Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid, six years after the debut of its eighth generation, had become a familiar sight on the roads. Its styling, once a point of contention, was softened by the introduction of the new Reservoir Blue paint and the Nightshade Edition's matte-bronze 19-inch wheels. The Nightshade Edition, available only with SE trim, offered a choice between a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine or a hybrid specification, with options for front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in non-hybrid models. The exterior featured black-trimmed headlights and taillights, a TRD mesh grille, and black accents, available in Reservoir Blue, Ice Cap, or Midnight Black. Inside, the SE-spec interior remained unchanged, with Toyota's claim of "impeccable fit and finish" falling short due to the prevalence of cheap-looking plastics. The Camry Hybrid's base price started at just over $29,000, with the SE Hybrid Nightshade Edition tested priced at $32,983, including optional features and destination charges.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received notable updates, including the addition of sporty SE and upmarket XLE trims, a new all-wheel-drive option, and a power increase for the hybrid system. The exterior styling was more appealing than previous generations, with a sculpted front end, wraparound headlights, and a trapezoidal grille adding a sporty character. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's design was minimal yet pleasing, though materials quality left much to be desired with an abundance of hard plastics. The new SE trim added sport seats, while the XLE trim upgraded to SofTex synthetic leather and a digital instrument panel. Despite these improvements, the Corolla Hybrid fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda 3. The focus on efficiency and affordability was evident, making it an unbeatable choice for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered three powertrain options, with the most popular being the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing between 202 and 206 horsepower, depending on the trim and drivetrain. For those seeking more power, a 301-hp 3.5-liter V6 was available with certain trims, though only with front-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain, featured in the test vehicle, combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a net power output of 208 horsepower. The hybrid system simulated a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with six programmed ratios, offering driving modes like Normal, Eco, EV, and Sport. Despite an EPA fuel economy rating of 46 mpg, the test car averaged only 33.4 mpg, attributed to driving conditions and modes. The Camry Hybrid's electric assist motor provided quick acceleration, and the sport suspension tuning offered a compliant ride with predictable handling. However, the stability control system was sensitive during dynamic driving.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid retained its 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, now producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, an increase over its predecessor. The powertrain included a CVT and front-wheel drive, with an additional 40-hp electric motor providing on-demand all-wheel drive. The hybrid powertrain responded quickly from a standstill, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 60 mph. The dedicated EV drive mode prioritized electric propulsion but was challenging to maintain on open roads. Braking was consistent, and handling was adequate for conservative driving, though mid-corner bumps could unsettle the tires. Larger road imperfections impacted the cabin, and road noise was present, though not intrusive. The Corolla Hybrid exhibited some unrefined characteristics, reminiscent of older generations.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid was praised for its simplicity and durable materials, with a straightforward layout that required no manual consultation. Most versions featured dual-zone automatic climate control, with options for heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The test car's front seats offered eight-way power adjustment for the driver and manual adjustment for the passenger, with a comfortable driver's seat and a pleasant steering wheel. The Camry's low stance was mitigated by height-adjustable front seats, though the SofTex artificial leather was not particularly soft. Rear passenger space was limited, lacking the roominess of competitors like the Honda Accord, and the absence of rear air conditioning vents was noted. The Camry provided good storage space, though unlined areas could cause items to rattle. Trunk space measured 15.1 cubic feet, smaller than class rivals, but capable of accommodating full-size suitcases.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offered ample front space for taller occupants, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be a drawback for long-limbed drivers. The large windows and excellent visibility enhanced the sense of space, while the cloth upholstery and SofTex faux leather provided comfort in warmer weather. The cockpit's simplicity was user-friendly, though some settings were challenging to locate. Interior storage was adequate, with a small tray, cupholders, a center armrest bin, and narrow door pockets. Rear seats accommodated average adults, with sufficient headroom and legroom, though care was needed to avoid bumping heads on entry. Trunk capacity was 13.1 cubic feet, comparable to other small sedans, with a deep and wide space for cargo. The rear seats folded for additional capacity, though not flat with the floor.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid offered a choice between a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both featuring smartphone connectivity with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The larger 9-inch system included a connected navigation system and a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system. Both systems were Amazon Alexa compatible, with SiriusXM satellite radio and several connected service plans available. The test car featured the 7-inch touchscreen, which was basic but functional, with physical knobs and buttons for ease of use. Additional tech options included a 7-inch driver information center and a 10-inch head-up display, though the test car lacked these features.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, upgraded for 2023 with on-screen controls replacing physical buttons. The system was responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Improved voice commands, activated by saying "Hey Toyota," allowed control of navigation, audio, and temperature. Over-the-air software updates ensured the system remained current, and dual Bluetooth device pairing was possible. An optional Wi-Fi hotspot enabled remote control and monitoring through a smartphone app, with streaming services available. The SE and XLE trims offered a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system to enhance the cabin experience.

The 2023 Toyota Camry Hybrid came equipped with standard safety features, including 10 airbags, a rear-seat reminder system, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5). This suite included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights and Intersection Support. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. During evaluation, TSS 2.5 lacked refinement, with adaptive cruise control braking too dramatically and lane-keeping systems struggling with lane changes. The Camry Hybrid received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, though it received a Poor rating in the updated IIHS side-impact crash test.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top scores from the IIHS, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award. The Corolla Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a traffic-sign reader. Optional features included a blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert and a rear-seat reminder. The new Proactive Driving Assist feature, with Curve Speed Reduction, was standard but could be jarring for attentive drivers. Sensitivity adjustments were possible, though occasional activations occurred even when disabled.