2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

A cabin that lowers the pulse. The Corolla Hybrid’s interior is humdrum aesthetically, with swathes of gloss black plastic surrounding a modest eight-inch touchscreen which does at least offer smartphone mirroring. Sedans stand two and a half inches longer than the more attractive (but sadly non-hybrid) hatchback, with a modest 13.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity. On the bright side, sedan buyers receive superior rear legroom than their hatchback counterparts. With that said, anyone hoping to transport taller passengers will find the rear seats are somewhat short of headroom. There are three seatbelts, but pity the fool who agrees to sit in the middle; they’ll need to fold their elbows across their chest to avoid disapproving looks from their fellow travelers.

The Corolla has historically been an extremely safe vehicle, with top ratings from America’s crash test agencies (barring IIHS concerns around some headlights). Every trim receives a roster of safety kit including ten airbags, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive lane/cruise control. A reasonably low side window line means visibility is decent, especially compared to more style-focused competitors, though we’d prefer to see blind spot monitoring on the standard specification list.

Average acceleration = excellent economy. The Corolla Hybrid’s performance is decidedly underwhelming. While the range’s gas models are fitted with a 169-hp two-liter engine and an indecisive CVT transmission, Hybrids blend a four-cylinder gas engine and an electric motor to generate a paltry 121 hp. Performance can best be described as leisurely, without the sort of mid-range shove you might expect. Hyundai’s Elantra Hybrid would show the Corolla a clean pair of heels, for instance.

On a brighter note, there’s a reasonably pliant ride, and well-weighted steering combines with a properly sorted chassis to provide a reasonably engaging driving experience. Hybrids lack a bit of agility compared to other Corolla models due to their extra battery weight, but adding a second motor onto the rear axle improves both grip and steering even further. It’s also impossible to overlook the Corolla Hybrid’s superb fuel economy – for many, a key reason for choosing this method of propulsion in the first place. Returns range from 44 to 50 on the combined cycle.

Which model should I choose? With the previous L model dropped for 2023, the range now starts at $23,895 with the LE Hybrid sedan. It receives climate and keyless entry, alongside digital gauges and satellite radio. Moving up to SE trim brings sport seats and 18-inch graphite alloy wheels, while XLE ups the luxury stakes with heated SofTex seats, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, and a power moonroof with sliding sunshade. However, to improve on the rather flat six-speaker stereo system, you’ll need to raid the options list for a nine-speaker JBL system which is bundled in with a wireless charging tray.

Final thoughts. The Corolla has always been a head-over-heart purchase, and the Hybrid remains a car you’ll respect rather than love. It lacks much in the way of character, with a cabin that does everything required without doing anything special or unusual. It’s robust and reliable, well-equipped, and surprisingly good to drive despite an underwhelming engine and gearbox pairing. Crucially, it’s affordable – being able to park a brand-new hybrid on your driveway for less than $25,000 is impressive considering the amount of space you’re getting.

If only there was more pizzazz within all that space. The sedan shape is dull unless you’re staring at it front-on and the cabin is austere. All the equipment basics are present, but you’ll search in vain for features offered by rivals such as head-up displays, powered trunks, and ventilated seats. Many rivals in this sector also offer distinct USPs or splashes of character – the Mazda 3 has the Corolla licked for style, and the Honda Civic is simply a joy to drive. Fine car though the Corolla Hybrid undoubtedly is, nobody will ever grab the keys just for the hell of it.

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