The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid builds upon the high points of its predecessor, optimizing its ultra-efficient power trains in what makes for one of the best-rated mpg vehicles in the entire industry, absolutely pummeling competitors such as the Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Hyundai Elantra - which are pretty fuel-efficient themselves.
While some previous trims haven’t returned for the 2023 model year, more trims of the hybrid-powered Corolla are now available. The entry-level Corolla Hybrid starts at around $24,000, and since higher-spec trims only take its price as far as $27,700, it presents itself as a very cost-efficient option and is even cheaper than the 2022 model.
Most automakers try to combine efficiency with a certain degree of enticing driving dynamics, but the 2023 Corolla Hybrid and its sibling - the upcoming Corolla Cross Hybrid, fully prioritize the former, and Toyota leaves entertainment to some of its other models. Let’s get into the details of one of the most economical cars in the market.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla’s Fuel Efficiency In Numbers
Toyota
Most hybrid vehicles combine the forces of their petrol engine and electric motors to produce more power than they would individually, but in Toyota’s case, the Corolla Hybrid takes a different route to ensure optimal efficiency. Its combustion engine comes in the form of a 1.8-liter inline-four that produces 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. As a hybrid, the Corolla also has two electric motors in FWD versions and 3 electric motors in AWD variants.
However, the addition of electric motors doesn’t actually increase the Corolla Hybrid’s power output, instead, they simply help the petrol engine do less work, which results in less fuel consumption and thus, better fuel efficiency. As a result, the FWD Corolla Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated return of 50 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway, while the AWD Corolla shows a return of 47 mpg in the city and 41 mph on the highway.
The Corolla Hybrid - and all other Corollas for that matter, come mated to a CVT automatic transmission that constantly regulates the vehicle’s gear ratios to ensure optimal efficiency at all times.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid Isn’t Fast
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Because of the aforementioned operation of the Toyota Corolla’s hybrid powertrain, don’t expect it to be a fast car in any sense of the word. Before getting into acceleration times, it’s worth mentioning that LE, SE, and XSE trims can all be set up as hybrids for the 2023 model year, and AWD is also an available option for any of them. With that out of the way, AWD versions of the Corolla Hybrid can run from 0-60 in 9 seconds flat, while FWD models take just a bit longer.
Remember, this isn’t a car that’s recommended for those who seek a thrilling ride with enjoyable driving dynamics. Steering is quite vague and lightly weighted, although it’s reasonably responsive, while the Corolla Hybrid’s braking capabilities are pretty good, and its regenerative braking is extremely efficient when it comes to recharging the vehicle’s battery.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Looks Great Inside And Out
Toyota
Despite its underwhelming yet expected performance deficiency, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid makes up for that with more than just good fuel economy. Exterior-wise it now boasts a revised front end that widens the grill by integrating it into the side vents and canard cluster, finished off with gloss black accents to give it an aggressive hue. The Corolla Hybrid’s rear end now showcases a redesigned diffuser as well. Furthermore, the hybrid is only available as a sedan, it offers more rear passenger legroom than the hatchback at the cost of less cargo space.
Inside, the 2023 Toyota Corolla presents a spacious and comfortable cabin with soft-touch materials in most places, such as squishy rubbers and microsuede fabrics. Every Corolla Hybrid trim comes with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and options include a digital gauge cluster, heated front seats with adjustable functions, leather trimming, and a 9-speaker JBL audio system with an amplifier and subwoofer.
In terms of storage space, the sedan Toyota Corolla Hybrid only offers 13 cubic feet of trunk space, which is a downgrade from the petrol-exclusive hatchback’s 18 cubic-foot cargo area. However, Toyota offers a no-cost Enhanced Cargo Space option that removes the spare tire in order to increase the vehicle’s cargo area by 6 extra cubic feet.
All in all, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid continues to advance the Japanese automaker's hybrid options by including extra trims, an updated interior, and slightly better performance at the cost of a small reduction in fuel efficiency when compared to the 2022 model. For those interested in getting a practical and immensely efficient city errand runner, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid is a perfect fit.