Overview
The Toyota Corolla’s fuel efficiency and safety features are noteworthy, but it falls short in the driving experience department. The most powerful engine available produces a measly 169 horsepower, which isn’t enough to give the car any oomph. In comparison, other small cars like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3 are much more nimble and responsive, making them more fun to drive.
The Corolla sets itself apart from other compacts by offering a vast range of models. It is sold as both a sedan and hatchback, has an incredibly fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain with front- or all-wheel drive, and adults can comfortably sit in the rear seats. So if you’re looking for an affordable new car that is reliable and stylish, the Corolla should be at the top of your list!
What’s New for 2023?
Toyota makes various changes to the Corolla for 2023, which include different trim levels and powertrains. For example, some models now come with SE or XLE trim levels, while all-wheel drive is an optional extra for Hybrid SE and LE trims. Another change is that the 139-hp 1.8-liter engine has been replaced by a 169-hp 2.0-liter engine across the L, LE, and XLE trims . However , Toyota has discontinued offering a six – speed manual option on any model of their 2023 cars .
All Corollas come standard with a new 8.0-inch infotainment screen, replacing the smaller displays on all previous models. The XSE and XLE now use a redesigned 7.0-inch gauge cluster; all other models get an updated 4.2-inch cluster. In addition, every Corolla has received minor visual tweaks like LED daytime driving lights and redesigned headlights (for the SE, XSE, and XLE models specifically). To finish things off, the SE and XSE rear diffuser is brand new as well as their 18-inch Gloss Graphite wheels!
The Corolla hatchback has been revamped with a new grille, LED headlights, and rear bumper that boasted chrome accents. The Nightshade and Apex trims are no longer available; however, the base L trim has been removed leaving LE models as the new entry-level Corolla.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Corolla has a 169-hp 2.0-liter four powered by a CVT going to the front wheels. The hatchbacks and sedan have this powertrain, but the sedan offers a hybrid too. In our tests of the Corolla SE hatchback and Toyota’s Corolla XSE sedan, we discovered that even their best engine doesn’t manage good acceleration. They were both frugal in town driving and smooth on highways, though. However, during hard accelerations there were harsh engine noises that brought down their level of refinement
The all-wheel drive hybrid model we tested took 9.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the hatchback model did it in 8.3 seconds–a significantly faster time. Both the Corolla sedan and hatchback have a ride quality that adequately isolates most bumps so that your ride is still pleasant. Their controlled body motions also provide better agility than previous iterations of the carmodel. The Corolla SE and XSE models further separate themselves from other cars with their sport-tuned suspension and larger 18-inch wheels (everything else rides on either 15 or 16 – inch rims).
Although the Corolla’s progressive steering compared to other athletic vehicles is still not ideal, it has improved and is now satisfactory. In our 70-mph-to-zero braking test, the Corolla did not have impressive results—needing between 174 and 183 feet to stop. Although there is room for improvement, the brake pedals are dependable and natural-feeling.
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.
Is there a Toyota Corolla 2023?
The Toyota Corolla Sedan rolls into 2023 a changed car and customers are bound to love what they see and drive. The line expands with four new Hybrid grades, including a more powerful hybrid system and available all-wheel drive.
Is Toyota Corolla 2022 a good car?
Highs Fuel-efficient powertrains, sedan’s roomy rear seat, lots of standard driver assists. Lows Unrefined engine sounds, hatch has less interior and cargo space, low fun factor. Verdict The Corolla caters to folks who care about style and safety more than driving verve.