As one of the largest carmakers in the world, Toyota both has the resources and engineering prowess to deliver vehicles that its customers would like to buy. It has dozens of different models under its namesake sake, and even has other brands – such as Lexus -- take care of the other sides of its automotive business.
Among Toyota’s bestsellers, the Corolla is the hottest nameplate in the world, with sales already exceeding 50 million. As one of the carmaker’s main weapons in the auto industry, the Corolla remains attractive thanks to the fact that Toyota keeps on diversifying it into different versions. In fact, the carmaker launched this year the GR Corolla, the spiciest iteration of the nameplate so far.
For those looking for a greener version of the nameplate, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a very acceptable offering. The Corolla Hybrid didn’t exist until a few years ago, but when it arrived on the market, it was quite appealing despite the lack of power and other options.
Toyota seemed to have heard the prayers of current and would-be Corolla Hybrid customers. So, it took action and made the 2023 Corolla Hybrid greedy by enhancing its power levels and adding more options to choose from.
A More Powerful Toyota Hybrid System
Many welcomed the Corolla Hybrid with open arms a few years ago as it was a more accessible hybrid Toyota than the Prius, Camry, RAV4 and Highlander. It is essentially a typical current-gen Corolla but with the thrifty powertrain of the Prius -- a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired to two motor-generators via a planetary-type continuously variable transmission.
For the 2023 model year, however, the carmaker made the Toyota Hybrid System more powerful with some revisions. The system now employs a new compact high-output/low-loss drive motor with a redesigned magnet and electromagnetic steel plate configuration. With two magnets added to the mix, the system now offers increased output.
Previously, the Corolla Hybrid offers 121 hp of output and 156 lb-ft. of torque. Now, it offers 134 hp of output and 156 lb-ft. of torque. This power level seems too low compared to that of the GR Corolla, but this allows the 2023 Corolla Hybrid to offer acceleration and mid-range power better than the 2022 model.
Nevertheless, the increase in power presents a downside – the Corolla Hybrid is less efficient than its immediate predecessor. The 2022 version returns 52 mpg combined, but the EPA-estimated combined fuel economy for the 2023 model is just 47 mpg.
Five Hybrid Grades Now Available For 2023
The small bump in power is just one of the changes that Toyota made for the 2023 Corolla Hybrid. The carmaker is also making AWD (Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive) available for the Corolla Hybrid, allowing the car to offer more traction during slippery road conditions. In this configuration, the Corolla Hybrid becomes less efficient, with its EPA combined fuel economy rating dropping to 44 mpg.
In the previous model year, the Corolla Hybrid was available in just a single grade – LE. Toyota, however, is changing the game. Aside from the LE, Corolla Hybrid customers could now also choose from four more model grades. Now featuring 16-inch wheels, the LE remains the base model, and it is getting a price drop of around $1,250 from its MSRP. Toyota is throwing AWD into the mix for the LE AWD grade.
Two sporty models are now available for the 2023 Corolla Hybrid– the SE and the SE AWD grades. The SE grades don a glossy black mesh-pattern lower grille, a more sculptural front section, and a rear sport diffuser. The SE grades also feature a Smart Key, enhanced Sport driving mode tuning, as well as red interior accents and a set of new 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels.
Topping the range is the XLE grade, which adds premium content into the Corolla Hybrid. Only the Corolla Hybrid is getting the XLE grade just like Camry Hybrid. The XLE grade rides on features an all-new 10-spoke 16-in alloy wheel with a silver finish.
2023 Corolla Hybrid Gains SE Infrared Edition
With the SE grades now available in the Corolla Hybrid for the first time, Toyota wants to commemorate this milestone with a new special edition. Thus, for the 2023 model year, the Corolla Hybrid gets greedier with the SE Infrared Edition, which is available in both FWD and AWD configuration.
In terms of looks, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid SE Infrared Edition features a distinct red trim that accents both the exterior and interior. Customers can choose from Ice Cap, Midnight Black Metallic or all-new Underground colors for the exterior finish. Just like the SE grades, the Corolla Hybrid SE Infrared Edition rides on 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels. Inside, the special edition comes with a red-stitched shift handle and red-accented floor mats and door trim.
Interestingly, the upgrades also extend underneath since the SE Infrared Edition -- both FWD and AWD versions – gains the sport suspension of the gas engine-powered Corolla SE as well as the firmer-feel Electronic Power Steering.
All Corolla Hybrid models upgrade to new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with new Proactive Driving Assist, and the next-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia.
Source: Toyota