Importing a Toyota Corolla from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Toyota Corolla is the world's best-selling car and one of the most in-demand budget sedans in Georgia — reliable, economical, with cheap parts and strong resale value. It appears in huge numbers on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The Corolla's key trait for customs: the engine is always small — 1.8L (≈1798 cc) or 2.0L (≈1987 cc) — so the base excise is low and the main variable is age. Below are the generations, model years and what to check before you buy.

Generations and model years

11th generation (E170), 2014–2019

An all-new, larger sedan — 1.8L petrol (2ZR-FE, ~132 hp), CVT or a 6-speed manual on base versions. The LE Eco got the Valvematic 1.8L (~140 hp). The 2017 facelift brought a refreshed front and made Toyota Safety Sense P standard. A Corolla iM hatchback also existed in this period.

12th generation (E210), 2020+

Built on the TNGA-C platform — better handling and safety. Engines: 1.8L (~139 hp) on L/LE/XLE and the 2.0L Dynamic Force (~169 hp) on SE/XSE. This is where the Corolla Hybrid (1.8L, ~121 hp) arrived in 2020, and from 2023 the hybrid gained an AWD version. This generation is the most popular to import.

Corolla Hatchback and GR Corolla

From 2019 the US got the E210 hatchback (2.0L), replacing the iM. From 2023 there is the fiery GR Corolla (1.6L turbo, 3-cylinder, ~300 hp, AWD) — rare and pricey at auction.

Corolla year by year — 2014 to 2024

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed that year and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (age and excise). The engine is always 1.8L or 2.0L, so the main excise driver is age — and the base is low because the displacement is small.

Corolla 2014

Start of the 11th generation (E170) — a bigger cabin, 1.8L petrol with a CVT, and Valvematic on the LE Eco. Pre-facelift styling. In 2026 it is already over 6 years old, so the higher (triple) excise applies — but it is the cheapest Corolla at auction.

Corolla 2015

A carryover of the 2014 with no major changes — a reliable, cheap budget sedan. Same 1.8L. Over 6 years old, so the excise is high.

Corolla 2016

A minor update with a Special Edition trim. Still the pre-facelift E170, 1.8L CVT. Over 6 years old in 2026 — factor in the higher excise at customs.

Corolla 2017

An important year: the facelift — a new front and Toyota Safety Sense P as standard across the range. If you want an E170, 2017+ is better for safety. The Corolla iM hatchback also arrived this year.

Corolla 2018

The post-facelift year with minor equipment changes — a dependable, well-equipped used car. 1.8L. Over 6 years old in 2026.

Corolla 2019

The final E170 sedan year; alongside it the new E210 Corolla Hatchback (2.0L) launched. Importing a Corolla 2019 from the USA is a sound budget option, but it is over 6 years old → higher excise.

Corolla 2020

An all-new 12th generation (E210) on the TNGA-C platform: 1.8L plus a new 2.0L Dynamic Force, and the first Corolla Hybrid. Importing a Corolla 2020 from the USA is popular as one of the more affordable E210 years. It turns 6 in 2026 — the excise is borderline, so confirm with the calculator.

Corolla 2021

Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a Special Edition were added. Importing a Corolla 2021 from the USA pays off: it is still under 6 years, so the excise is low.

Corolla 2022

Minor equipment and trim updates — otherwise a steady E210. In 2026 it is comfortably under 6 years, so clearing it is cheap. A balance between price and being recent.

Corolla 2023

The hybrid gained an AWD version and more power, and the hybrid became available on SE/XSE too. The GR Corolla also launched this year. An AWD hybrid is rare in a compact sedan — a good option for winter and poor roads. Low excise in 2026.

Corolla 2024

A refresh: a standard 8″ screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. The newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years). If your budget allows, the Corolla 2024 is the best balance of recency and price.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• 1.8L petrol: simple, reliable, the cheapest to maintain and the lowest excise.
• 2.0L Dynamic Force: livelier performance (SE/XSE) — slightly larger displacement, but age still dominates the excise.
• Hybrid: the lowest consumption, and under 6 years a lower excise. Ideal for the city.
• AWD Hybrid (2023+): all-wheel drive for winter — rare, but practical.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most Corollas come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
• CVT: check that it operates smoothly, especially at high mileage.
• Hybrid battery: on hybrid versions, battery health matters.
• Recalls: some years have known recalls — a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

The Corolla is extremely reliable overall, but each generation has known weak spots:

• E170 (2014–2019): CVT life at very high mileage, the water pump and occasional oil consumption — check the oil level and how the transmission behaves.
• E210 (2020–2024): very sorted overall; some early cars show minor infotainment glitches. The hybrid is especially stable.
• General: test the A/C, power windows and infotainment — on damaged lots these are often the affected parts.

Fuel economy and mileage

The 1.8L petrol uses about 7–8 L/100 km in the city and down to 5.5 on the highway. The 2.0L a little more. The hybrid is far thriftier — 4.5–5 L/100 km in town. The Corolla is known for longevity: with proper care, 300,000+ km is normal. At auction, 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance between price and remaining life.

Corolla vs the rivals — Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra

The Corolla's main edge in Georgia is reliability, cheap parts and strong resale value among budget sedans. The Honda Civic is more dynamic and handles well, but parts are a touch pricier. The Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Sentra are cheaper to buy and well equipped, but depreciate faster on the used market. If reliability and holding value are the priority, the Corolla leads.

Why the Corolla is popular in Georgia

The Corolla is the benchmark budget sedan — cheap to run, minimal fuel and parts costs, and parts sold in almost every auto shop. It is a favourite for taxis and everyday family use, and it resells quickly. That is why the Corolla stays one of the most in-demand models to import year after year.

Customs and price

The Corolla engine is usually 1.8L or 2.0L, so the base excise is low and the main variable is age — a model under 6 years is significantly cheaper to clear. See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.