The Toyota Corolla is an extremely important model for the Japanese automaker, and over its 50+ year history, the budget-friendly sedan has managed to become the best-selling car in the world. That’s quite a commendable feat and for good reason.
The 2023 Corolla blends more power and efficiency along with style, which hasn’t always been its biggest trait. Aside from the upgraded power and styling updates, here's what makes this latest Corolla a fantastic all-rounder and a staple for the shrinking compact sedan class.
2022 Toyota Corolla Cross XLE AWD: Toyota's Most Affordable Crossover Yet
2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan
- More Power
- Available Hybrid
- Great Gas Mileage
- Roomy Interior
- Modern Style
- Great Visibility
- Model: Corolla
- Engine:: 1.8 or 2.0-liter
- Power Output: 138 - 169 HP
- Torque: 105 - 151 Pound Feet
- Range: 409 Miles
- Transmission: CVT
- Driveline: FWD or AWD
- Standard 2.0-liter engine
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Somewhat Funky Styling on SE And XSE Trims
- Somewhat Pokey Hybrid
- No Dual-Zone Climate Control
2023 Toyota Corolla Performance And Capabilities
Toyota Corolla models have never really been known for power or excitement, except for the 1980s FX16 Corolla, however, for this generation, power is at the forefront. As part of the Toyota Dynamic Force Engine Family, there’s more power than older models with an all-new 2.0-liter engine that produces 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. That means in this model, you get an extremely high compression ratio, extremely high thermal efficiency, and more power thanks to many advanced technologies.
VVT-iE is present in this engine and uses an electric motor to drive the VVT system on the intake camshaft. There are also eight fuel injectors on this four-cylinder engine, two for each cylinder. Why? There’s the common fuel injection system called multi-port, but there’s also direct injection, which is where the fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder instead of over the valves. This in turn creates more power when it’s needed, and greater efficiency when it’s not. This is what Toyota calls D4-S. The end result is an EPA-estimated 32 city / 41 highway and 35 combined MPG.
The transmission in the Corolla Sedan is a CVT, which is very common among vehicles in this class. The CVT in the car works well and there’s virtually no lag or “rubber band” feeling. AISIN, the transmission manufacturer and designer for Toyota knows how to do CVTs extremely well. And unlike many other CVT transmissions from Japan, like models from JATCO, AISIN has virtually no history of failure or problems. We expect this transmission to live up to the Corolla's expectation of reliability. Gone is the archaic four-speed automatic transmission that the Corolla has employed since the 1980s.
Also, for the first time in the U.S., the Corolla is also available as a hybrid. The hybrid version packs the older 1.8-liter engine from the previous generation Prius, putting out 138 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is extremely efficient offering an estimated 47 City / 41 Highway and 44 combined MPG.
While it’s not as powerful or quick as the gas engine, the efficiency is to die for. One thing that we like about the hybrid Corolla is the optional all-wheel drive. We recommend this model if you live in inclement weather states. If you don’t live in a state with bad weather, stick with the front-wheel drive gasoline model. We think this is a better choice considering the power and performance upgrades.
Engine Type | 1.8 or 2.0-Liter |
Horsepower | 138 - 169 HP |
0-60 | 8.0 - 10.0 seconds |
Drive | FWD or AWD |
Range | 409 Miles |
Exterior Styling
Corolla models have been known for decades as being “boring.” With a few exceptions, again like the FX16 from the 1980s. Aside from that, there’s never really been much in terms of design in Corolla models. That’s simply not the case anymore. The Corolla is now a good-looking car!
Starting at the front, depending on the trim, you either get a standard-looking front end or a very sporty and aggressive front end. On the LE and XLE trim, a large black grille with some slats in it dominates the front end. Huge headlights like those on the Corolla Hatchback are present, and they’re an LED design, which is a nice premium touch. If you opt for the SE or XSE trim, you get a much more aggressive front end, and that regular grille with slats is replaced by a mesh-type grille. The emblem is moved up closer to the hood, and the lower part of the bumper gets integrated accent lights and more mesh.
On the side of the car, it’s a little plain, however, that’s to be expected, as this is an economy car after all. Windows are large, a typical Toyota trait, and the mirrors are large as well, something not always found on vehicles in this class. There’s a strong body line from front to back on the car, which does add some style to the doors.
We also like the small window in the front of the driver's and passenger's doors, this helps improve visibility and helps reduce blind spots. Back-seat passengers also have a good view thanks to a large third window. Starting at 16 inches, there’s a wheel style for everyone in this generation. Wheels range from steel wheels with plastic covers to very attractive 18-inch graphite alloy wheels on the XSE grade.
