Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla Have Cruise Control?

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The 2019 Toyota Corolla remains a popular choice among compact sedan enthusiasts due to its reliability, fuel efficiency, and everyday practicality. As more consumers turn to used vehicles to meet their budget and lifestyle needs, one of the most common questions centers around key comfort and driver-assistance features — particularly cruise control. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a deep dive into what level of cruise control is available in the 2019 Toyota Corolla, explore trim-specific features, and discuss the broader implications of cruise control functionality in modern cars.

Table of Contents

Understanding Cruise Control and Its Evolution

Before jumping directly into whether the 2019 Corolla has cruise control, it helps to understand what cruise control entails and how the technology evolved over time.

Cruise control, also known as speed control or cruise assist, was initially introduced by Chrysler in the early 1950s as a luxury passenger vehicle feature. The system allowed drivers to “set” a desired speed, removing the need to keep pressing the accelerator pedal on long highway journeys. Over the decades, cruise control has gone from a manual, mechanical system to a computer-controlled, highly intelligent form known today as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

So, the key question is: does the 2019 Corolla have basic cruise control or does it offer adaptive cruise control?

Trim Overview of the 2019 Toyota Corolla

The 2019 Toyota Corolla offers a range of trims, each designed to cater to different preferences and budgets:

  • Corolla L
  • Corolla LE
  • Corolla XLE
  • Corolla SE
  • Corolla XSE
  • Corolla iM

While all versions share the same reliable 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine (132 horsepower) paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the availability of advanced features like cruise control varies depending on the trim.

Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla Have Cruise Control?

The short answer is: Yes, the 2019 Toyota Corolla comes with cruise control, but availability varies by trim level.

Let’s break this down further:

1. Cruise Control on the Corolla L (Base Trim)

The Corolla L is the entry-level trim and is favored for its affordability and practical design. This trim does not come equipped with standard cruise control. Buyers who prioritize budget-friendliness might miss this feature unless they opt for additional packages.

2. Cruise Control on the Corolla LE and LE Eco

Starting at the Corolla LE (and LE Eco), Toyota begins to include cruise control as part of the standard equipment. That means if you’re considering the LE, you do have cruise control available, often steering wheel-mounted controls, which make it easier to engage and adjust while on the road.

3. Cruise Control on the Corolla XLE

The Corolla XLE includes standard cruise control and enhances the overall driving experience with extra comfort and convenience features, including a display screen upgrade (6.1-inch Toyota Display Audio system as standard), automatic climate control, smart key system, and available push-button start.

4. Cruise Control on the Corolla SE

The sport-themed Corolla SE ensures that drivers receive cruise control as well. This trim includes paddle shifters, unique front fascia, and a seven-speed CVT with manual shift mode, but it doesn’t add adaptive cruise control on its own. However, it still includes the standard version to ease highway driving.

5. Cruise Control on the Corolla XSE

The XSE trim sits at the top of the 2019 Corolla lineup in terms of performance and luxury. It also includes cruise control as standard, along with other comfort and infotainment upgrades like a JBL premium audio system, wireless charging, and LED headlights. Still, no adaptive cruise control is standard here either.

6. Corolla iM (The Hatchback Version)

The Toyota Corolla iM, a hatchback variant co-developed with Subaru, was sold alongside the conventional Corolla sedan. Like the sedan, the iM trim does include cruise control as standard starting from the LE trim and up.

What Type of Cruise Control Does the 2019 Corolla Have?

Most configurations of the 2019 Corolla that include cruise control come standard with conventional cruise control, meaning you can set your speed, accelerate, decelerate, and cancel the feature. It doesn’t adjust for traffic automatically — that type of functionality came later in the form of adaptive cruise control. But as of 2019, that feature was not part of the Corolla’s standard suite on any trim.

So, in summary:

Trim Cruise Control (Standard) Adaptive Cruise Control (Optional?)
Corolla L No No
Corolla LE Yes No
Corolla LE Eco Yes No
Corolla XLE Yes No
Corolla SE Yes No
Corolla XSE Yes No
Corolla iM Yes No

Is Adaptive Cruise Control Available on the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

Now that we’ve established that standard cruise control is available on every trim above the base L, an important follow-up question should be: Can owners get adaptive cruise control on the 2019 Corolla?

The answer is no, not in any form during the 2019 model year. Toyota first introduced its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) system in the 2018 model year on select trims, and while it did include radar sensors and camera-based tech for pre-collision braking and lane-keeping assist, it didn’t include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) for the 2019 Corolla sedan or iM.

