The Toyota Corolla has spent years being mocked by automotive enthusiasts for being bland and boring. In reality, though, the Corolla is anything but dull. MotorTrend has released a list of all the coolest Toyota Corolla models, and it includes the regular 2020 Corolla sedan.

The Corolla throughout the decades

The Toyota Corolla’s negative reputation is undeserved, MotorTrend reports. When it first debuted in the late ’60s, the Corolla had not yet gained its bland, boring image; in fact, the 1966-1970 first-generation model tops MotorTrend’s list of cool Corollas, with its clean styling and dependability.

In the ’70s, the second-generation Corolla added 21 hp, gaining a significant amount of power when compared to the first-gen. More muscular versions of this generation could be found throughout Europe and were anything but boring.

In fact, for just about every decade that the Corolla has been in production, MotorTrend reports a plethora of fun and unique models. With each new release, Toyota gave the Corolla different designs, improved engines, and quirky names. No matter where in the car’s history you go, there’s something cool to find.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla: a cool car in its own right

While all the Toyota Corollas on the list are special, the 2020 model stands out. This version is “perhaps the first since the original to be cool as-is,” reports MotorTrend. While most of the other vehicles listed were special spinoffs of the original sedan, the 2020 Toyota Corolla XSE sedan/hatchback needs no special treatment to make the list.

In this version, the Corolla gets some snazzy new styling. Toyota also improved the car’s responses, making for a pleasant and fully up-to-date driving experience. This is also the first Corolla model in several generations to offer a hatchback version, giving drivers a more practical option if they so desire.

What you’ll get with a Toyota Corolla

We know the 2020 Toyota Corolla is pretty special — but what exactly can you expect when you drive it? 

It has a 2.0-liter I4 engine that makes 169 hp, with a fuel economy of 31 mpg on the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Car and Driver reports that the new hatchback offers a nimble driving experience and a sportier look. However, the quality of the ride is fairly good in both the sedan and the hatchback, even on somewhat bumpy roads. 

Additionally, the hatchback and the sedan both feature a high-quality interior filled with soft-touch materials as well a streamlined dashboard. The infotainment system’s touchscreen is well-designed, with many manual controls that make it easier for the driver to operate the system while watching the road. However, while the Corolla is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa, Android Auto is not an option.

Car and Driver also notes that while the hatchback may be a sportier option, the sedan is the better choice for anyone who frequently has passengers in the back seat. The sedan offers a significantly more spacious cabin, while the hatchback is slightly cramped.

Excellent safety ratings

The NHTSA gives both the Toyota Corolla hatchback and sedan five-star safety ratings. The hatchback was also named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

Another perk is the wide range of safety features that come with the Corolla. These include standard lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking as well as electronic stability control and lane departure alert.

Overall, while the Toyota Corolla may have a reputation for being boring, the truth is that the 2020 model is anything but. With its sleek design, comfortable interior, and expansive set of standard safety features, the 2020 Toyota Corolla has truly earned its place on MotorTrend’s list of coolest Corollas.