Likes
- Typical Toyota reliability
- Excellent fuel efficiency, especially hybrid models
- Great levels of standard equipment
- Hold their value very well
- Good levels of standard active saftety
Used Toyota Corolla (E210) review
2018 - 2022
Dislikes
- Rear seat accomodation isn’t as spacious as you’d expect.
- Boot space isn’t great and the load lip is prominent
- Ummm…
Stuff you should know
The Toyota Corolla is a small family car that has been a staple of the Australian market for decades. The current generation, which was introduced in 2018, is available in both sedan and hatchback body styles.
It’s powered by either a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine or a 1.8-litre 4-cyl petrol-hybrid engine. It is available with a choice of six-speed manual or CVT automatic transmissions.
The Corolla is a comfortable and practical car to drive. It has a compliant ride and good handling, and the interior is spacious and well-equipped.
Standard features on the Corolla include a reversing camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system. Higher-spec models add features such as sat-nav, climate control, and a sunroof.
The Corolla has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including seven airbags, electronic stability control, ABS brakes, and active safety tech like AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, all-speed active cruise control lane departure alert with steering assist and road sign assist
The Corolla is a popular choice for Australian families. It is reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable. It is also one of the safest cars on the road.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
There have been reports of water accumulating in the doors. Toyota has addressed this issue through a service bulletin, and most cases have been rectified under warranty. Fortunately, resolving this matter is straightforward. For the front doors, simply remove the front plug, and for the rear doors, remove the rear plug. This simple action effectively resolves the problem.
Additionally, there have been occasional reports of windshields being vulnerable to stone chips and cracks. While not classified as a widespread issue, there are a few documented instances. The driving conditions and circumstances leading to these occurrences remain uncertain.
Interior:
Moving to the interior, some users have expressed concerns about the earlier infotainment systems exhibiting occasional glitches. Issues such as Bluetooth dropouts and partial functionality malfunctions have been reported. However, these concerns can typically be addressed through a software update, resolving the system’s performance.
In rare instances, there have been sporadic complaints about electronic malfunctions, with some switches experiencing operational issues. Fortunately, such occurrences are not commonplace, and when they do arise, they are generally addressed and remedied under warranty. Apart from these isolated instances, there are no other commonly reported faults in the Corolla’s interior.
Mechanically:
The current generation Toyota Corolla is equipped with reliable 4-cylinder engines, typical of modern-day Toyota vehicles. These engines are known for their durability and lack common expensive issues that could lead to catastrophic failures.
Around 2020, some 1.8 models experienced valve train complications, but these issues were often addressed under warranty. Additionally, there were instances of EGR complications, with some units experiencing either seized open or closed mechanisms. A minor concern observed was a leaking water pump. Owners of manual examples also reported a noisy clutch pedal, specifically related to the clutch master cylinder, which, though not broken or an issue, can be annoying.
For those preferring the car to change gears itself, unlike many CVTs on the used market, the Toyota unit is proving to be very dependable as well. In general, these vehicles exhibit solid performance, and with proper servicing, issues are unlikely to arise.
In terms of the Hybrid systems, the Corolla shares much of it’s Hybrid equipment with a host of other Toyota models and as the Prius has proven, these systems can often see hundreds of thousands of kilometres with minimal to no issue.
Even when heavily used and eventually having issues, replacement of battery cells and repairs for Toyota Hybrid systems is generally quite simple and cost effective, not something this generation of Corolla will have to worry about for many years to come.
It’s worth noting that adhering to the recommended service intervals is crucial for the longevity of the vehicle. Toyota suggests service intervals of
Exterior:
There have been reports of water accumulating in the doors. Toyota has addressed this issue through a service bulletin, and most cases have been rectified under warranty. Fortunately, resolving this matter is straightforward. For the front doors, simply remove the front plug, and for the rear doors, remove the rear plug. This simple action effectively resolves the problem.
Additionally, there have been occasional reports of windshields being vulnerable to stone chips and cracks. While not classified as a widespread issue, there are a few documented instances. The driving conditions and circumstances leading to these occurrences remain uncertain.
Interior:
Moving to the interior, some users have expressed concerns about the earlier infotainment systems exhibiting occasional glitches. Issues such as Bluetooth dropouts and partial functionality malfunctions have been reported. However, these concerns can typically be addressed through a software update, resolving the system’s performance.
