The Toyota Corolla is known for being reliable and, more importantly, affordable. However, being affordable doesn't necessarily mean that it holds its value. A Corolla, as with most consumer vehicles, will suffer from depreciation. Market perception and demand will dictate how much value it loses as the years progress.
The current Toyota Corolla, in sedan and hatch configuration, has not sold in the same volumes as the models preceding it. Much of this isn't Toyota's fault, though. The market has changed its preferences, and the sedan and hatchback body styles have fallen out of favour, with the crossover and SUV styles being preferred by the majority of consumers.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Toyota Corolla
The 12th-generation Toyota Corolla hatchback launched in 2019 with the sedan following in 2020 - and we know the challenges that were faced in this time. This did little to assist with sales of the popular model for Toyota and several years down the line, the Corolla Cross has proven to be a greater success.
When launched, there were three derivatives of the Corolla hatchback and three different Corolla sedans. Below, you will find what they cost when they launched and how much they are worth now. To further show the true depreciation in their value, we've included the list price, adjusted for inflation, and shown the depreciation on that basis as well. Do note that this is only a guideline and is based on the current market trends. This should serve as a loose reference only.
Toyota Corolla Depreciation
Toyota Corolla hatch 1.2T Xs 6MT
New Price (2019): R336 800
Market Value (2024): R262 424
Average Mileage (2024): 98 450 km
Percentage Loss: -22.08%
Adjusted New Price: R432 332
Market Value (2024): R262 424
Percentage Loss: -39.3%
Toyota Corolla hatch 1.2T Xs CVT
New Price (2019): R347 400
Market Value (2024): R262 323
Average Mileage (2024): 110 064 km
Percentage Loss: -24.48%
Adjusted New Price: R445 939
Market Value (2024): R262 323
Percentage Loss: -41.17%
Toyota Corolla hatch 1.2T Xr CVT
New Price (2019): R367 100
Market Value (2024): R292 900
Average Mileage (2024): 90 600 km
Percentage Loss: -20.21%
Adjusted New Price: R471 227
Market Value (2024): R292 900
Percentage Loss: -37.84%
Toyota Corolla sedan 1.8 XS CVT
New Price (2020): R372 700
Market Value (2024): R319 959
Average Mileage (2024): 40 625 km
Percentage Loss: -14.15%
Adjusted New Price: R461 971
Market Value (2024): R319 959
Percentage Loss: -30.74%
Toyota Corolla sedan 2.0 XR 6MT
New Price (2020): R412 300
Market Value (2024): R349 900
Average Mileage (2024): 117 000 km
Percentage Loss: -15.13%
Adjusted New Price: R511 057
Market Value (2024): R349 900
Percentage Loss: -31.53%
Toyota Corolla sedan 2.0 XR CVT
New Price (2020): R425 200
Market Value (2024): R304 895
Average Mileage (2024): 124 200 km
Percentage Loss: -28.29%
Adjusted New Price: R527 047
Market Value (2024): R304 895
Percentage Loss: -42.15%
Verdict
The above calculations show that the Toyota Corolla derivative and trim level that depreciates the fastest is the sedan in XR trim, losing 28% of its original value and more than 40% when adjusted for inflation. The model and trim that holds its value the best is the sedan in XS trim, losing only roughly 14% over the last four years.