Starting in 2020, Toyota added ACC with the rollout of Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included more advanced active safety features including ACC. Therefore, if adaptive cruise control is a deciding feature for you, you might consider models from 2020 onwards.

Additional Safety and Driver-Assistance Features in the 2019 Corolla

While the 2019 Toyota Corolla does not have adaptive cruise control, it does offer a suite of safety features as part of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) P package introduced that model year.

TSS-P includes:

  • Pre-Collision System: Helps detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and may apply the brakes if a collision threat is imminent.
  • Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist: Helps warn and guide the driver if the vehicle drifts out of the lane unintentionally.
  • Automatic High Beams: Adjusts high beams automatically in response to the presence of other vehicles.
  • Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: This statement might seem contradictory. However, it’s worth clarifying that in some marketing materials and dealer-level discussions, **Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)** may be listed — but even with that description, it generally didn’t become standard until newer model years.

So, to avoid confusion, no TSS package on the 2019 Corolla included dynamic or adaptive cruise control.

The Benefits of Conventional Cruise Control in Long-Distance Driving

Even though the 2019 Toyota Corolla doesn’t have adaptive cruise control, conventional cruise control plays a key role in improving driving comfort on highways.

Let’s break down how:

Pedal Fatigue Reduction

Steadily maintaining highway speeds for hours on end can strain your leg muscles. Cruise control eliminates the need to constantly modulate the accelerator.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Maintaining a steady speed, rather than fluctuating between small accelerations and decelerations, often leads to better miles per gallon on long-distance highway trips.

More Relaxed Commutes

For those who deal with long daily commutes, a basic cruise control setup can relieve much of the monotony of driving, especially on major highways like interstates.

Is Retrofitting Cruise Control Possible?

If you find yourself looking at a 2019 Corolla L and want cruise control but it’s not part of the standard equipment, is it possible to retrofit it later?

Technically speaking, yes, you can add cruise control to a base model after purchase, though it’s not always simple or elegant.

Common Retrofit Methods Include:

  1. Purchasing a used steering wheel with built-in cruise controls and the necessary wiring harness and cruise module from a donor LE or higher trim car.
  2. Some third-party aftermarket kits that may allow cruise control, but this may void certain warranties or be unreliable unless professionally installed.
  3. Using original Toyota components ensures easier integration, but it is technically complex and may cost several hundred dollars to several thousand depending on method.

However, Toyota does not officially support retrofitting of cruise control systems on older model years in this manner, so the process may compromise warranty coverage and functionality unless done carefully.

Differences Between 2019 and Newer Corollas: Why ACC Matters More Now

The market for compact sedans, once dominated by purely practical concerns, has evolved. Consumers increasingly demand driver-assisted technologies that enhance safety and ease of driving. For example:

Feature 2019 Corolla 2020+ Corolla
Cruise Control Available on LE and above Same availability
Adaptive Cruise Control No Standard or Optional via TSS 2.0 and TSS 3.0
City Mode ACC N/A Available

If the car you’re considering is a daily long-distance commuter or highway cruiser, these features can have a real impact on comfort, fuel economy, and safety over time.

Is Cruise Control Right for Every Driver?

Cruise control is popular, especially on long highway legs, but its limitations should be understood.

Pros of Cruise Control:

  • Reduces driver fatigue on long trips.
  • Promotes stable speeds in varied road conditions.
  • Helps save fuel under ideal highway conditions.
  • Easy to engage and disengage on most modern systems.

Cons of Cruise Control:

  • Not responsive to changing traffic conditions.
  • Reduces driver alertness over time on long drives.
  • Should not be used in heavy traffic, rain, snow, or slippery roads.

Because of these drawbacks, automakers have moved toward adaptive cruise control to create a smarter solution — pairing it with sensors to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. While this was unavailable on the 2019 Corolla, it opens the door for future comparisons in used car shopping.

Conclusion: What You Need to Know When Shopping for Cruise Control on the 2019 Corolla

To directly answer the question raised in the title: Yes, the 2019 Toyota Corolla has cruise control, depending on the trim level you choose. The LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE trims have cruise control as a standard feature, while the L trim lacks it altogether.

If conventional cruise control meets your needs and budget, the Corolla LE or LE Eco often provides excellent value without jumping to higher trim levels. If you’re curious about adaptive cruise control or newer automated technologies, you may want to consider a 2020 or newer Corolla.

In the used car market, knowing what features come standard by trim level allows you to make a more informed, empowered purchasing decision — ensuring you get the vehicle that best fits your lifestyle and driving conditions.