In rare instances, there have been sporadic complaints about electronic malfunctions, with some switches experiencing operational issues. Fortunately, such occurrences are not commonplace, and when they do arise, they are generally addressed and remedied under warranty. Apart from these isolated instances, there are no other commonly reported faults in the Corolla’s interior.
Mechanically:
The current generation Toyota Corolla is equipped with reliable 4-cylinder engines, typical of modern-day Toyota vehicles. These engines are known for their durability and lack common expensive issues that could lead to catastrophic failures.
Around 2020, some 1.8 models experienced valve train complications, but these issues were often addressed under warranty. Additionally, there were instances of EGR complications, with some units experiencing either seized open or closed mechanisms. A minor concern observed was a leaking water pump. Owners of manual examples also reported a noisy clutch pedal, specifically related to the clutch master cylinder, which, though not broken or an issue, can be annoying.
For those preferring the car to change gears itself, unlike many CVTs on the used market, the Toyota unit is proving to be very dependable as well. In general, these vehicles exhibit solid performance, and with proper servicing, issues are unlikely to arise.
In terms of the Hybrid systems, the Corolla shares much of it’s Hybrid equipment with a host of other Toyota models and as the Prius has proven, these systems can often see hundreds of thousands of kilometres with minimal to no issue.
Even when heavily used and eventually having issues, replacement of battery cells and repairs for Toyota Hybrid systems is generally quite simple and cost effective, not something this generation of Corolla will have to worry about for many years to come.
It’s worth noting that adhering to the recommended service intervals is crucial for the longevity of the vehicle. Toyota suggests service intervals of 15,000 kms, and 7,500 kms under harsh conditions, with many owners unaware that short-distance stop-start city traffic qualifies as harsh conditions. To ensure optimal performance, servicing every 10,000 kms is advisable.
Recalls:
- April 2020 – 780 units of the 2020 Toyota Corolla are affected by a fault where the reverse lights may stop working due to a wiring harness losing electrical contact, posing a hazard of reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents or injuries.
- August 2020 – Certain Toyota Prius and Corolla Hybrid vehicles from 2014 to 2019, totaling 5,965 units, may experience a software fault that prevents the hybrid system from entering fail-safe mode, posing a risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- July 2019 – Improperly manufactured brake booster pumps in certain Toyota models (Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES300H, Lexus UX250H) from the year 2019 may cause the brake assist function to stop operating while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
- December 2018 – Some Toyota Corolla vehicles (2,640 units) may have inadequately assembled torque converters in their Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly, posing a risk of loss of motive power during higher load conditions and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or death.
- April 2020 – The fuel pump in 85,511 Toyota & Lexus vehicles (including Camry, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Kluger, Hilux, Prado, LC, GS, IS, LS, NX, RC, RX models from 2013-2020) may stop operating, posing a hazard of power loss while driving, potentially leading to accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Exterior:
There have been reports of water accumulating in the doors. Toyota has addressed this issue through a service bulletin, and most cases have been rectified under warranty. Fortunately, resolving this matter is straightforward. For the front doors, simply remove the front plug, and for the rear doors, remove the rear plug. This simple action effectively resolves the problem.
Additionally, there have been occasional reports of windshields being vulnerable to stone chips and cracks. While not classified as a widespread issue, there are a few documented instances. The driving conditions and circumstances leading to these occurrences remain uncertain.
Interior:
Moving to the interior, some users have expressed concerns about the earlier infotainment systems exhibiting occasional glitches. Issues such as Bluetooth dropouts and partial functionality malfunctions have been reported. However, these concerns can typically be addressed through a software update, resolving the system’s performance.
In rare instances, there have been sporadic complaints about electronic malfunctions, with some switches experiencing operational issues. Fortunately, such occurrences are not commonplace, and when they do arise, they are generally addressed and remedied under warranty. Apart from these isolated instances, there are no other commonly reported faults in the Corolla’s interior.
Mechanically:
The current generation Toyota Corolla is equipped with reliable 4-cylinder engines, typical of modern-day Toyota vehicles. These engines are known for their durability and lack common expensive issues that could lead to catastrophic failures.
