2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

Based on one of the USA's most popular sedans, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is even more ideally positioned to entice buyers who know what good value for money is. This is especially true now that the small hybrid has a slightly stronger engine that makes 138 horsepower and a wider range of trims to better meet the needs of consumers who want slightly more than the base LE. This should put the Toyota Corolla hybrid on equal footing with the likes of the Honda Insight and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid. Sadly, the slight increase in power has also served to even the field in terms of fuel economy, undermining the edge the Toyota sedan had over its competition. Nevertheless, there really has never been a better time to give the Corolla Hybrid a try.

The starting price of the new 2023 Toyota Corolla sedan is slightly higher than last year at $23,050. From there, the SE will cost you $25,490, and the SE Infrared $26,025. Topping out the lineup is the XSE, which is only slightly more expensive than the special edition at $26,850. These are the MSRP prices for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and do not include the $1,095 destination fee.

Even with its improved powertrain, the Corolla Hybrid is not a particularly quick car. Luckily, that is not where it is meant to shine. Ride comfort is definitely the focus and the Toyota sedan excels in this department. This is especially true on the base LE, which has smaller wheels. Soaking up small bumps in the road is an easy enough task, and the cabin is surprisingly well-dampened in terms of road and wind noise.

Some of this changes when you opt for the SE, which markets itself as a sportier model. With larger wheels, a stiffer suspension, and electronically assisted steering, it has improved handling but not enough power to really take advantage of it. In fact, push the engine a little too hard, and the engine will quickly let you know it's unhappy. The light steering is welcome around town, though, where maneuvering around traffic and parking lots is a breeze.

Unsurprising in any review of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the focus on how well the car balances an affordable price tag with an extremely low cost of ownership, thanks to its exceptional fuel economy. However, with the increase in power to appease those who felt last year's model was too sluggish comes the loss of some fuel economy that value-hunters might bemoan. We are fans, though, since the minimal loss in mileage is worth it for not feeling like you're trudging through mud to get from point A to B. The expanded lineup of trims is also welcome, as we can finally have the advantage of impressive fuel savings without needing to settle for the bare minimum in terms of features and comfort. This may mean that the Toyota Corolla Hybrid will be seen as competition to the Prius, but it also means that it finally has something more to offer when going up against traditional rivals. The only thing that could make a great car even better is more of it, and that's what the new year brings for the Corolla Hybrid.

Unlike last year, this is actually a relevant question now. The expanded range of trims is nice, but there isn't much point to the SE, since it focuses on looks and handling, neither of which are key concerns for traditional Corolla shoppers. The LE is still a tempting prospect at under $25,000, but the XLE adds some desirable tech at a reasonable price, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. It also gets access to the nine-speaker JBL premium audio system with a wireless charger, which is not available to the LE. Of course, if you feel like celebrating this newly facelifted and enhanced Corolla Hybrid, you could get the limited-edition SE Infrared, but spending money on extravagance is not really something budget shoppers care for, so we are not sure who this trim is for.