2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

　　

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuSenior Editor and Content Strategist, CarMax

　　Will Kaufman has worked in the automotive industry since 2017. He has written hundreds of car-related articles and reviews over the course of his career. Will is a senior editor and content strategist for CarMax at zzdcar. Will has been featured in the Associated Press and a number of major outlets on the topics of infotainment and vehicle data, vehicle subscription services and autonomous vehicles. Will started his career in online publishing by writing and editing standardized test guides, but he has a lot more fun writing about cars.

　　The Corolla Hybrid is not only Toyota's most affordable hybrid, it's the cheapest hybrid you can buy for 2023. The compact sedan gets up to 50 mpg in combined driving and comes standard with plenty of tech including a package of advanced driver aids. The Corolla Hybrid is a good alternative if the Prius is out of your price range.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$77/mo  for Corolla Hybrid LE

　　Corolla Hybrid LE

　　LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) (Most Popular) - $23,050 MSRPLE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $24,450 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $25,490 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,890 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,850 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　Last year's Corolla Hybrid wasn't very appealing because it was only available in the rather basic LE trim. But that's changed for the 2023 model year thanks to a significant refresh and the addition of the sporty SE trim and well-equipped XLE trim. All-wheel drive was also added for 2023, a rare feature for compact cars. It's optional on the LE and SE trims but reduces fuel economy by 2-3 mpg. The Corolla Hybrid's tech was also upgraded with the addition of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the brand's latest package of advanced driver aids, and an updated infotainment system that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lastly, the Corolla Hybrid received restyled front and rear ends, and its hybrid powertrain now delivers more power.

　　The 2023 updates significantly improved the Corolla Hybrid, making it a compelling choice, especially considering its price tag. But it's up against newer, more efficient and competitive hybrids. The Pruis' 2023 redesign made it more efficient, powerful and much better-looking inside and out. It tops its hybrid sibling in most ways and should be considered if it's in your price range. The Kia Niro was also redesigned for 2023. It now sports a modern look, lots of room and excellent fuel economy. Another great alternative is the value-packed Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. Read our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on the Corolla Hybrid.

　　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.

　　Below Average

　　7.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

6.5/10

　　How does the Corolla Hybrid drive? We tested the Corolla Hybrid with its available all-wheel-drive system. The AWD's two electric motors give it a nice boost pulling away from a stop and below about 25 mph, making it feel responsive in city driving.

　　But the electric boost fades once you're moving a little faster, and the buzzy gas engine often seems like it's making more noise than power. At the zzdcar test track, our test Corolla made it from 0 to 60 mph in a leisurely 9.6 seconds. That's nearly 2 seconds slower than the current Prius. In the real world, that lack of power is apparent at freeway speeds where the gas engine strains to climb hills or pass slower traffic.

　　The Corolla does handle nicely on the road, feeling stable through turns. The steering is naturally weighted and precise, if numb. It's not set up to be sporty, but it's an easy car to navigate whether you're in a parking lot or on a winding road. The brake pedal is soft, with a lot of travel before you get significant stopping power, so it takes some getting used to.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Corolla Hybrid? The Corolla Hybrid has a surprisingly compliant ride, comfortable seats, and, but for the engine noise, is on the quiet side for a small car. The suspension soaks up normal bumps and cracks in the paving without drama, and the car feels settled over all but larger bumps. The front and rear seats are nicely contoured and supportive, even for longer drives.

　　The climate controls are simple and straightforward and manage temperatures in the car well, although parents might wish for rear seat vents. Heated seats are limited to the top trim, and niceties like ventilated seats and dual-zone climate control are not on offer.

　　The biggest source of noise and vibration is the engine, which is mild when cruising but highly intrusive when accelerating or climbing a hill. Wind noise is noticeable but not fatiguing, and traffic noise is relatively well damped for a compact car.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below