2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid will get AWD possibility, fuel mileage dips

Toyota has simply given customers many extra causes to think about the Corolla Hybrid sedan over the Prius hatchback—though the better worth and efficiency comes on the expense of some miles per gallon.

Gas financial system for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid drops to 47 mpg mixed. The present model stands at 52 mpg mixed (53 mpg metropolis, 52 freeway). 

It’s due to some severe powertrain modifications underneath the hood. The Corolla Hybrid for 2023 will get a extra highly effective model of the acquainted two-motor, planetary-gear-based hybrid system, with a 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine and a brand new drive-motor design serving to enhance energy to 134 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque—a achieve of 13 hp and 9 lb-ft versus 2022. Toyota says that the engine gives effectivity features all through, and it heats up faster with an exhaust warmth recirculation system. 

Toyota hasn’t but launched figures for the 2023 Prius, however the Prius Eco achieves 56 mpg mixed and the remainder of the front-wheel-drive Prius lineup will get 52 mpg mixed. In AWD guise, the Prius will get 49 mpg mixed.

The Prius AWD-e was added for 2019, and a really small-and-light strategy in including a rear motor for the rear wheels helped protect most of its effectivity. The identical technique applies to AWD variations of the Corolla. Toyota says the rear motor gives extra drive drive for the system—revised spec not but launched—plus worthwhile extra traction. Toyota says that the addition additionally aids dealing with. 

Toyota has given the bottom 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE grade a $1,250 value discount—to $23,895—whereas the remainder of the lineup will get vital value will increase of, in some instances, greater than $2,000. 

The Hybrid can be now supplied in additional variations: LE, LE AWD, SE, SE AWD, and “premium targeted” XLE. SE variations get sportier drive tuning, crimson accents as a substitute of blue, and a Good Key system. Alloy wheel designs are new this 12 months, the palette of colours has been revamped, and all Corolla Hybrids get a brand new LED headlight design. 

The refresh contains an active-safety improve, too, with Toyota’s newest Security Sense 3.0 suite of options and out there dynamic radar cruise management. There’s additionally up to date 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with customary wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility plus two new rear-seat USB-C ports, for a complete of 4. XLE fashions add wi-fi system charging and JBL audio.

Toyota says that the lithium-ion battery in Corolla Hybrids is positioned underneath the rear seat, reducing the middle of mass and leaving room for the 60/40-split seatbacks to fold ahead. The hybrid battery is roofed by guarantee for 10 years or 150,000 miles and is transferrable. 

Later within the 12 months a brand new Hybrid SE Infrared Version may even be part of the broadened 2023 Corolla Hybrid household, including the non-hybrid SE mannequin’s sport suspension, firmer steering really feel, crimson accents, and Graphite-color alloy wheels. 

Toyota has additionally launched a Corolla Cross Hybrid, though the Corolla Cross is a considerably taller, heavier car that achieves 37 mpg. 

At 2,850 lb, the Hybrid weighs far lower than typical EVs, in addition to most different compact sedans—and, now, lower than the Prius. With all these modifications, it’s probably that the Corolla Hybrid has develop into the extra environment friendly and better-driving automotive. Now, what sort of tech will that depart the Prius?