ToyotaCorolla

2023 Toyota Corolla Review

　　Everybody has a Toyota Corolla story. This compact car made Toyota a household brand in the U.S. well before there was a Camry, a RAV4 or a Tacoma, making a name for itself with its dependability, fuel efficiency and practicality. Those traits continue to define the modern Toyota Corolla, which gets numerous updates for the 2023 model year.

　　The hot news for 2023 is the introduction of the rally-inspired GR Corolla. We cover this high-performance hatchback in a separate review, so if the standard Corolla looks a bit tame to you, the GR should be exactly what you're looking for. Toyota also expands the Corolla Hybrid lineup for 2023, adding several trim levels to make that high-mileage version of the sedan more appealing. You can read all about it in our separate review of the Corolla Hybrid.

　　Here, we're focused on the volume-selling Corolla sedan models. In addition to styling updates, the 2023 Corolla gets some technology enhancements. Toyota has upgraded the touchscreen interface to include a lot more features than the prior system. There's available navigation, more robust voice command capabilities for many of the car's features and controls ("Hey, Toyota" is the prompt), and the ability to receive over-the-air updates for new features and upgrades. It also supports wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.

　　The Corolla will also come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the latest driver assistance software suite from the automaker. This is a step forward from the 2022 model, which features the previous generation of the suite. Feature sets are similar, but Toyota says the system is better at detecting hazards.

　　Additionally, the popular LE trim level now serves as the entry point to the lineup and adds a more powerful standard engine for 2023. With the arrival of the GR Corolla, Toyota has also discontinued the Apex Edition versions this year. Fans of manual transmissions will no longer be able to get one with the Corolla SE trim level either.

　　Otherwise, the 2023 Corolla sedan continues as a solid pick for a small sedan. In addition to its appealing, easy-to-drive nature, the Corolla excels in the areas of reliability, efficiency and practicality. But there are also some more highly rated sedans that are worth considering, such as the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra and Mazda 3. Read our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on the Corolla.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the Corolla drive? Acceleration is a bit underwhelming for the class (0-60 mph took 8.8 seconds in our testing), which means you'll likely be flooring the pedal when getting onto highways. Passing slower traffic requires a little extra planning and a heavy foot. Emergency braking performance is adequate, however, and braking force is easy to control for smooth stops.

　　We tested the Corolla XSE, which is supposed to be the sporty trim level. Alas, we quickly discovered that it's not that sporty. It leans a lot when you go around turns, and its tires don't offer much grip. But as a routine daily driver, the Corolla does just fine. It's easy to maneuver around town, and the operation of its continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is generally unobtrusive.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the Corolla? The Corolla's ride quality is smooth over a variety of road surfaces, and the front seats are comfortable. Whether you're tall or small, there are enough adjustments and sufficient range within those adjustments to find your preferred position. We do prefer the cloth seats since they breathe better than the available simulated leather on hot days.

　　Road noise is ever present. It gets so loud on the highway that you'll have to crank the stereo to overcome it. The engine sounds labored under hard acceleration, but the continuously variable transmission's simulated gear changes help reduce the droning sound that is otherwise typical for a CVT.

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