2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Sedan

　　

2024 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.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior 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 Toyota Corolla is the best-selling vehicle of all time and for good reason. In its 50-plus-year history, the Corolla has become synonymous with economy and reliability. The current 12th-generation model was last redesigned in 2019 and is offered in sedan and hatchback body styles. The subject of this review is the incredibly efficient Corolla Hybrid, which is only offered as a sedan. This year, the Corolla Hybrid revives the Nightshade model with a dark aesthetic. Otherwise, it returns unchanged from last year.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 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) - $23,500 MSRPLE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $24,900 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $25,940 MSRPSE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,340 MSRPNightshade 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $26,940 MSRPNightshade 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $28,340 MSRPXLE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $27,250 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　

zzdcar spotlight: Efficiency and economy

The Corolla built its reputation on affordability and the Corolla Hybrid follows that tradition. It's one of the least expensive hybrids on the market, undercutting the Kia Niro and Toyota's own Prius. With an EPA-estimated maximum of 50 mpg combined, the Corolla Hybrid is also cheap to run. On top of that, you get a comprehensive suite of driver assist features and available all-wheel drive to help out with traction on slippery roads. The Hybrid's affordability does come at the expense of driving pleasure, refinement and interior space, but if you're seeking to minimize costs, it can't be beat.

　　

Competitors to consider

While the Corolla Hybrid deserves praise for its low price and frugality with fuel, its lack of power and refinement holds it back and we point it all out in our Expert Rating below. Although they're more expensive, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, Kia Niro and Toyota Prius are also worth checking out.

　　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