2023 Toyota Corolla Review, Pricing, and Specs

We’d choose the sporty-ish SE sedan. Along with a tauter suspension that makes it nicer to drive than the regular setup. The Corolla SE sedan still comes standard with plenty of features to keep us satisfied. The list includes LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, front sport seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Corolla uses a 169-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). While all hatchbacks share that same powertrain, the sedan also offers a hybrid powertrain. Our tests of the Corolla SE hatchback and the Corolla XSE sedan proved that even the strongest engine doesn’t deliver adequate acceleration. The Toyota twins were quite prudent around town and steady on the highway, however. Unfortunately, hard acceleration produced coarse engine sounds that diminished their refinement. The all-wheel drive hybrid model we tested hit 60 mph in a rather leisurely 9.0 seconds while the last hatchback model we had in for testing did it in 8.3 seconds. Both the Corolla sedan and the hatchback have a pleasant ride quality that adequately isolates all but the worst bumps. Their controlled body motions also provide better agility than previous iterations. The Corolla SE and XSE further separate themselves with a stiffer sport-tuned suspension and the latter’s larger 18-inch wheels (everything else rides on either 15- or 16-inch rims). Still, compared with athletic and engaging rivals, such as the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen Golf, the Corolla’s progressive steering is satisfactory but not exemplary. While neither Corolla body style had impressive results in our 70-mph-to-zero braking test—requiring between 174 and 183 feet—their brake pedals were dependable and natural-feeling.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Along with a fuel-efficient four-cylinder, the Corolla sedan offers an immensely thrifty hybrid model. The EPA estimates the front-drive hybrid will earn 50 mpg city and 43 highway while the all-wheel drive one is rated for 47 mpg city and 41 mpg highway. Comparatively, the government estimates the nonhybrid 169-hp 2.0-liter engine will earn up to 41 mpg highway. The all-wheel-drive hybrid we tested earned 40 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route; the gas-only Corolla XSE sedan with front-wheel drive we tested saw 41 mpg. The Corolla hatchback is rated up to 32 mpg city and 42 highway. The hatchbacks we tested earned 40 and 36 mpg, respectively. For more information about the Corolla’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the Corolla hatchback and sedan share a streamlined dashboard and soft-touch materials. Most models have passive entry and push-button start. Others can also be upgraded with ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats. Those who regularly have back-seat passengers should consider the sedan over the hatchback since it has considerably more legroom behind the front seats. The Corolla hatchback has 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind its back seat, but we only fit two carry-on bags back there. However, the new no-cost Enhanced Cargo Space option expands that area by 6 cubic feet (23 total) by replacing the spare tire with a tire-repair kit. While the sedan only has 13 cubes of trunk volume, we squeezed eight bags inside. Both body styles had inferior interior cubby storage compared with some more capacious rivals. Thankfully, there’s a convenient tray at the front of their center console and a useful bin below the armrest.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every Corolla has a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. The 8.0-inch touchscreen bezel dominates the dashboard, but its numerous hard buttons and rotary volume and tuning knobs help keep the driver’s eyes on the road during use. Top options include wireless charging and an upgraded JBL audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The entire Corolla lineup also offers a host of standard driver-assistance technology including automatic high beams and road sign assist.

For more information about the Corolla’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota provides the Corolla with a competitive warranty that’s highlighted by complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, rivals such as the Hyundai Elantra and the Kia Forte offer much longer powertrain coverages that span 10 years or 100,000 miles.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Hybrid components are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles