2020 Toyota Corolla MPG
Across its 9 EPA-rated gasoline versions, the 2020 Toyota Corolla returns 28–32 mpg city, 36–41 highway and 31–35 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and front-wheel drive, at 35 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive and is rated 31 mpg combined. The EPA also rated a hybrid version, the best at 52 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg lower than the best gasoline 2019 version (36 mpg).
_front_4.29.19.jpg){kind=link}
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corolla Hybrid | 1.8 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 53 | 52 | 52 | Regular · 170 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla Hatchback | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 32 | 41 | 35 | Regular · 250 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 40 | 34 | Regular · 257 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla XSE | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 38 | 34 | Regular · 265 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | Regular · 267 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 39 | 33 | Regular · 266 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla Hatchback XSE | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S10) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 38 | 33 | Regular · 266 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 36 | 32 | Regular · 277 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla XLE | 1.8 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 37 | 32 | Regular · 274 g CO₂/mi |
| Corolla Hatchback | 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 31 | Regular · 280 g CO₂/mi |
2020 Toyota Corolla fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2020 Toyota Corolla costs about $1,870 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (35 mpg combined), or roughly 12 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (31 mpg combined) comes to about $2,110 a year, $240 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2020 Toyota Corolla specs
2020 Toyota Corolla buyers could choose between 3 engines, according to EPA records: 2.0 L 4-cyl, 1.8 L 4-cyl and 1.8 L 4-cyl hybrid. It came with continuously variable (CVT) and manual transmissions, with front-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a compact car.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L | 4 | Automatic (AV-S10); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 6 |
| 1.8 L | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios); Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 3 |
| 1.8 L hybrid | 4 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2020 Toyota Corolla problems
Owners have filed 312 complaints about the 2020 Toyota Corolla with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Engine is the most-reported area (27% of component mentions), followed by power train (10%) and electrical system (9%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 44 complaints a year: more than the 2019 (25 a year) and the 2021 (31 a year).
That ranks 3rd of 17 Toyota Corolla model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 312, 22 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 15 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 111 | 27% |
| Unknown or other | 79 | 19% |
| Power train | 40 | 10% |
| Electrical system | 35 | 9% |
| Service brakes | 24 | 6% |
| Air bags | 18 | 4% |
| Visibility/wiper | 17 | 4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | 3% |
| Structure | 12 | 3% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 9 | 2% |
| Seat belts | 8 | 2% |
| Steering | 8 | 2% |
| Wheels | 7 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 1% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | <1% |
| Tires | 4 | <1% |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | <1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 3 | <1% |
| Back over prevention | 2 | <1% |
| Lane departure | 2 | <1% |
| Shell carry handle | 1 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | <1% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | <1% |
| Suspension | 1 | <1% |
| Lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle) tether | 1 | <1% |
| Visibility | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
What component or system failed or malfunctioned: complete slave cylinder failure resulting in loss of braking and ability to shift. …
The concentric slave cylinder in my vehicle is a big issue with these cars. There has been so many reports of issues happening with these cars manual transmission Corolla's. …
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a "Maintenance Required" message was displayed, and the front passenger air bag warning light illuminated. The speedometer was inoperable. …
2020 Toyota Corolla recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2020 Toyota Corolla.
The most recent, campaign 23V865000 from December 2023, concerns air bags.
20V682000 · November 4, 2020 · Gasoline fuel system
Problem: 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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge.
19V877000 · December 11, 2019 · Seat belts
Problem: 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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seat belt assembly production dates, and replace the assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.
19V544000 · July 24, 2019 · Service brakes, Electronic stability control (esc)
Problem: 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.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake booster pump, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Corolla years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V865000 | December 20, 2023 | Air bags | 2020–2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 3 versions of the 2020 Toyota Corolla; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Hybrid 4-door FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 5 HB FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Toyota Corollas can be compared fairly. Among other 2020 models in the EPA's compact cars class, the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta (34 mpg) comes closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 34 | 178 | 18 | 3 |
| 2018 | 34 | 135 | 15 | 3 |
| 2019 | 36 | 204 | 25 | 5 |
| 2020 | 52 | 312 | 44 | 4 |
| 2021 | 52 | 188 | 31 | 1 |
| 2022 | 52 | 103 | 20 | 0 |
| 2023 | 50 | 85 | 21 | 6 |
Every Toyota Corolla model year compared →
Similar 2020 models
FAQ
Is the 2020 Corolla a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2020 Toyota Corolla has 44 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (3rd most of 17 model years), 4 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 52 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2020 Corolla problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are engine (111), power train (40) and electrical system (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2020 Corolla have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Corolla get?
The EPA rates the gasoline versions at 31–35 mpg combined (28–32 city, 36–41 highway). The hybrid version reaches up to 52 mpg combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Corolla per year?
About $1,870 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,110 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).