2019 Toyota Corolla Prices: MSRP vs Dealer Invoice vs True Dealer Cost w/ Holdback

Toyota has produced the Corolla sedan since before most people reading this were born. Needless to say, the model has changed quite a bit over the years but remains one of the most affordable compact sedans on the market. Just because it's priced to sell, it doesn't mean that it's sparsely appointed. The 2019 Toyota Corolla comes with a long list of standard features, even on the base trim.

This isn't a performance car by any stretch of the imagination, but it does get one from Point A to Point B without guzzling gas, and the ride is very smooth and comfortable. There are six trim levels from which to choose, and the differences between the versions are described below in more detail. Shoppers looking for a starter car for their teen or who simply want an inexpensive transport that rivals competitors in its segment in terms of standard features and high-tech will want to inspect this model closely.

Trim Levels

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan offered in a total of six trims. The lower-level trims are the L, LE, and LE Eco. The uplevel trims are the XLE, SE, and XSE.

The base L trim is a truly affordable transport that doesn't skimp on the standard features. The L comes with a 1.8L, four-cylinder engine rated at 132 horsepower, and this engine is paired to a continuously variable transmission. The LE gets the same engine but has larger wheels and gets an upholstery upgrade. The LE Eco is fitted with a stronger engine, a four-cylinder rated at 140 horsepower. This trim has specially designed 15-inch wheels and custom tires, and it also comes with different suspension tuning, the result being better fuel efficiency.

The uplevel XLE builds on the LE by adding alloy wheels and LED headlights. This trim also gets a sunroof as well as enhanced interior trim accents and simulated leather upholstery. The SE is a more sporty version and boasts exterior styling accents and a different design for the front end. This trim can also be ordered with manual transmission. The XSE is the top trim and comes with full SofTex upholstery and some upgraded interior features. The top trims revert back to the base 1.8L engine.

Exterior Features

There's nothing particularly flashy about the appearance of the 2019 Toyota Corolla sedan, but it's visually appealing and doesn't exude practicality over everything else. The standard exterior features on the base trim include 15-inch wheels and LED headlights. The LE comes with 16-inch wheels, heated mirrors, and variable intermittent wipers. The LE Eco has some aerodynamic enhancements.

The XLE gets alloy wheels and upgraded headlights as well as LED taillights. The SE comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, and a stylish grille and front fascia. The XSE has the same exterior features as the SE.

Interior Features

Even though it's considered an entry-level sedan, the 2019 Toyota Corolla comes packed with standard features. The base trim has a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a split-folding rear seat, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and adaptive cruise control. Bluetooth is also included. The 6.1-inch screen display is of good quality, and the six-speaker sound system includes a CD player and a USB port.

The LE trim boasts metallic cabin accents. This trim also has automatic climate control and a rear seating area armrest. The LE Eco comes with the same interior as the LE.

The XLE gets quite a few upgrades. These include simulated leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. On the technology front, the XLE rewards buyers with a 7-inch screen display, a driver information display, and the Scout GPS Link system that includes navigation and HD radio.

The SE has sport front seats, the SofTex upholstery, and a sport-style gauge cluster. This trim comes without the heated front seats, however. The SE also gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel. If the CVT is chosen, paddle shifters are also included. The XSE does have heated front seats and also comes with the other SE trim's add-on features.

The 2019 Corolla is very roomy inside despite its rather small dimensions. The rear seating area provides plenty of headroom, and the rear doors are quite tall, making for easy entry into the rear seating area. The seatbacks are contoured nicely and open up the center section adequately for breathability. This is a good choice compact sedan for taking passengers on long trips.

Safety

Every 2019 Toyota Corolla comes with airbags in the front and rear seating areas, traction control, and anchors and tethers for the securing of child safety seats. The rearview camera is standard across the trim lineup. The driver aid package is impressive and includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. The latter includes the advanced steering assist. Automatic high beams are also standard.

This is quite a package of standard safety systems, and shoppers will be hard-pressed to find the equivalent on any competing model, at least on the base trim. The uplevel Corolla trims don't add any safety systems because all of the desired features are included on the base L version.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla is quite a value considering its entry-level price. It's not a sport machine and it doesn't have V6 power, but it's a fuel-sipping compact that comes with a great warranty. Check it out today, and be sure to examine the different trims to see which one catches your fancy.

How to Calculate The Dealer Cost of a Toyota Corolla

Formula for Calculating Dealer Cost:

• Example: Base Toyota Corolla invoice price + the dealer Invoice price of all the options + destination - Holdback = Total Dealer Cost.
• What is Holdback? A hidden amount that manufacturers give back to a dealer. It is a percentage of the MSRP or the Invoice price.

Total Dealer Cost - Rebate and Incentive + Taxes / Licensing Fees = True Dealer Cost. (You can get rebates and incentives here)

Note: All Toyota Corolla MSRP, invoice and dealer cost dollar figures above are approximate amounts. Prices are subject to change without notice.

A note about rebates: Most rebates are subtracted from the "on the road" figure. In most cases, you can have the rebate if you are arranging your own financing or you are paying cash. If you decide to use the manufacturer’s low interest financing, you do not usually get the rebate. Ask your dealer for details.