Around 2020, some 1.8 models experienced valve train complications, but these issues were often addressed under warranty. Additionally, there were instances of EGR complications, with some units experiencing either seized open or closed mechanisms. A minor concern observed was a leaking water pump. Owners of manual examples also reported a noisy clutch pedal, specifically related to the clutch master cylinder, which, though not broken or an issue, can be annoying.
For those preferring the car to change gears itself, unlike many CVTs on the used market, the Toyota unit is proving to be very dependable as well. In general, these vehicles exhibit solid performance, and with proper servicing, issues are unlikely to arise.
In terms of the Hybrid systems, the Corolla shares much of it’s Hybrid equipment with a host of other Toyota models and as the Prius has proven, these systems can often see hundreds of thousands of kilometres with minimal to no issue.
Even when heavily used and eventually having issues, replacement of battery cells and repairs for Toyota Hybrid systems is generally quite simple and cost effective, not something this generation of Corolla will have to worry about for many years to come.
It’s worth noting that adhering to the recommended service intervals is crucial for the longevity of the vehicle. Toyota suggests service intervals of 15,000 kms, and 7,500 kms under harsh conditions, with many owners unaware that short-distance stop-start city traffic qualifies as harsh conditions. To ensure optimal performance, servicing every 10,000 kms is advisable.
Recalls:
- April 2020 – 780 units of the 2020 Toyota Corolla are affected by a fault where the reverse lights may stop working due to a wiring harness losing electrical contact, posing a hazard of reduced visibility and increased risk of accidents or injuries.
- August 2020 – Certain Toyota Prius and Corolla Hybrid vehicles from 2014 to 2019, totaling 5,965 units, may experience a software fault that prevents the hybrid system from entering fail-safe mode, posing a risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- July 2019 – Improperly manufactured brake booster pumps in certain Toyota models (Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Lexus ES300H, Lexus UX250H) from the year 2019 may cause the brake assist function to stop operating while driving, increasing the risk of accidents.
- December 2018 – Some Toyota Corolla vehicles (2,640 units) may have inadequately assembled torque converters in their Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) assembly, posing a risk of loss of motive power during higher load conditions and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or death.
- April 2020 – The fuel pump in 85,511 Toyota & Lexus vehicles (including Camry, Corolla, FJ Cruiser, Kluger, Hilux, Prado, LC, GS, IS, LS, NX, RC, RX models from 2013-2020) may stop operating, posing a hazard of power loss while driving, potentially leading to accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
Should you buy it?
Yes.
There’s not much else to say, really. It’s one of the highest-selling cars of all time and one of the most enduring nameplates in motoring. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue that tradition. Sure, they’re not good because they’re popular, they’re popular because they’re good.
Perfect? No car is. The interior design won’t be for everyone, and the back seats aren’t great for adults for long periods of time, the boot is on the small side and the load lip is annoying. But looking past those niggles, under the skin is one of the most mechanically sound cars on the road., and one that should provide trouble-free motoring for years and years.
Especially if you’re wanting to save at the pump, the Corolla hybrid is one of the best options if all you want to do is carry yourself and maybe one or two others around town, while only sipping on fuel.
Toyota practically wrote the book on hybrid technology, and in the 12th-gen Corolla, it’s a great example of that. Should you buy one? Of course.
Yes.
There’s not much else to say, really. It’s one of the highest-selling cars of all time and one of the most enduring nameplates in motoring. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue that tradition. Sure, they’re not good because they’re popular, they’re popular because they’re good.
Perfect? No car is. The interior design won’t be for everyone, and the back seats aren’t great for adults for long periods of time, the boot is on the small side and the load lip is annoying. But looking past those niggles, under the skin is one of the most mechanically sound cars on the road., and one that should provide trouble-free motoring for years and years.
Especially if you’re wanting to save at the pump, the Corolla hybrid is one of the best options if all you want to do is carry yourself and maybe one or two others around town, while only sipping on fuel.
Toyota practically wrote the book on hybrid technology, and in the 12th-gen Corolla, it’s a great example of that. Should you buy one? Of course.
Should you buy it?
Yes.
There’s not much else to say, really. It’s one of the highest-selling cars of all time and one of the most enduring nameplates in motoring. There’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue that tradition. Sure, they’re not good because they’re popular, they’re popular because they’re good.
