The Toyota Corolla and its Hybrid twin are the automaker’s most popular sedans. In fact, the Corolla was the best-selling car in the world until it was upstaged by the Toyota RAV4 last year. Even though it’s not an SUV, the Corolla models still offer decent accommodations for five riders and good safety ratings.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has received a lot of changes for the 2023 model year. It got some new trim levels and different interior technology. However, most drivers might be concerned about the Corolla Hybrid’s lower fuel economy rating.

An overview of the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has a small four-cylinder engine and two electric motors under its hood. These produce 121 hp combined, making this Hybrid one of the weakest in the segment.

It’s only available as a FWD configuration and comes with a CVT. While its performance might be underwhelming, it earns 53 mpg in the city and 52 mpg on the highway.

According to Edmunds, it’s easy for the driver to locate all of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid’s controls. The interior looks bare-bones, but the driver has a comfortable seating position with many adjustable functions. Space in the back is slightly more limited, and the trunk only has 13 cu-ft of storage space.

Still, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a good value for its price, thanks to its abundant standard features. Each trim comes with automatic climate control and smartphone integration for three devices. 

Tech features can either be controlled through the 8-in touchscreen or voice recognition. The standard safety suite includes two kinds of lane-keeping technology, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

Why has the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid’s gas mileage decreased?

Green Car Reports says that a 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid with FWD now makes 50 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. Fortunately, this is because the Corolla Hybrid’s base powertrain’s output has been boosted to 134 hp. 

The 2023 model also has an optional AWD now, but this configuration doesn’t provide additional horsepower. With this drivetrain, the Corolla Hybrid gets 41 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.

The CVT is still the Corolla Hybrid’s only gearbox option. However, Toyota has hinted that AWD improves the Corolla Hybrid’s handling abilities.

Drivers of the SE trim will enjoy power-tuned steering for the 2023 model year. Despite these improvements, GCR tells us that the Corolla Hybrid’s base price has actually been reduced to $23,895.

What else is different about the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid?

The base Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE now rides on 16-in wheels instead of the previous 15-in ones. There’s also an updated 8-in touchscreen inside, plus a new driver display screen. 

Smartphone integration has been upgraded with wireless connectivity, and this car also has the latest version of Toyota Safety Sense. It includes the same features as the outgoing model, albeit with some minor improvements to each one. Automatic collision notification has also been added, alerting emergency medical services immediately in the event of a crash.

AWD LE models have new optional features, including a sunroof and blind-spot monitors. In addition to power steering, the SE trim gets sports seats and an exclusive rear diffuser. The Toyota Corolla SE Infrared gains 18-inch wheels and a sport suspension.

The Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE is the most luxurious trim, but it’s still quite affordable at $26,600. It has synthetic leather seats with standard heating, plus a bigger display screen for the gauge cluster. This model is only available with AWD.

While the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a little less efficient this year, it’s an excellent trade-off for the extra power. We’re also glad that even the AWD model offers good gas mileage.