Redefining the Segment: A Deep Dive into the 2019 Toyota Corolla Touring Hybrid
The 2019 Toyota Corolla marked a significant step forward for the brand, introducing a fresh design, updated technology, and a focus on efficient hybrid engines. It replaced the Toyota Auris and came in two main versions: the practical Corolla Touring (Estate/Wagon) and the sportier Corolla Sports (Hatchback).
The 2019 Corolla was more than an update; it was designed to secure its spot in the compact segment. The Touring is ideal for utility and efficiency, standing out even among rivals like the Honda Civic Tourer and Mazda 6 Wagon. This review shows what makes it distinct.
Engine and Powertrain Options: The Hybrid Advantage
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Touring comes with two hybrid engine options. One is focused on top fuel efficiency, while the other offers a bit more power. Both utilize a smooth CVT transmission and come with front-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is available on select trims, specifically for those interested in the 2.0-liter hybrid option, providing added versatility for various driving conditions.
The 1.8L Hybrid (2ZR-FXE) – The Efficiency King
The 1.8-liter hybrid system, the most popular for the estate, pairs a 4-cylinder petrol engine with VVT-i for efficiency and an electric motor.
Specification | Detail |
| Engine Code | 2ZR-FXE |
| Type | 1.8L 4-cylinder VVTi Petrol + Electric Motor |
| Combined Horsepower | 138 hp |
| Combined Torque | 142 Newton-meters (Nm) |
| Fuel Economy | Approximately |
This setup delivers excellent economy for both city and long trips, with reliable power and low running costs.
The Powerful 2.0L Hybrid – Performance Meets Efficiency
If you want a bit more power but still want hybrid efficiency, there’s also a 2.0-liter hybrid option. This engine provides more horsepower and torque, making the car more enjoyable to drive.
Specification | Detail |
| Type | 2.0L Petrol + Electric Motor |
| Combined Horsepower | 150 hp |
| Combined Torque | 180 Newton-meters (Nm) |
| Fuel Economy | Approximately 18 to 19 km per liter |
Although its fuel economy is slightly lower than that of the 1.8L version, it remains excellent for a car with 150 horsepower. This model strikes a balance between hybrid efficiency and an engaging drive.
Driving Dynamics and Suspension System
The 2019 Corolla features a modern chassis with a strong, affordable MacPherson Strut front suspension, a common design in entry-level cars for enhanced comfort and easy maintenance. The rear features an independent multi-link suspension that enhances handling, comfort, and stability, particularly when fully loaded—a key benefit of an estate car.
Drivers can adjust their experience with three driving modes: Eco Mode for saving fuel, Normal Mode for everyday driving, and Sport Mode for quicker throttle response and a more engaging drive.
A Bold New Look: Exterior Design Review
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Touring got a sharp, bold, modern exterior makeover.
Front End Reimagined
The front features a new grille, modern badge, and eye-catching headlights with projector beams for strong illumination.
- Sleek Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are integrated into the assembly.
- LED Turn Signals for clear signaling.
- Dedicated LED Fog Lights on the lower side.
This combination of lighting technology not only improves visibility but also gives the car a high-end, unique look on the road. These lighting features not only enhance your visibility but also give the car a high-end, distinctive look on the road. The Touring model comes with eye-catching 17-inch alloy wheels and low-profile, tubeless tires. The front brakes use solid discs for stopping power.
- Standard Blind Spot Monitoring System (BSM) to enhance highway safety by illuminating indicators when a vehicle enters the blind spot.
- Keyless Entry for convenient access.
- Chrome-plated door handles.
One notable design choice is the absence of chrome finishing around the window pillars. A key design feature is the absence of chrome around the window pillars, which makes the car appear cleaner and less flashy than many of its contemporaries. The ground clearance is about 13.8 to 14 cm, which is normal for a road-focused hybrid. It has a distinctive look, sporting an aerial fin and spoiler with an integrated brake light.
The lighting includes:
- LED Taillights with a unique signature specific to the Corolla trim.
- Turn signals utilize traditional bulb technology—a slight compromise, but still highly effective. The turn signals use regular bulbs instead of LEDs, which is a small trade-off, but they are still easy to see and stylized, plasticky faux vents with a touch of chrome detailing that adds character to the vehicle’s stance.
Interior Comfort and Technology: Stepping into the Modern Era
Toyota enhanced the 2019 Corolla’s interior with a modern look, better materials, and new tech. The leather seats add a touch of luxury, and the leather steering wheel, with integrated infotainment and cruise control buttons, feels refined and comfortable.
A fully digital instrument cluster with a blue finish highlights the car’s hybrid system and shows important information. Other top features include a Heads-Up Display (HUD), a heated steering wheel, and push-to-start ignition.
Infotainment and Central Console
A large 9.5-inch infotainment system dominates the dashboard, offering modern connectivity:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Intuitive physical buttons flanking the screen for quick access to key functions.
Below the screen, the AC controls are easy to use and show Toyota’s attention to the driver’s needs. The center console is simple yet practical, featuring controls for the heated seats, the CVT gear shifter, and the electronic parking brake. The front seats are designed in a bucket-style for optimal support and sporty appeal. They adjust manually but have quality leather and heating for comfort.
The rear cabin provides ample seating space and legroom for extended trips. Rear passengers have two USB charging slots.
- A convenient 100-volt power port.
- A drop-down armrest with two cup holders for added comfort when only two passengers are seated in the back.
The door panels match the modern style, featuring good-quality plastic, stitched details, and larger storage pockets that accommodate cup holders.
Unmatched Utility: Touring Boot Space
The main advantage of the Toyota Corolla Touring (Estate) is its practicality, with cargo space that’s significantly larger than that of the hatchback or sedan versions.
The boot holds a roomy 598 liters. The hybrid batteries take up less space, so there’s no full spare tire, but you get a storage tray for tools and access. Nevertheless, the space remains highly competitive.
Folding down the rear seats provides up to 1,700 liters of space, allowing you to carry large luggage or a substantial amount of gear. There’s also a 100-volt outlet in the boot for running things like small air compressors.
Comparison and Pricing
As noted in the transcript, the 2019 Corolla Touring was positioned as the direct replacement for the Toyota Auris, establishing its own identity rather than being a direct replacement for the Fielder (which was still in production at the time).
This model offers excellent value, combining hybrid efficiency, modern safety features, advanced technology, and everyday usability. The Corolla Touring (1.8L Hybrid) typically costs around 2.6 million Kenyan Shillings, while the Corolla Sports (Hatchback) starts at just under 2.4 million.
These prices reflect a strong package: a newly designed car with advanced engineering, such as the Toyota Corolla’s Multi-Link Suspension, which utilizes several independent arms for the rear wheels, a well-equipped interior, and Toyota’s trusted reliability.
Final Verdict
The 2019 Toyota Corolla Touring Hybrid is a big step forward for Toyota’s compact cars. It combines the practicality of a mid-size estate with the great fuel efficiency and low emissions of a modern hybrid. With its bold design, advanced LED lights, high-tech and comfortable interior, and spacious 1,700-liter cargo area, it’s designed for drivers who want both utility and sustainability. It delivers on performance, efficiency, comfort, and value.
