Used Toyota Corolla Buying Guide

• If you’re looking for the best mileage for a used Toyota Corolla, then you’ll want a hybrid model that started in 2019.
• If you want something unique, you can look for an Apex model. With only 6,000 made, this gives you something special to hunt.
• The third generation comes with two variants, with the hatchback being the sportier model.

The Corolla has been around for ages, so when this generation came around, it should be no surprise that it comes as a polished model. This model comes in both hatchback and saloon variants. The hatchback is the model that first hit the market in 2019, while the Saloon was introduced in 2020.

With the hatchback hitting the roads first, we’ll cover that first. Being that the hatchback was aimed to be a bit more “sporty,” it only comes in two trims. The trims are the SE and XSE, and they come powered by a 2.0L I4 that produces 168 horsepower. This engine can be paired with a CVT, but also a manual transmission, making this a fun vehicle to look for.

When the Saloon variant went on sale a year later, this one offered a hybrid powertrain. This powertrain is identical to the one in the Prius, and it comes powered by a 1.8L I4. While this engine isn’t the most powerful, that is not really its aim. Being that it is a hybrid, you’re able to get up to 52 MPG combined. This makes a great daily commuter and road trip vehicle. Unlike the hatchback, the saloon comes in 5 trims. These trims are the L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE.

For features across the board, you can find a 4.2-inch multi-information display, an Etune 3.0 touchscreen that is 7 inches. This comes with Apple CarPlay, as well as Amazon Alexa, with Android Auto coming to the lineup in 2021.

2021 also saw the addition of the Apex variant. Much like in the animal kingdom, the Apex is the best of the best. This is based on the more agile SE and XSE trims, and outfits them with stiffer and lowered springs, adjusted dampers, a bigger anti-roll bar, and 18-inch black alloy wheels. Being that this is a special trim, only 6,000 were made, with only 120 being equipped with a manual transmission.

While there were some changes in the next few years, the biggest one was the discontinuation of the manual transmission in 2023. Other changes were the beefier 168-horsepower engine now coming on all non-hybrid models.

When looking at this generation, it dominated most of the 2010s. Making its debut in 2014, it came in 4 trims: the L, LE, LE Eco, and S. This model comes powered with the same engine as the most recent generation, but, being that it isn’t a hybrid, you won’t get nearly as high a fuel economy. While not as high, it is still great, coming with an EPA-rated 34 MPG combined at its best.

This generation didn’t see too many standout features, with it still being relatively new to the infotainment screen. This generation can be found in both 6 and 7-inch screens, with the larger ones being equipped with satellite radio.