Toyota sells a massive number of Corolla units each year. With the release of the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, sales should remain strong. This compact sedan keeps up with the times. Though it’s not the most exciting car on the road, the Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars on Earth.

It turns out that, while both versions are extremely reliable vehicles, the 2020 Toyota Corolla is actually less reliable than its hybrid counterpart. This fact helps bust the myth that Hybrid cars are less reliable than regular cars.

According to U.S. News, the hybrid version of the 2020 Toyota Corolla is the best hybrid or electric car for the money this year. It dominated the hybrid/electric cars division in addition to offering stiff competition for the regular 2020 Toyota Corolla.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla

Arguably one of the best features of the 2020 Toyota Corolla is the option for a hybrid version of this beloved Toyota favorite. That said, this model gets competitive gas mileage of 31 in the city and 40 on the highway.

In addition to a decent warranty, low starting price point of less than 20 grand, and the Toyota safety features that come standard on all Toyota models, the Corolla was a finalist for the U.S. News “best compact cars for the money” award.

Although this gasoline-powered compact car received high marks from J.D. Power for reliability, it still has some minor problem areas. Recalls, for instance.

The 2020 Toyota Corolla experienced some recalls after it went into production in 2019. It ranked eighth overall on the U.S. News list of 2020 compact cars. It’s said to have inconsistent transmission performance and came in twelfth on the list of small cars, while its hybrid twin clinched the ninth spot.

2020 Corolla Hybrid

The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid ranked fourth among the U.S. News list of hybrid and electric cars. Toyota continues to have models ranking well across the board. With noteworthy fuel economy of 53 in the city and 52 on the highway, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid –– new for 2020 –– is a leader in its class for obvious reasons. It’s a safe, reliable hybrid marketed to the practical.

Its reliability rating from J.D. Powers came in just above the regular Toyota Corolla model with a fantastic five out of five. So what gives this Corolla its competitive edge? It comes down to a sliver of extra reliability.

Toyota’s Corolla Hybrid’s starting price is $23,000. So, sure, it may be a little more reliable and operate with better fuel efficiency. But is it worth the extra $3,500? U.S. News verdict is yes.

Is the Hybrid more reliable?

Hybrids do generally come with an extra initial cost. The Hyundai Sonata, for instance, starts at $23,600. The hybrid Sonata starts a couple thousand dollars higher and the plug-in hybrid comes in much higher at $33,400. Even a crossover like the Honda CR-V demonstrates this price discrepancy with the regular model starting at $25,050 and the hybrid version with a starting price of $27,750.

Surely for this higher price point, buyers are getting more bang for their buck, right? The savings on fuel and time spent at the gas pump will probably prove worth the investment.

Additionally, brake pads on hybrids like the 2020 Toyota Corolla often last longer than regular cars because the brakes help to regenerate the battery. Many are worried that battery replacement will require an astronomical cost and that it’s necessary sooner than later.

This is not not the case. Judging solely on Toyota’s generous battery warranty that just upgraded from eight years/100,000 miles to 10 years/150,000, these batteries are expected to perform for the full life of a vehicle.

Yes, hybrid vehicles are a little more reliable, but also more expensive. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid might have a leg up on the gasoline-powered Corolla where reliability is concerned, but in the end, it’s up to you to decide if the juice is worth the squeeze.