By: Muneeb Khan
March 5, 2024
By now, most consumers are aware of the belligerent state of the car market and how costly frugal-natured monikers have become. Additionally, fluctuating oil prices have everyone shopping for the most efficient vehicles on the market, but to what detriment? Sure, there are many good options out there, but for us, the nameplate that has single-handedly epitomised robustness and reliability for decades is the Toyota Corolla. Now in its 12th generation and shown here in hybrid guise, which places a salient focus on efficiency. We thank Toyota Canada Inc., who allowed us to experience this fuel-sipping compact for a week.
Like any non-plug-in hybrid setup, the Corolla hybrid benefits from an internal combustion engine and a diminutive lithium-ion battery pack driving the electric motors. The 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motors collectively produce 138 horsepower; however, it is essential to note that Toyota doesn’t publish official torque figures. An E-CVT transmission handles shifting with our XSE hybrid’s electronic on-demand all-wheel drive system provided as standard equipment. One of the many benefits of opting for the hybrid is the electric motor’s ability to deliver a near-instant burst of torque from a standstill. Furthermore, the powertrain is smooth, with the transition from gas to electric proving seamless. However, the engine’s raucousness when accelerating briskly was a minor complaint of ours. Further adding to the hybrid Corolla’s merit is a dedicated “EV mode,” which allows you to transition between gas and battery power instantly.
From a design standpoint, the Corolla’s petite figure exudes style and athleticism, especially in XSE guise. Our tester looks particularly menacing painted in Toyota’s “Blueprint,” mirroring a traditional dark blue. The exterior and interior enhancements over lesser models make it stand out. It has a more aggressive bumper treatment front and back, 18-inch alloy wheels, exposed dual exhaust tips, and a subtle lip spoiler to tie it all in.
Projector-beam LED headlights provide superior visibility in low-light situations, while their slender appearance craves attention, solidifying the Corolla’s modish yet functional exterior design.
Greeting you on entry is a cabin that boasts simplistic bliss. Everyday controls are easily understandable, with buttons and knobs controlling essential functions. The primary display is an eight-inch unit featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Unlike Entune systems of yore, it impressed us with sharp graphics and a trouble-free user interface.
The view out the front is generous thanks to a large windshield, narrow a-pillars, and two-part windows. The seats provide reasonable support and ample comfort, not to mention their eye-catching silhouette. Storage is adequate for a vehicle of these proportions, with a padded centre console and door pockets, along with four USB-C ports: two in the front and two in the rear.
The Corolla Hybrid comes well equipped even in base form, with features like push-button start, heated seats for the driver and passenger, a 6-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, a seven-inch gauge cluster display, and more. Our XSE hybrid tester adds to those features with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, SofTex seating material, and heated rear seats.
Like most compact sedans, the Corolla’s backseat is large enough to comfortably seat average-sized adults, though taller passengers may long for additional legroom. Although competent for the everyday bustle, the Corolla Hybrid’s 371-litre trunk may seem mediocre to some. Still, with the ability to fold down the second row, we found it perfectly adequate for everyday use.
For 2024, all trim levels of the Corolla Hybrid come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, lane departure alert, pre-collision assist, safe exit alert, and much more.
Toyota Canada rates the Corolla Hybrid to consume 5.0L/100KM in the city and 5.7L/100KM out on the highway, equating to a combined figure of 5.3L/100KM. Our quest to achieve the lowest figure possible had us feathering the throttle and relying on the electric motors as best we could, netting us a figure of 4.8L/100KM. However, we predict a more pragmatic approach would garner somewhere in the mid-5s, all possible on 87-grade fuel.
The Corolla Hybrid is available in four trim levels, with the base front-wheel-drive LE representing excellent value with an MSRP of $26,790.00. Our fully loaded XSE hybrid tester came in at approximately $37,742.58 after destination.
If you are looking for a vehicle boasting ample value and remarkable fuel efficiency, you’d be hard-pressed not to consider the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Its compact nature allows for effortless manoeuvrability while generously aiding with ingress and egress, not to mention this model’s segment-exclusive pairing of the all-wheel drive system with a hybrid powertrain. Summing up the equation with a host of standard safety and tech-related features makes the Toyota Corolla Hybrid a no-brainer.
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