Competes with: Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza
Looks like: Mild exterior styling changes mask significant mechanical updates
Drivetrain: 169-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder with continuously variable automatic transmission or gas-electric hybrid drivetrain; front- or all-wheel drive
Hits dealerships: Later this year
Toyota’s compact Corolla sedan and four-door hatchback have been freshened for the 2023 model year; the most significant change is newly available AWD for the Corolla Hybrid sedan. The 2023 Corolla also gets minor front and rear styling changes and updated safety and tech features. In addition, Toyota also announced a new hybrid drivetrain for the 2023 Corolla Cross small SUV.
Related: 2023 Toyota Camry Nightshade Special Edition Brings New Wheels, Paint Color
New AWD for Hybrid, New Engine for Gas LE Trim
The new AWD version of the Corolla Hybrid gains an electric motor that drives the rear wheels. The motor powers the rear wheels when starting off from a stop, and it also works when front wheel slip is detected. Toyota did not provide estimated gas mileage figures for the AWD Corolla Hybrid, but EPA estimates for the front-drive 2022 Corolla Hybrid are 53/52/52 mpg city/highway/combined.