Volvo Introduces the 2025 EX30
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The Corolla Hybrid debuted for the 2020 model year as an answer to the question: what if I want a Toyota hybrid sedan/hatchback that doesn’t look controversial on the outside but still gets up to 50 mpg and costs less than $30,000 when fully equipped? With an updated 1.8L hybrid powertrain and a new e-AWD option, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid now answers the question: can I do all of that while also having all-wheel drive?
The 2023 Corolla receives extremely minor exterior changes to its exterior across the hatchback and sedan lineups. This is especially true for the LE Hybrid, where the only noticeable changes are the configuration of the LED daytime running lights and the updated wheel design. The LE is now, however, accompanied by new SE and XLE trims. These allow the Hybrid to appeal to a broader range of styles and content to the Hybrid lineup to appeal to the people jumping ship from the current Prius. What hasn’t changed? You still can’t get a Corolla Hatchback Hybrid.
The new sporty SE trim shares most of the design cues with its gas counterpart. There is also a new Infrared Edition. The model seen below in white with red accents around the lower edges and sills of the car, reminiscent of a Hyundai N model.
Inside, there’s a similar story as the major design of the dashboard is identical to last year’s. The main two visible updates are the new 8-inch Audio Multimedia system and the partially-digital instrument cluster on the XLE trim. This larger screen setup is new to the Corolla Hybrid this year since the original LE trim wasn’t at the price point to even offer such a feature. For the same reason, a standard-sized power moonroof is available for the first time on the Hybrid. USB-c charge points make their way into the Corolla lineup, including the Hybrid models.
Though the specs sound like the same old Toyota 1.8L 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain, this is a new version of the outgoing engine. Horsepower is to the tune of 134, while all front-wheel drive trims crest into the 50 mpg territory. The Base LE trim achieves 53 mpg in the city, 46 on the highway, and 50 combined. The sportier SE trim drops that down to 50 mpg in the city, 43 on the highway, and 47 combined. Finally, the top-of-the-line XLE trim manages the same rating as the LE trim. When it comes to the new all-wheel drive variants, the LE trim achieves 51 mpg in the city, 44 on the highway, and 48 combined. The SE trim drops that down to 47, 41, and 44, respectively.
The new e-AWD system, borrowed from the Prius, utilizes a single small electric motor attached to the rear axle to send power there when needed. It only sends 40 horsepower, but it is enough to make a dent when considering that the total system output calculated by Toyota remains at 134 horsepower.
Behind the wheel of the front-wheel drive Corolla Hybrid, things are pretty much business as usual. Even though this is a new hybrid system, that 134 horsepower engine feels very familiar and is just fine for getting around in this kind of car. If you want a more powerful hybrid, you won’t find it here because that’s not the mission of this car. This car is all about efficiency, and it does that very well, but how well does it do in the all wheel drive version? Well, honestly, the very similar experience, you really don’t feel much of that extra weight from the rear electric motor. Acceleration in the all-wheel drive Corolla in SE trim definitely feels a little bit peppier than the front-wheel drive Corolla hybrid. That one took about eight seconds to get to 60 mph in most testing, but we’ll have to wait and see how it does when we get it home to test for ourselves. Because we have that extra torque in the back, I’m hoping it does a little bit better. In the flow chart Toyota gives you to show the status of the hybrid system, it showed power going to he rear axle in a lot more situations than I was expecting. Immediately off the line, it is in motion, and in harder jabs at the throttle you will definitely see it engaged.
If you don’t like the feel of a CVT, or what this transmission actually is – a planetary style gear set, you might want to go look at the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid because it has a more traditional six-speed dual-clutch automatic. It does not, however, offer all wheel drive. This is actually the only way to get all-wheel drive in a hybrid at this low of a price. In terms of handling, the weight of the electric motor in the rear isn’t immediately noticeable. Driving the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive back to back did not surface any differences in my short jaunt in the car. The fact that we have more mass out back means braking performance is likely to take a small hit. But again, we’ll have to test that at home to find out. Overall, all of the inputs that you can provide in terms of driving dynamics feel very familiar and very similar to the front-wheel drive Corolla. Even with the 2.0L as the new standard engine in the regular ICE Corolla, I still think this is the way I would get my Corolla, because you have that extra efficiency paired with all-wheel drive and acceptable performance.
Overall, the Corolla remains, a very comfortable car to drive The ride quality is smooth and doesn’t punish you for choosing what is now the entry-level Toyota model. This is still a very well-rounded experience and this hybrid system with all wheel drive makes it a little bit more appealing for more people. If you want a faster Corolla with all-wheel drive that allows you to row your own gears and you don’t care about fuel economy, Toyota will happily sell you a GR Corolla.
Pricing for the 2023 Corolla Hybrid (before destination) starts at $22,800 for the LE trim, followed by the new SE trim at $25,200, and the new top-of-the line XLE trim at $26,600. If you want all-wheel drive, you can add it to only the lower two trims for $1,400. It is on sale now.
