Introduction
The Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability as a compact car. Whether you're a first-time buyer or someone looking for a budget-friendly vehicle, a used Toyota Corolla can be an excellent choice.
Since 1966, the Corolla has evolved from a subcompact car to a compact car, adding modern body elements, safety features, and state-of-the-art driving technology.
Now, in its twelfth generation of production, the new 2025 Toyota Corolla remains a top seller with a modern design, spacious interior, and gas and electric options.
Read our guide for insights on what to look for when buying a used Toyota Corolla, from model years to common issues and tips on getting the best deal.
Key Takeaways
- The IIHS rates the latest generation Toyota Corolla as a Top Safety Pick for seven of the last eight models.
- Since 2018, the Toyota Corolla has been upgraded and improved with interior and exterior upgrades and engine improvements.
- Car2Sell makes used car shopping a breeze with our easy-to-use website with tools and inventory.
Latest Generation Toyota Corolla (2018- present)
When the 2018 Toyota Corolla debuted to launch the latest generation of manufacturing, it was very similar to the eleventh-generation 2017 models, with their redesigned body style and updated interior. Between 2018 and 2020, the Corolla remained unchanged.
The 2020 Toyota Corolla received interior style improvements, and a hybrid model was added to the lineup. The 2020 Toyota Corolla includes the L, LE, SE, Hybrid LE, XSE, XLE, and XSE trims in the sedan and hatchback body styles.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla models include limited production of special edition body kits. The 2021 Corolla model lineup was also enhanced by adding more safety to the hatchback options with rear-seat-mounted airbags. These models added more cargo space and made a tire repair kit available.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla models include trim updates and hybrid powertrain additions, moving toward a modern, sustainable lineup. This year’s models added more availability for the Hybrid powertrain to the SE and XLE trims. Car and Driver reported an upgrade to the 2.0L engine for the LE and XLE trims. Other exterior enhancements include new LED daytime running lights, LED headlamps, and sophisticated chrome accents. The interior of 2023 Toyota Corolla models was upgraded with a larger infotainment touchscreen display and a redesigned, larger digital dashboard.
The 2024 Toyota Corolla upgrades were mainly aesthetic, adding the Nightshade Edition with signature bronze accents and sporty style upgrades.
What year is the best used Toyota Corolla to buy?
Whether you shop the previous generation (pre-2018) or this latest generation of Toyota Corollas from 2018 forward, you get a car rated safe by the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2015 Toyota Corolla has an NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating with zero recalls.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has rated every twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla since 2018 except for the 2019 model as a Top Safety Pick. The 2022 Toyota Corolla is rated a 2022 Top Safety Pick + by the IIHS.
What should you look for when buying a used Toyota Corolla?
Shopping for a used Toyota Corolla is easy with the Car2Sell complete guide to buying a used compact car. Using the vehicle's VIN, look for safety ratings, recalls, and the car’s history to determine areas of concern, such as accidents.
Look at the history of repairs and oil changes to understand a used vehicle’s history of regular care and scheduled maintenance.
Quality, Reliable, Affordable
Shopping for a used Toyota Corolla is easy because these are quality vehicles with excellent safety ratings. Check Car2Sell’s East Windsor Inventory for affordable, quality choices, including used Toyota Corolla sedans and hatchback trims, and spend the year in a car you love.