Toyota Corolla vs Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Corolla, part of the current-generation lineup that began with the 2019 hatchback and 2020 sedan, aimed to shake off Toyota's reputation for blandness with its bold exterior design. Featuring scowling LED headlights and a wide grille, the Corolla attempted to stand out, though it couldn't quite match the eccentricity of the Hyundai Elantra or the cohesive design of the Honda Civic. Different trim levels offered unique styling elements, such as the aggressive front fascia on the SE and XSE models, and the blacked-out trim of the Nightshade Edition. The SE Apex Edition, with its Cement Grey finish and sporty body kit, made a strong visual statement, though the interior remained simple and functional, with standard cloth upholstery and optional SofTex leatherette.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, meanwhile, received subtle exterior updates, including new grille patterns and rear bumpers, enhancing its appeal over previous generations. The front end featured sculpted wraparound headlights and sharp creases, adding a touch of sportiness, while the side and tail remained more conventional. Inside, the Corolla Hybrid maintained a minimalist design, with an abundance of hard plastics and barely padded armrests, emphasizing its focus on efficiency. The XSE trim added SofTex synthetic leather, though it fell short of the quality found in competitors like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Overall, the Corolla Hybrid prioritized practicality and cost-effectiveness over luxury and refinement.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla offered two engine options, with the L, LE, and XLE models featuring a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 139 horsepower and 126 pound-feet of torque. The SE and XSE models, along with the Apex Edition, were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-litre engine, delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. The Apex Edition also included a sport exhaust system and a model-specific suspension, enhancing its handling capabilities. Despite these upgrades, the Apex Edition was not a full-fledged performance model, lacking tire, brake, or engine enhancements. The Corolla's front-wheel-drive setup and available manual transmission provided a sporty driving experience, though the ride quality was notably stiff.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid featured a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid drive, producing 134 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. The addition of a 40-hp electric motor between the rear wheels enabled on-demand all-wheel drive, enhancing traction during initial acceleration. While the hybrid powertrain offered quick throttle response, acceleration was slow, taking around nine seconds to reach 100 km/h. The hybrid's handling was adequate for conservative driving, but it lacked the power to fully exploit its suspension. Road noise and engine drone were noticeable, and larger road imperfections were felt in the cabin, highlighting the Corolla Hybrid's focus on efficiency over performance.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla provided decent headroom and legroom, comparable to the Honda Civic, though the steeply raked windshield and deep dashboard limited forward visibility. The driver's seat was positioned for optimal comfort, but long-legged drivers might find knee space lacking. The Corolla offered 371 litres of cargo space, with a 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat for added versatility. Interior storage was limited, with a thin centre console and small phone tray.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid offered ample front space, though the steering wheel's limited telescoping range could be an issue for taller drivers. The cabin's simplicity was user-friendly, with well-placed steering-wheel buttons and basic climate controls. Rear seats provided adequate space for average adults, though headroom was limited. The trunk offered 371 litres of capacity, with a deep and wide design for accommodating cargo. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, making it challenging to load larger items.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla's infotainment system was starting to show its age, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio, but the interface was less intuitive than competitors. The graphics appeared dated, and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was not available.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid received an upgraded 8-inch multimedia touchscreen with on-screen controls and improved responsiveness. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with enhanced voice commands and over-the-air software updates. The system could pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, though the JBL audio system was not available in Canada.

The 2022 Toyota Corolla received top safety ratings, earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured eight airbags and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features under Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid also received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though specific IIHS results were not available. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a blind-spot monitor.