In the rear, things don’t get too crazy, however, they aren’t boring either. The tail lamps are large, and we like the trim piece connecting the two lights across the deck lid. LED taillights are also standard, which is rare in this class. Depending on the trim, the SE and XSE models get a huge diffuser-style bumper which we think is a little overkill, but it does add aggression. XSE and SE trims get dual-exhaust tips… which older models would’ve never dreamed of.
Overall, we dig the design of the Corolla. Surprisingly, we prefer the LE and XLE models over the sporty grades. The sporty grades look a little forced to us, while the LE and XLE grades look cohesive and well-thought-out. No matter which grade you go with, you’re getting a stylish vehicle that will look good for years to come.
Ruby Flare Pearl | $425 |
Midnight Black Metallic | Included |
Ice Cap | Included |
Classic Silver Metallic | Included |
Celestite | Included |
Wind Chill Pearl | $425 |
Blueprint | Included |
Underground | Included |
Length | 182.5 Inches |
Width | 70.1 Inches |
Height | 56.5 Inches |
Wheelbase | 106.3 Inches |
Weight | 2,955 - 3,150 Pounds |
Interior Quality And Technology
Past Corolla models were known for cheap interiors as they were entry-level cars. However, this simply isn’t the case anymore. This car has a surprisingly nice interior. The steering wheel is essentially the same wheel from the Camry and RAV4, which we think looks great here. There’s even a digital gauge cluster available… who would’ve guessed on a Corolla?!
The center 8.0-inch screen offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is very rare for this class to have a wireless connection. One thing we wish the car offered was dual-zone climate control. While it does have automatic climate control, it’s only a single zone. Odd, because the Corolla Hatchback has a dual-zone system.
The seats are large and comfy, and a moon roof is available. Room is plentiful in the Corolla, which has always been a strong suit. The rear seats are large, and three adults can fit back there. We also like the Softex-trimmed seats on higher trims. While it’s not real leather, it feels very convincing and soft.
One last thing we want to touch on in the Corolla is the huge uptick in the quality of materials. We can’t stress that enough. In the past, these cars were okay, but they were definitely on the cheaper side. This car feels more like a Camry than a Corolla, and we think that it’s one of the best-laid interiors in the class. If you haven’t sat in a Corolla in a while, you’ll be surprised to sit in this generation, especially in higher trims.
Headroom | 38.3 - 37.1 Inches |
Legroom | 42.0 - 34.8 Inches |
Cargo Volume | 13.1 Cubic Feet |
Seating Room | 5 |
2023 Toyota Corolla Price
The base model 2023 Toyota Corolla starts at $21,550 with a standard delivery fee of $1,095. We recommend the XSE trim or the XLE Hybrid trim for the most features and amenities. The XSE trim starts at a very reasonable $26,700 and the XLE Hybrid actually starts even cheaper at $26,600. If you’re looking for a Camry-like experience for a Corolla price, stick with those two trims. AWD on the hybrid trims adds $1,400.
Build your 2023 Toyota Corolla.
LE | $21,550 |
Hybrid LE | $22,800 |
SE | $23,990 |
XSE | $26,700 |
Hybrid SE | $25,240 |
Hybrid XLE | $26,600 |
Safety
The Corolla is an extremely safe car. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all trims. That system includes pedestrian detection, automatic braking, full-speed radar cruise control, lane departure with steering assist, lane trace assist, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring is optional and comes highly recommended as the Corolla does have a large blind spot behind the driver. As you’d expect, ABS, stability control, traction control, brake assist, and TPMS are standard. NHTSA gives the 2023 Corolla Sedan a 5/5-star rating overall.
Main Competition
The Corolla competes in a crowded segment of vehicles. The Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta, Kia Forte, Hyundai Elantra, and Honda Civic are just a few that come to mind. But one thing we really appreciate about the Corolla is the fact that it feels old school in the way it’s engineered. You know this car is going to last a very long time with very few problems, and that’s a wild card.
We’re also quite fond of the Corolla’s interior. While it’s not the most stylish, it’s very functional and practical, and that’s something we really appreciate. We have no doubt that Toyota will continue to thrive in this segment with this Corolla and the 2023 model is a fantastic car for those who want a reliable and modern approach to a compact sedan.
FAQ
Q: Is the Corolla a hybrid?
There's a hybrid model offered that's based on the Toyota Prius power plant.
Q: Is the Corolla turbocharged?
No, instead of a turbo, Toyota gives you a bigger engine.
Q: Is there a premium stereo offered?
Yes, the Corolla offers a JBL stereo.
Q: How safe is the Corolla?
The Corolla earns a perfect overall score from NHTSA.
Q: Is the Corolla fast?
It's about average for the class. Expect 0-60 times between eight and ten seconds.
Q: Is the Corolla a CVT?
Yes, a CVT is the only transmission offered on the sedan model.