2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is affordable, has a ton of basic and add-on options, and gets good gas mileage. The overall passenger and cargo capacity of this sedan is modest, despite its usefulness, and its increased horsepower for 2023 still doesn’t give it the punch that many drivers desire.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid History

In 1966, the Toyota Corolla was unveiled to the public as a compact, reasonably priced, and dependable mode of transportation. A hybrid version was, however, not offered in Japan until the 11th generation. A hybrid model was eventually made available in the United States for the 12th generation. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid is made for folks who don’t like the outgoing style of the Prius hatchback but yet need an inexpensive, extremely fuel-efficient vehicle.

Most Recent Generation

The Prius and the Toyota Corolla Hybrid both use the TNGA architecture and hybrid drivetrain. A CVT transmits power from the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to the front wheels along with an electric motor and battery. With an EPA rating of efficiency above 50 mpg, it is the most economical Corolla ever.

The Corolla Hybrid is the least expensive hybrid available in 2023, not just among Toyota models. The compact car boasts advanced technology, advanced driver aids, and a combined fuel economy of up to 50 mpg. If the Prius is beyond your budget, the Corolla Hybrid is a good substitute.
Because it was only offered in the very basic LE trim, the Corolla Hybrid from the previous year wasn’t very tempting. The sporty SE trim and well-equipped XLE trim have been added, and there has been a considerable refresh for the 2023 model year, which has modified things. Additionally included for 2023 was all-wheel drive, an unusual option for tiny automobiles. On the LE and SE trims, it is an optional feature; however, it lowers fuel economy by 2-3 mpg. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the most recent set of cutting-edge driver aids from the manufacturer, and a new infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also included in the Corolla Hybrid. The Corolla Hybrid’s hybrid powertrain now produces greater power, and its front and back ends have been updated.
The Corolla Hybrid received considerable improvements in 2023, making it an attractive choice—especially given its pricing. However, it faces competition from newer, more effective, and competitive hybrids. If your budget allows, consider this option, as it outperforms its hybrid counterpart in most aspects. For 2023, the Kia Niro had a revamp as well. It currently has a contemporary appearance, lots of space, and great fuel efficiency.

What has changed for 2023?

Toyota will make substantial changes to the Corolla’s trim levels and engine in 2023. Corolla hybrid models now come in SE and XLE trim levels, and all-wheel drive is now an option for SE and LE trims. The L, LE, and XLE models have replaced their 1.8-liter engine with a 2.0-liter engine, resulting in a 169-horsepower output. Toyota will discontinue the six-speed manual transmission on the Corolla after 2023, joining a list of cars that can only be purchased with an automatic. Instead of smaller screens, the larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen is now standard on all Corolla models.
While the XSE and XLE now have a revamped 7.0-inch gauge cluster, all models now have a new 4.2-inch gauge cluster. Minor aesthetic upgrades include redesigned headlights for SE, XSE, and XLE Corolla models, along with LED daytime running lights. For the SE and XSE variants, new 18-inch Gloss Graphite alloy wheels and a rear diffuser are also available. Corolla hatchbacks can be had with the updated grille, LED headlights, and chrome-accented rear bumper. The entry-level Corolla was renamed the LE model after the base L trim was discontinued.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Design

The Corollas from the late 1990s and early 2000s had much less imaginative styling than the current generation. The car boasts glowering headlights, mesh grille texturing, aerodynamic ground effects, and graphite-painted 18-inch wheels for a stylish appearance. The Toyota, despite appearing dowdy compared to the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic, is still a charming sedan with its stubby bonnet and high tail.
The SE Hybrid’s interior features cheap-looking black fabric upholstery, although there are some red accents to brighten things up. Although the dash, door panels, and armrests are of softer materials, the center console is of hard plastic, which screams “cost-cutting”. The inside design of the product is somewhat archaic as seen in its competitors, but there are not many noticeable flaws. Everything just works, to put it simply.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Comfort

The TNGA-C chassis of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid offers it a hard, robust feel that is promising for on-road refinement. With a four-wheel independent suspension in a category where rear twist beams are typical, the ride quality is better than expected for this type of vehicle. The hybrid powertrain is well-integrated and polished. The engine frequently cuts out, both at stoplights and while moving, but due to the car’s exceptional noise and vibration insulation, you would have to pay close attention to the tachometer to know when it restarts.
After a few hours behind the wheel, the Corolla gave me a numb butt because the front seats are a little short on thigh support for taller people. Additionally, compared to the competitors, overall interior measurements have decreased somewhat. The rear seat in the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid will be less comfortable for accommodating three people across.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: New Safety and Tech Features

The new standard 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system in the 2023 Corolla features dual Bluetooth phone pairing, satellite radio (after a requirement of a three-month trial period, a subscription), and smartphone compatibility for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also helps the Voice commands and over-the-air updates for items like map data.
Additionally, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a collection of active safety and driver-assistance systems, is also in the 2023 Corolla. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian recognition, lane departure warning, lane-centering steering assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights are some of the fundamental elements of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Interior

Although it has some oddities and has limited backseat space, this car is fantastic for letting you concentrate on the task of driving. It’s simple to select a driving posture that is comfortable, and visibility is superb. The front seats provide ample space for taller drivers, but the rear head and legroom are small, requiring squatting to enter the back seat. The Kia Niro Hybrid, a competitor, has a substantially roomier back seat.
Utilizing frequently used controls is simple and doesn’t hinder road awareness, but excessive involvement in vehicle settings can be frustrating. Advanced driver assistance systems in automobiles can be operated from the gauge cluster information screen, but switching between screens requires steering wheel controls. Some are also inaccessible while moving since they are inside menus on the infotainment touchscreen.

Storage

The 13.1-cubic-foot trunk is slightly smaller than the largest compact sedan options but significantly smaller than other hybrid cars. Long or bulky things will need to be moved around a little to fit in the limited trunk opening. Although the rear seats are foldable, the releases are awkwardly in the middle of the back.
Have young children? Although it is simple to locate the car seat anchor points, installing large rear-facing seats might be challenging due to the restricted space and tight door openings. Fixed headrests face issues as they round the top strap, causing denting and reducing the connection’s security.

Value

The Corolla Hybrid is a cost-effective hybrid car, with its all-wheel-drive version being one of the most cost-effective AWD options available. The trade-off is that you simply won’t get as many amenities or a nicer driving experience as rivals do. The Corolla’s inside has a good, somewhat modern appearance, and the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel feels great. But there is a lot of hard plastic everywhere else.

Toyota offers a 10-year/150,000-mile guarantee on the hybrid battery in addition to the standard warranty’s eight-year/100,000-mile coverage for hybrid parts. For two years, or 25,000 miles, maintenance is also free.

In Summary

The Corolla Hybrid is a cozy little hybrid sedan that gets decent gas mileage and has a modest entry cost. It is also available with all-wheel drive. The loud, strained gas engine, so-so tech implementation, and lack of storage and passenger capacity compared to comparable hybrid cars hold it back in this class.

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Published On October 27, 2023

By Chiagoziem Obiageliaku