484
Defect: There is a possibility that the emergency calling system has not been activated.
Remedy: Inspect and activate the emergency call system if necessary.

As of January 2025, there have been seven DVSA vehicle safety recalls on the Toyota Corolla to address different issues.

Not all vehicles are affected by recalls. You can check to see if your car is included in any of the above recalls by visiting the DVLA website or contacting your local Toyota dealer.

If your car is affected by a recall, the vehicle must be repaired and you should not be charged for any work required. If you are buying a used Corolla, you should insist that any outstanding recall work is completed before you take delivery of the vehicle.