The Toyota Corolla Hatchback might add a utilitarian liftback to the namesake’s platform, but it isn’t a perfect solution. Instead, the standard car model outshines the hatchback variant in two big ways. Specifically, depending on the trim, the 2023 Toyota Corolla sedan models might outperform the hatchback with hybrid and AWD applications. 

The 2023 Toyota Corolla has two advantages over the hatchback that promise to save owners money and grip

Toyota’s latest Corolla lineup includes a Cross SUV, a swivel-eyed GR variant, and a practical hatchback. However, the sedan has a couple of benefits that the hatchback model goes without. Specifically, the 2023 Toyota Corolla offers hybrid trims and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). 

Does the 2023 Toyota Corolla have hybrid trims?

The 2023 Corolla lineup includes four hybrid trims:

• Corolla Hybrid LE
• Corolla Hybrid SE
• Corolla Hybrid SE Infrared
• Corolla Hybrid XLE

Better yet, the Toyota hybrid models are capable of around 53 mpg city and 46 highway, per TrueCar. While that isn’t quite up to the standards of a 2023 Toyota Prius or Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue, it’s still a marked improvement over the standard models.

For instance, the 2023 Corolla Hatchback SE has an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated fuel economy of around 32 mpg city and 41 at highway speeds. Moreover, the hatchback earned as much as 40 mpg combined in real-world testing, per Car and Driver. Still, even on its best day, the hatchback can’t contend with the Toyota hybrid model’s fuel economy.  

Does Toyota make an AWD Corolla?

In addition to offering hybrid trims in the Corolla sedan, Toyota equipped the 2023 model with optional AWD. However, while AWD is a traditional option in rivals like the Mazda3, potential owners will have to opt for a hybrid trim to get an AWD 2023 Corolla. 

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, though; the latest Corolla sedans offer AWD and hybrid fuel economy in the same trims. As a result, the four hybrid trims of the 2023 Corolla could be a solid option for potential owners facing challenging weather conditions like rain or snow. 

What is the mpg for a 2023 Corolla with AWD?

As with most AWD applications, fuel economy suffers compared to more conventional front-wheel drive (FWD) platforms. For instance, a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid with AWD could get around 47 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. That’s roughly five to six mpg shy of the FWD hybrids.  

What does the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback do well?

Don’t fret; the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback isn’t a complete dud. The hatchback boasts nearly 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the conventional sedan stops at around 13. 

What do you think of the Corolla Hatchback and Sedan? Which one would you pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!