2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review

　　

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　Built on a reputation for reliability and value, the Toyota Corolla is the best-selling vehicle of all time. As impressive as that statement is, we've knocked previous Corolla generations for their lack of inspiration when it came to styling, performance and refinement. With the introduction of the all-new Corolla, those old conventions no longer ring true. On top of all of the improvements, there's also a new hybrid model for even greater appeal.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$72/mo  for Corolla Hybrid LE

　　Corolla Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $23,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid takes the sharp, new redesign of the conventional Corolla and adds the highly efficient powertrain from the Prius. The result is an attractive compact sedan with phenomenal mileage. That combination has been rather elusive until just recently, with Honda's introduction of the Insight and the Accord Hybrid.

　　Like the Honda rivals, the Corolla Hybrid gains favor with a long list of standard advanced safety features and an interior that exceeds expectations for quality. Holding it back, however, is a singular (and notably modest) trim level, slower acceleration, grabby brakes, lack of Android Auto integration, and limited rear headroom.

　　Even with these drawbacks in mind, the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid makes a compelling case for itself among the Honda rivals. It's a huge step in the right direction, adding even more justification for its best-seller status.

　　Notably, the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article.

　　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

　　7.5

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Corolla Hybrid drive? The Corolla Hybrid provides respectable power and smoothness during low-speed acceleration. You won't have any trouble keeping pace with city traffic. Acceleration is somewhat lacking once you're trying to get to freeway speeds quickly (0-60 mph took a slow 10 seconds in our testing), but that's typical for fuel-sipping cars like this.

　　Around turns, the Corolla Hybrid is stable, though the economy-biased tires don't offer up much grip. The main drawback is an abrupt and grabby brake pedal feel at low speeds. It's more of an annoyance than anything else, but it makes the hybrid hard to stop smoothly.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Corolla Hybrid? The soft-cloth seats feel cushy initially, but they lack the support — not to mention lumbar adjustment — that makes longer drives tolerable.

　　The Corolla Hybrid's ride quality is well-controlled. It's smooth without being overly isolating or floaty. Less appealing are the front seats. They feel cushy when you first sit on them, but they lack the support and adjustability to make long drives tolerable. As for noise, the hybrid is generally quiet, though the engine can sound unpleasant when you get hard on the gas.

　　Owing to the hybrid's fuel-conscious intentions, the climate control system offers an Eco setting that improves efficiency. You can use this setting for temperate days, but you'll want to switch it off if you are dealing with truly hot or cold days. Otherwise, the system just can't keep up.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Corolla's interior isn't fancy but is thoughtfully designed. The main controls are clearly labeled and easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. We also like the driving position. Sight lines are clear to the instruments as well as to the front, rear and sides.

　　While the front seats have plenty of space, the rear is more restricted, especially with regard to headroom. Taller adult occupants will have to duck while getting in and out, and they'll find their heads close to the roof when seated.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? The main infotainment display is adequate but lacks navigation and arbitrarily locks out certain features when you're moving, which is a source of constant frustration. Apple CarPlay is supported and works as expected, but Android Auto is missing. Toyota's Entune app is a poor substitute when it comes to features and functionality. The integrated voice controls are effective in understanding most commands, though you still need to navigate through prompts to accomplish tasks. You're better off with your phone.

　　Standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, are impressive for the price. Alas, this system isn't smooth at low speeds, so you won't want to use it in stop-and-go traffic.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? Storage options are average overall, and you can find more accommodating cars for the money. The rear seats fold easily but not flat. Instead, they create a shelf of sorts that partitions the trunk from the cabin. This feature could be helpful for securing items that fit, but it could be annoying if you want a flat loading surface. The center console compartments can handle a phone and wallet or small purse but not much else.

　　Fitting car seats in the rear is easy thanks to visible and easily accessible lower car seat anchors underneath plastic flaps. The upper tethers are easy to find too.

　　

Fuel Economy

9.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA rates the Corolla Hybrid at a combined 52 mpg, which matches the fuel economy of the main versions of the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. During our 117-mile evaluation route, which covers highway, country roads and city streets, our test car returned 58 mpg.

　　

Value

8.0/10

　　Is the Corolla Hybrid a good value? The Corolla Hybrid delivers a lot of value because of its low pricing and respectable number of standard features. Most of the interior looks and feels appropriate for the price, but the overall design appears a bit higher-class. On top of that, you get two years of free maintenance and roadside assistance without a mileage restriction.

　　If you're content with the base car's offerings, you'll be happy. But there are no additional trim levels or options, so those seeking quality-of-life upgrades — such as premium sound, leather or superior phone connectivity — will need to look elsewhere because the Corolla Hybrid is only offered in the LE grade.

　　

Wildcard

7.5/10

　　Handsome exterior styling helps the new Corolla break away from the boring look and feel of previous versions. Still, you can't help but feel like you're driving an appliance. But it does nothing particularly wrong when it comes to driving fun. Instead, the Corolla Hybrid dutifully tackles the daily grind without complaint.

　　Alas, the characteristic hybrid drone of the engine at high speeds, the light steering feel, and the ho-hum acceleration ensure there's simply nothing to enjoy about the experience of driving.

　　

Which Corolla Hybrid does zzdcar recommend?

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid only comes in the LE trim, and there are no options to add. Your only decisions boil down to the seven exterior colors and two interior upholstery choices.

　　

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid models

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is offered only in LE trim. Power comes from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motor-generators (combined output: 121 horsepower, 105 lb-ft of torque). They're paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

　　Standard features include 15-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic high beams, heated mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, selectable drive modes, adaptive cruise control, a virtual instrument panel, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, four-way manually adjustable front seats, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. You also get Toyota's Safety Connect emergency communications, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, an 8-inch touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker stereo.

　　The Corolla Hybrid also comes with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite of advanced safety features (forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a traffic sign reader). There are no optional add-ons available.

　　zzdcar Latest Toyota Corolla Hybrid News

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2020 Corolla Hybrid Highlights

　　

Base MSRP	$23,100
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	52 MPG
Cost to Drive	$72/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles