2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE Sedan
Written by Marco Carvajal
Born just a couple of years ago, the new Corolla Hybrid has the performance and the classic Corolla style combined with a very efficient hybrid system. The new Corolla is also faster with acceleration from 0-62 mph in about 9 seconds, and 138 horsepower.
This hybrid sedan is sporty, luxurious for its segment, and very efficient, letting you drive and drive for about 500 miles of distance without having to refuel your hybrid Corolla.
The new Corolla Corolla Hybrid has a very good low price starting around $23K and a great fuel economy near 47 Miles per Gallon in the city.
New for 2023 the Corolla Hybrid lineup expands with a more powerful hybrid system offered in four different hybrid trim models including the SE trim that I am test-driving.
The Corolla Hybrid shares the same powertrain with the Prius, another successful hybrid from Toyota. However, the new Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a little bit cheaper than the Prius and has a very attractive look that most people of any age would enjoy.
The Corolla Hybrid features very good comfort, modern multimedia technology, safety features, and an attractive stylish design while pricing stays low and very accessible for most car buyers, from $23K to $27K for a new hybrid Corolla.
The new Corolla Hybrid SE features a standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive for more power and better handling when needed.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
All 2023 Corolla Hybrid cars now include Safety Connect and Service Connect with a 10-year trial subscription.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with new Proactive Driving Assist, including Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist is standard on the new Corolla Hybrid models.
Better Multimedia
New for 2023, the next-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia with an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen and added capabilities, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
All the new Corolla Hybrid models add two rear-seat USB-C ports for a total of four USB ports in each Corolla car.
Improved Efficiency
The new Corolla Hybrid includes better capabilities to improve efficiency with an amazing driving range and better fuel economy.
Test driving the Corolla Hybrid SE sedan you can feel the power of efficiency. Driving this Hybrid is fun and you can go farther and faster than other sedans. The range and the fuel economy are just a dream come true.
Fuel Economy
The estimated fuel economy from 41 to 47 Miles Per Gallon is just amazing. The range of the Corolla SE is more than 500 miles per tank. Enough range to drive and drive worry-free without having to worry about your gas budget. The tank capacity is 11.3 gallons.
Engine and Performance
The advanced 1.8-liter 4-cylinder aluminum DOHC 16-valve with Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) is efficient, eco-friendly, and powerful with 138 horsepower and 105 lb-ft torque.
The Corolla Hybrid SE includes three driving modes, Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes. The available Sport Mode gives you more throttle and more fun when driving at faster speeds.
The Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) feels good and smooth. It works well with the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Driving the Corolla’s SE hybrid engine that delivers 138 horsepower with the Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) you can feel good power on the four wheels of this sedan.
Hybrid Battery
When you buy an electric or hybrid car, the battery is the heart of the vehicle.
The Corolla Hybrid has a smart placement of the lithium-ion battery that sits under the rear seat instead of taking up space in the trunk. This allows the rear seat backrest to be folded 60/40 to increase cargo capacity.
The location of the hybrid battery also contributes to the car’s lower center of gravity, which is an advantage for maneuverability.
The Corolla’s engine, working in conjunction with the electric motor (MG2), provides high performance, while approximate energy efficiency is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) to charge the hybrid battery.
Great Look
The new design of the Corolla is sporty, curvy, modern, and looks much better than previous generations, the new Corolla Hybrid can impress with its great look.
The new good look is highlighted with the updated front and rear design, and the refreshed LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL).
This popular Corolla is remembered as a classic car from generation to generation, but the new Corolla hybrid has been completely redesigned since the 2020 model generation. If you remember the previous Corolla, it is time to forget everything you remember about it, as the new generation Corolla has been reborn, it is a new car, more stylish and it is a hybrid too.
I am test-driving the 2023 car year model and I am impressed with how young and trendy this Corolla is looking now, but more than that it is really efficient, it is an excellent hybrid automobile.
Made in the US
The new Corolla is being produced at the new Toyota plant, in a joint venture with Mazda, in Huntsville, Alabama. This new plant employs about 4,000 workers and produces about 300,000 cars per year.
Corolla History
The famous Toyota Corolla is one of the most successful automobiles in the history of Toyota. Part of the success of Corolla comes from the great value it provides to its buyers
There have been 12 Corolla generations since 1996, with over 46 Million Corollas sold. The Corolla has been a great entry-level car in the Toyota brand for several generations.
The Toyota is well known for its great value and low pricing, in addition to easy and low-cost maintenance and repairs.
It is difficult to find a driver who does not recognize the name Corolla, it is such a classic well-known brand name.
More Value and More Features Standard
The new Corolla hybrid includes several features standard and some optional features that seem to focus on attracting younger customers before they go into the competition.
Toyota is giving even more value than before with this new hybrid, low pricing, and more standard features seems to be the marketing strategy to position the Corolla and the Corolla hybrid as a bestseller.
Toyota is trying to provide more value, better visibility, and more luxury touch to the Corolla hybrid sedan.
Trims and Pricing for the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- 2023 Corolla HYBRID LE (Available FWD or AWD)
$23,050 Starting MSRP
- 2023 Corolla HYBRID SE, the one I am test-driving
$25,490 Starting MSRP - 2023 Corolla HYBRID SE Infrared
$26,025 Starting MSRP - 2023 Corolla HYBRID XLE
$26,850 Starting MSRP
2023 Corolla Hybrid Highlights
- 5 Seats
- 1.8 Liter 4-Cylinder
- ECVT
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Estimated fuel economy of 44 Miles average per gallon
- Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes in some trims.
- Electronically-controlled CVT
- Sports mesh gloss black front grille with LED accent lighting
- 18-in. alloy wheels with a graphite-colored finish
- Gray metallic sport side rocker panels and color-keyed rear spoiler
- Premium sport seats with sport fabric inserts
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Available JBL Premium Audio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility
- Smart Key System with Push Button Start
- Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