Whether you’re a daily commuter, a road-trip enthusiast, or looking for a compact car that’s intuitive and reliable, the 2019 Corolla can serve you well — especially with cruise control in the right configurations.

Make sure to test drive and verify with the dealership or seller what specific features your vehicle has, and if you’re missing cruise control but want it, speak to a Toyota-authorized shop about potential retrofitting options before making a final purchase.

Additional Resources

To explore more about the technology behind cruise control and how it’s transforming the automotive industry, dive into these in-depth reads:

Explore Toyota’s Official Website

Automotive Research & Testing Centers

These resources are great for comparing trim specifications and understanding how vehicle features like cruise control can influence your ownership experience.

What is cruise control and how does it work?

Cruise control is a feature that allows drivers to maintain a set speed without continuously pressing the accelerator. Once activated, the system electronically controls the throttle to keep the vehicle moving at a consistent pace, reducing driver fatigue on long trips or during highway driving.

On the 2019 Toyota Corolla, cruise control can typically be activated using buttons on the steering wheel. Drivers can set, resume, accelerate, decelerate, and cancel the cruise control depending on road conditions and preferences. This system works most effectively at maintaining speed when driving on level terrain and can disengage automatically when the driver brakes.

Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla come with cruise control as standard equipment?

Yes, the 2019 Toyota Corolla comes equipped with cruise control as a standard feature across all trim levels. It is part of Toyota’s effort to provide a comfortable driving experience, even in their more affordable models. Whether you have the base L trim or the more feature-rich XLE trim, cruise control is included.

This means that owners of the 2019 Corolla can take advantage of hands-free speed maintenance on highways without the need for additional packages or upgrades. Cruise control is controlled through an intuitive button layout on the steering wheel, making it easy and safe to use while driving.

Can the cruise control on the 2019 Toyota Corolla be used in heavy traffic?

Cruise control on the 2019 Toyota Corolla is best suited for open highways and not recommended for use in heavy traffic situations. Since the system maintains a constant speed regardless of vehicles ahead, it requires the driver to remain alert and manually disable it when stopping or slowing down.

In stop-and-go traffic, using cruise control could lead to delayed reaction times and safety concerns. However, the Corolla offers other technologies, such as available safety sense features, that can complement driver awareness, though they do not automate the braking function when cruise control is active.

Where is the cruise control lever or buttons located in the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

In the 2019 Toyota Corolla, the cruise control buttons are located on the left side of the steering wheel. This convenient placement allows drivers to easily access and control the system without taking their hands off the wheel.

The buttons are labeled with intuitive functions, including ON/OFF, SET/COAST, RES/ACCEL, and CANCEL. This layout allows for seamless operation and quick adjustments while maintaining safety and convenience during long drives.

Is the cruise control system on the 2019 Toyota Corolla adjustable while driving?

Yes, the cruise control system on the 2019 Toyota Corolla can be adjusted while the vehicle is in motion. After setting the desired speed, drivers can fine-tune the cruising speed using the RES/ACCEL button to increase the speed or the SET/COAST button to decrease it, usually in 1 mph or 1 km/h increments depending on the vehicle’s unit setting.

This adjustment feature allows for flexibility as conditions change without having to disengage and reset the system entirely. It’s particularly helpful when navigating gentle hills or maintaining speed in varying traffic conditions while reducing the need to manually accelerate and decelerate.

Can you use cruise control in rainy or slippery conditions on the 2019 Toyota Corolla?

While the 2019 Toyota Corolla has cruise control capabilities, it’s not recommended to use the feature in rainy, icy, or any slippery road conditions. Cruise control can reduce driver engagement and responsiveness, which may lead to loss of traction or vehicle skidding if the system maintains speed without adapting to surface conditions.

Toyota advises drivers to disengage cruise control in low-grip environments and rely on manual control for better handling. Since the cruise control system cannot detect loss of traction on its own, it’s best practiced that drivers take extra caution and avoid using it when road surfaces are compromised.

Does the 2019 Toyota Corolla have adaptive cruise control?

No, the 2019 Toyota Corolla does not come with adaptive cruise control. It only includes conventional cruise control, which maintains a set speed but does not automatically adjust to traffic conditions or distance from vehicles ahead. Adaptive cruise control was not available as an option for this model year.

Although Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) includes pre-collision systems and lane departure warnings, the Corolla from 2019 lacks the radar and sensing technology necessary for adaptive cruise control functionality. Drivers looking for automatic speed adjustment based on traffic should consider newer models or trim levels that offer this advanced feature.

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