The 2023 Toyota Corolla is expected to continue with minor changes ahead of a possible refresh for 2024. The current Corolla Hatchback was introduced for 2018 and the sedan for 2019. Changes to the entire lineup have been relatively minor so far, with some special edition models and more driver assistance systems. The biggest addition will be a new performance hatchback called the 2023 GR Corolla promising track-ready specs and features.
The standard 2023 Corolla line is expected to continue with the sedan available in L, LE, SE, SE Nightshade, XLE and XSE trims. The Corolla Hatchback should continue in SE, SE Nightshade and XSE trim levels. For 2023, the GR Corolla will be a new manual-transmission hatchback with standard all-wheel drive. There will be two GR Corolla trims, Core and Circuit Edition, with the latter being a limited-edition style only available for the car's first year.
The GR Corolla will come with a 3-cylinder 1.6L turbocharged engine tuned to 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Aggressive styling, heavily-bolstered seats, and wider fender flares set the stage for a rally-inspired hot hatch. The car will be the brand's second GR model (which stands for Toyota's motorsports arm, Gazoo Racing) apart from the Supra. Other unusual features include a three-port exhaust system, a limited-slip differential, and all-wheel drive.
Apart from minor trim changes, the regular Corolla is expected to stand pat for 2023. The limited-edition Apex sedan and SE Nightshade sedan and hatchback were new for 2022, but only the Nightshade is likely to stay. L, LE, and XLE models are more conservatively styled while SE and XSE have more aggressive trim and larger wheels, along with a firmer suspension. While styling shouldn’t change too much inside, the Corolla is one of the last Toyotas not to use its latest infotainment system and a larger screen. But that will probably wait for a full redesign.
A 139-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on the regular Corolla sedan and hatchback. SE and XSE models get a 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. L, LE, and XLE models are only available with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). SE and XSE hatchback versions are available with the CVT or a six-speed manual.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Corolla sedan and hatchback with its 2021 Top Safety Pick, the second-highest rating. Only its standard headlights were below-par. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2022 Corollas a five-star rating, its highest. Given any structural changes are unlikely for 2023, these ratings are not expected to change.
The Corolla line was updated in 2021 with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of driver assistance technology. That includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic high beam assist. Blind-spot monitoring is optional.