Perfect? No car is. The interior design won’t be for everyone, and the back seats aren’t great for adults for long periods of time, the boot is on the small side and the load lip is annoying. But looking past those niggles, under the skin is one of the most mechanically sound cars on the road., and one that should provide trouble-free motoring for years and years.
Especially if you’re wanting to save at the pump, the Corolla hybrid is one of the best options if all you want to do is carry yourself and maybe one or two others around town, while only sipping on fuel.
Toyota practically wrote the book on hybrid technology, and in the 12th-gen Corolla, it’s a great example of that. Should you buy one? Of course.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Styles
- 5 door Hatchback
- 4 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 200Nm (Ascent Sport 2018 – 2022, SX 2018 – 2022, ZR 2018 – 2022)
- 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2018 – 2022, SX Hybrid 2018 – 2022, ZR Hybrid 2018 – 2022)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 126kW / 203Nm (Ascent Sport 2022, SX 2022, ZR 2022)
- 1.8i/70kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2022, SX Hybrid 2022, ZR Hybrid 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (Ascent Sport)
- 10-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Ascent Sport, Ascent Sport Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, ZR, ZR Hybrid)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4375mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 4630mm (4 door Sedan)
Width
- 1790mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 1780mm (4 door Sedan)
Height
- 1435mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2640mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 2700mm (4 door Sedan)
Kerb Weight
- 1400kg – 1420kg (5 door Hatchback)
- Unknown kg – 1430kg (4 door Sedan)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1300kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2018 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Hatchback
- 4 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 200Nm (Ascent Sport 2018 – 2022, SX 2018 – 2022, ZR 2018 – 2022)
- 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2018 – 2022, SX Hybrid 2018 – 2022, ZR Hybrid 2018 – 2022)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 126kW / 203Nm (Ascent Sport 2022, SX 2022, ZR 2022)
- 1.8i/70kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2022, SX Hybrid 2022, ZR Hybrid 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (Ascent Sport)
- 10-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Ascent Sport, Ascent Sport Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, ZR, ZR Hybrid)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4375mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 4630mm (4 door Sedan)
Width
- 1790mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 1780mm (4 door Sedan)
Height
- 1435mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2640mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 2700mm (4 door Sedan)
Kerb Weight
- 1400kg – 1420kg (5 door Hatchback)
- Unknown kg – 1430kg (4 door Sedan)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1300kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2018 (All Models)
Body Styles
- 5 door Hatchback
- 4 door Sedan
Engine Specs
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 125kW / 200Nm (Ascent Sport 2018 – 2022, SX 2018 – 2022, ZR 2018 – 2022)
- 1.8i/53kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2018 – 2022, SX Hybrid 2018 – 2022, ZR Hybrid 2018 – 2022)
- 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder petrol, 126kW / 203Nm (Ascent Sport 2022, SX 2022, ZR 2022)
- 1.8i/70kW Hybrid 4-cylinder petrol, 72kW / 142Nm (Ascent Sport Hybrid 2022, SX Hybrid 2022, ZR Hybrid 2022)
Transmission
- 6-speed Manual (Ascent Sport)
- 10-speed Constantly Variable Transmission (Ascent Sport, Ascent Sport Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, ZR, ZR Hybrid)
Fuel ConsumptionLength
- 4375mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 4630mm (4 door Sedan)
Width
- 1790mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 1780mm (4 door Sedan)
Height
- 1435mm (All Models)
Wheelbase
- 2640mm (5 door Hatchback)
- 2700mm (4 door Sedan)
Kerb Weight
- 1400kg – 1420kg (5 door Hatchback)
- Unknown kg – 1430kg (4 door Sedan)
Towing
- Unknown kg (unbraked) – 1300kg (braked) (All Models)
Ancap Ratings
- 5 stars, tested 2018 (All Models)
Warranty & servicing
Warranty
- 3 years / 100,000 km (Ascent Sport, Ascent Sport Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, ZR, ZR Hybrid)
- 5 years / unlimited km (Ascent Sport, Ascent Sport Hybrid, SX, SX Hybrid, ZR, ZR Hybrid)
Servicing
- 15,000 km / 12 months (All Models)
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Dec 18, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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