Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, part of the current-generation lineup since 2019, aimed to shake off Toyota's reputation for blandness with its bold exterior design. Featuring scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, the Corolla attempted to stand out, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive design of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered unique styling elements, such as the aggressive front fascia on the SE and XSE models, and the blacked-out trim of the Nightshade Editions. The Apex Editions added a subtle body kit with bronze accents and model-specific 18-inch wheels, which reduced weight and offered optional summer tires. The SE Apex Edition, in particular, made a statement with its "Fast and Furious" inspired look, appealing to those seeking more than just basic transportation.

Inside, the Corolla's design was simpler and less imaginative than its exterior. The fit and finish met Toyota's usual standards, but the piano black plastic trim was prone to dust and smudges. The SE Apex Edition shared its interior with the standard SE, lacking any sportier enhancements to match its exterior. The light gray upholstery seemed susceptible to stains, and while cloth upholstery was standard, SofTex leatherette was available on higher trims. The Corolla utilized the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, sharing structural elements with the Camry and RAV4, providing a solid foundation for the vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received significant updates, including the addition of sporty SE and upscale XLE trims, a new all-wheel-drive option, and a power increase for the hybrid system. The Hybrid's exterior styling was more appealing than previous generations, with sculpted front-end features like wraparound headlights and sharp creases adding a sporty touch. The large trapezoidal grille contributed to its sporty character, while the side and tail remained more conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid's design was minimal yet pleasing, with an abundance of hard plastics that were expected at its price point. The SE trim added sport seats, while the XLE trim upgraded to SofTex synthetic leather and a digital instrument panel. Despite these enhancements, the Corolla Hybrid fell short compared to competitors like the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, and Mazda 3, feeling less substantial and refined.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options, depending on the trim level. The L, LE, and XLE models featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, including the Apex Edition, were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The Apex Edition also included a sport exhaust system. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) was standard with the smaller engine, while the 2.0-liter engine offered a six-speed manual gearbox on the SE and SE Apex Edition models. All 2022 Corollas were front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive expected in the 2023 model year.

The manual transmission suited the SE Apex Edition, enhancing its sportiness with a throatier exhaust system and model-specific suspension, including unique coil springs, solid stabilizer bars, and an increased spring rate. These changes improved handling, making the Apex Edition more nimble and eager to corner, though at the cost of ride comfort. The Apex Edition wasn't a full-performance model, lacking tire, brake, or engine upgrades, but it was fun in corners, unlike the standard Corolla, which prioritized comfort over excitement.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid retained the 1.8-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, now producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, an increase over the previous model. A CVT sent power to the front wheels, with an additional 40-horsepower electric motor providing on-demand all-wheel drive. The Hybrid's powertrain responded quickly from a standstill, but power built slowly, taking around nine seconds to reach 60 mph. The engine's loud drone during acceleration affected driver confidence, and passing required a lengthy foot-to-the-floor effort. The dedicated EV drive mode prioritized electric propulsion but was challenging to maintain on open roads.

Braking was consistent and easy to modulate, with no discernible transition between energy recuperation and physical brakes. Handling was adequate, though not particularly fun in curves due to limited power. Mid-corner bumps unsettled the tires, affecting driver confidence. Larger road imperfections impacted the cabin, but smaller ones were smoothed over. Road noise was present but not intrusive, though more sound insulation would have been beneficial.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's interior space felt decently roomy, though Toyota didn't release specific headroom and legroom measurements. The low beltline improved outward visibility, but the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard hindered forward visibility. The driver's hip point was lowered, and the seat moved rearward for optimal positioning, but long-legged drivers might still find knee space lacking. A tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel was standard, aiding in finding an ideal driving position. The front and rear seat cushions were squishy and not very supportive.

The Corolla sedan offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than competitors like the Honda Civic and Nissan Sentra. A 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat was standard, and a power trunk release was available on certain trims. The sleek interior design limited storage space for smaller items, with a thin center console and shallow cupholders. The angled phone tray was too small and oddly shaped to be useful.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid provided ample space up front, though long-limbed drivers might find the steering wheel's telescoping range insufficient. Large windows and excellent outward visibility created a sense of space. The cloth upholstery breathed well in warm weather, as did the SofTex faux leather in higher trims, though the latter felt thin and more like vinyl. Some springs were felt through the seat cushion, potentially causing discomfort on long drives.

The cockpit's simplicity was approachable and easy to use, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Interior storage was adequate, with a small plastic tray for phones, two moderately sized cupholders, a medium-sized center armrest bin, and narrow door pockets. The top XLE trim offered a wireless charging pad. Rear seats accommodated average adult passengers, though headroom was limited when entering or exiting. Trunk capacity was 13.1 cubic feet, with a deep and wide space that could accommodate more cargo than expected. The rear seats folded for additional capacity, though not flat with the floor.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to lag behind competitors. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard on the base model, while other trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, WiFi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and SiriusXM satellite radio, along with a six-speaker audio system. A nine-speaker, 800-watt JBL audio system was available on the XSE and XLE trims, as well as CVT-equipped SE models.

The interface was relatively easy to use, with helpful home buttons for each menu, though some tasks, like selecting a radio station, were less intuitive. The graphics appeared dated compared to newer Hyundai and Kia models. Wireless versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were not offered, and the Corolla lacked novel features like the Hyundai Elantra's Digital Key.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid came standard with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, featuring upgrades for 2023. Physical shortcut buttons were replaced with on-screen controls, and the system responded quickly to inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with improved voice commands activated by saying, "Hey Toyota." The system supported over-the-air software updates and could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.

A Wi-Fi hotspot was available as an option, allowing remote control and monitoring through a smartphone app. This feature also added streaming entertainment services through Apple Music and Amazon Music. The SE and XLE trims were eligible for a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system, which helped cover cabin noises.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback received the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award, the highest safety award, with top "Good" scores in all crash tests. However, the Corolla's headlights received lower "Acceptable" or "Marginal" ratings, depending on the trim level. The NHTSA awarded the 2022 Corolla hatchback and sedan models a five-star overall safety rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests and four stars in rollover crash tests.

The Corolla included a long list of standard driver-assist features under the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 banner. These features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, Lane Tracing Assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was available but not standard on all trims.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received a five-star overall score from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover protection. The IIHS had not published specific results for the Corolla Hybrid, but the standard 2022 Corolla sedan received top "Good" scores and was named a Top Safety Pick+. All Corolla Hybrids came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a traffic-sign reader. A blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert and a rear-seat reminder were also available.

A new feature, Proactive Driving Assist, was standard, though it could be jarring for attentive drivers. The Curve Speed Reduction feature automatically slowed the vehicle heading into curves, and its sensitivity could be adjusted or disabled. However, the system occasionally activated in sharper turns, misidentifying roadside objects as obstacles. While potentially beneficial for new or elderly drivers, the feature required more fine-tuning.