2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

　　

2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　For years, if you wanted a fuel-efficient Toyota hybrid, your choices were the somewhat dorky Prius hatchback or a more expensive option like a Camry, RAV4 or Highlander. Two years ago, the big T debuted the Corolla Hybrid — an electrified version of one of the best-selling cars of all time. Our verdict? Marrying the Prius' thrifty powertrain with the sporty styling of the current-generation Corolla makes this fuel-efficient sedan worth consideration.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$73/mo  for Corolla Hybrid LE

　　Corolla Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $24,050 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　That said, unlike its non-electrified counterpart, the Corolla Hybrid is only available in the sparsely equipped LE trim. That keeps costs low, but the cabin feels a little low-rent. Fortunately, the newly available Premium Interior package dresses up the Corolla with Toyota's SofTex imitation leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It's a highly recommended upgrade and should go a long way in making the cabin feel more comfortable.

　　While the Corolla Hybrid remains a solid pick in the compact hybrid class, some rivals offer a more pleasant driving experience, elevated interior materials or additional rear seat room. Among its direct competitors, we think the Honda Insight and Kia Niro are worth checking out first. But if you're set on an affordable Toyota hybrid, be sure to read out our zzdcar' Expert Rating below to see if the Corolla Hybrid is what you're looking for.

　　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 one.

　　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 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 needed 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below