2023 Toyota Corolla XSE: It Just Makes Sense for $26k
The Toyota Corolla is everywhere, and for good reason. With many different trim levels to suit many budgets, the Corolla is an excellent all-around car at a reasonable price. On top of that, it is a reliable and efficient vehicle for new drivers or well-seasoned road veterans. After driving the 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE for a week, here’s what stood out as positive.
How much is the 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE?
This year, the 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE price is $26,850, which puts it at the higher end of available trims. Toyota offers the 2023 Corolla in three gasoline and four electric or hybrid versions. The good news is that the base LE trim starts at $21,700, and the fully-loaded XSE and Hybrid XLE come in at $26,850. For a brand-new car, that is still pretty reasonable.
| 2023 Toyota Corolla Trim | MSRP |
| LE | $21,700 |
| Hybrid LE | $23,050 |
| SE | $24,140 |
| Hybrid SE | $25,490 |
| Hybrid SE Infrared | $26,025 |
| XSE | $26,850 |
| Hybrid XLE | $26,850 |
The 2023 Corolla comes pretty well equipped for the cost. Even the base LE has automatic climate control, a remote keyless entry system, and an updated eight-inch touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia was updated for 2023 and is easy to use.
All versions get Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which adds Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. It also includes Automatic High Beams and Road Sign Assist. These systems worked well and were not overzealous while driving around town. Road Sign Assist alerted to important speed signs in an area with ever-changing speed limits.
What is the gas mileage for a 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE?
The 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE gets 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. This version utilizes a 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT. Compared to the others, the XSE gets the lowest fuel economy numbers. Fuel economy estimates put the annual fuel cost at $1,300, much cheaper than many rivals.
The base LE and SE trims use the same 2.0L four-cylinder but get slightly better fuel economy numbers. This works out to 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway. The gas mileage for the Corolla Hybrid is much higher, between 47-53 mpg in the city and 41-46 mpg on the highway.
| 2023 Toyota Corolla Trim | Fuel Economy |
| LE | 32 mpg city/41 mpg highway |
| SE | 31 mpg city/40 mpg highway |
| XSE | 31 mpg city/40 mpg highway |
| Hybrid SE Infrared | 50 mpg city/43 mpg highway |
| Hybrid LE | 53 mpg city/46 mpg highway |
| Hybrid SE | 50 mpg city/43 mpg highway |
| Hybrid XLE | 53 mpg city/46 mpg highway |
During testing, the XSE returned better than anticipated fuel economy. It hovered around 32 mpg during our trips, which were mostly city driving. The highway fuel economy was about accurate at 40 mpg with the XSE.
Is the Toyota Corolla reliable?
The Toyota Corolla is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road today. Toyota’s engines undergo a lot of testing before leaving the production line, making for a durable and long-lasting vehicle. J.D. Power gave the Toyota Corolla a quality and reliability score of 85 out of 100. That still lands it at the top of the small sedan segment.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave the 2023 Corolla its Top Safety Pick award. So no matter who you send off in the small Toyota sedan, the Corolla will hopefully help keep everyone safe. It earned high marks on most of the main IIHS crashworthiness tests and protected the driver in the case of an accident. Additionally, the Corolla had one of the loudest and longest seat belt reminders we have ever heard.
Even taking the 2023 Toyota Corolla XSE out in Florida rush hour traffic, the sedan felt safe and well-constructed. It was easy to see out the front and back windows, and the blind-spot systems worked well in traffic. For the price, the Corolla is easy to drive and easy to love.
