Review of 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT

Comfort and Safety in a Compact Package

Well worth a test drive, the 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT is packed with improvements. Lighter than its 2018 predecessor, it also sits lower to the ground, for added stability. Consequently, it’s perfect for tough driving conditions in the Atlantic Provinces.

The trim range for the 2019 Corolla extends from the basic L to the LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE, with many of the L features included in the higher-tier trims. Among others, they include LED headlights and daytime running lights; power windows and door locks; Safety Sense and eight airbags; climate control, and a sound system; hands-free phone connectivity, and a USB outlet.

Furthermore, the high-end SE trim includes a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, all upholstered in synthetic leather. Additionally, other convenient features include proximity keyless entry and a pushbutton start.

Small Engine with High Performance 

Generally a  smooth ride, the 2019 Corolla SE CVT has accurate steering, with a front-wheel drive and powerful brakes. Fitted with the latest 132 HP 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, this compact sedan is equipped with the first launch gear added to a four-door vehicle CVT. Evidently, this boosts its transmission performance at low RPMs.

With fast acceleration and nimble shifts, the SE trim allows offers buyers a choice between:

• a new Dynamic-Shift CVT (K120) with an optional Sport Mode and paddle shifters; or.
• a six-speed manual transmission, with improved performance at low RPMs.

Benefits of a CVT Transmission

Found in many Toyota models, the K CVT transmission is made by Aisin, an automotive parts manufacturer that belongs to the Toyota Group. The 2014 Corolla was the first Toyota to use a mechanical belt-driven continuously variable transmission in North America.

It surely offers many advantages over more traditional systems. For instance, its engine runs at lower and steadier revs for much of the time, consuming less fuel and emitting less pollution. However, when performance power is needed, the CVT transmission ensures faster and fuel-efficient access to the engine’s full capacity.

Toyota Tradition of Safety First

Always working towards its goal of zero traffic casualties, Toyota continues to pack its vehicles with extra safety features. Following this tradition, the 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT is fitted with a new and improved version of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P), updated with active-safety alert systems.

Likewise, other safety features in this nifty four-door compact include:

• Eight airbags, for all-round protection;
• Star Safety System (SST, brake assist, EBD, ABS, and TRAC);
• Seat Belt Anchors and Tethers that keep children safely in their seats;
• Whiplash Injury Prevention Seats;
• Tire Pressure Monitor System.

Other available safety features include:

• Lane departure alert with steering assist;
• Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection;
• Automatic high-beam headlights;
• Blind spot monitoring; and
• Adaptive cruise control.

Five-Star Safety Ratings

The 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT was awarded a five-star safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars for side crash testing and four stars for rollovers and frontal crashes.

Keeping up this high safety standard, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ranked this sedan as Good (the highest rating) in five crash tests, and Superior (also the highest rating) for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash avoidance system.

Financing a 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT

So if you’re looking at a Toyota, you should check out the attractive financing and leasing options offered by Toyota Financial Services to Toyota Certified Used Vehicle customers. Other auto loan options are easy to find, even for buyers with low credit scores.

For the budget-minded, the 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT is also fuel-efficient. Explicitly, it has an average consumption of 8.4 litres (city) and 6.72 litres (highway) x 100 kilometres.

All-Round Comfort

Generally a comfortable drive, the 2019 Toyota Corolla SE CVT is famed for its dependability. Fuel-efficient, packed with safety features, and loaded with cutting-edge tech, this roomy five-seater compact is the perfect choice for weekday commutes and weekend fun for the entire family.