2022 Corolla Hybrid – First Test

Bringing Affordable Fuel Economy to the Masses

Toyota’s hybrid system has long been one of the most reliable and fuel efficient powertrains out there, because for one: well, it’s a Toyota, and two: it’s been continuously developed and refined for the last twenty-five years since the first Prius was debuted back in 1997.

However; a few years ago, opting for a Toyota hybrid was made exclusively to the Camry, RAV4, or the Prius. That means you would have to make the choice of either spending more for the Camry or RAV4, or opt for the more nerdy Prius at a more affordable price. But that’s no longer the case, because two years ago, Toyota is offering a hybrid option for one of its best selling compact sedan, the Corolla.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Purchasing the Corolla Hybrid is made simple with just the basic LE trim available. Still, Toyota continues to be generous with its standard features including a 7″ infotainment system comptable with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Keyless Entry, Push Engine Start Stop and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 that includes Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Corolla is also backed by an amazing 8-year warranty or 160 thousand km, or a 10-year or 240,000 km warranty. That just goes to show just how committed Toyota is to the reliability of their hybrid system.

Just like its predecessors, the Corolla remains low-key with decent ride quality and a basic barebone interior. Those that want a bit more comfort can upgrade to the Premium Package with an 8-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat, Heated Rear Seats, Heated Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Driver Lumbar Support, Wireless Smartphone Charging and a higher-quality and more durable Softex Seats.

Powertrain

The Corolla Hybrid is fitted with no other than its in-house 1.8 liter 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with two AC induction motor that acts as both a motor and generator. The end result is a front-wheel drive configuration that puts out a just a mere 121 horsepower, but scores a whopping EPA rated 52mpg on a combined city and highway drive cycle. Gear shifting is done by a conventional Electronic Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission, which allows the engine to run at a constant RPM at varying vehicle speeds. In other words, the transmission essentially has infinite gears, allowing the engine to operate at the maximum efficiency points during operation; which in turn, is what makes the Hybrid powertrain so fuel efficient.

Interior and Tech Features

The overall interior is strictly purpose built with no intentions to dress and impress. The materials used throughout are relatively basic with barebone plastic paneling, and a very raw and old-school looking steering wheel that you would see in cars from the early 2000’s. Nevertheless, everything within the cabin is intuitive and very functional with an easy to use center console climate controls, a standard shift gear lever, and various buttons on the steering wheel for media controls and shuffling through different menus on the digital instrument cluster.

• 

• 

• 

• 

That brings us to the next topic. The instrument cluster features your standard tachometer, fuel and temperature gauge and is fitted with a large 7″ digital speedometer that also displays fuel efficiency along with other vehicle configuration menus that can be switched via the menu buttons on the steering wheel.

The infotainment system on the Corolla Hybrid features an upgraded 8″ touchscreen completes with Android Auto and Apple Carplay for seamless smartphone connectivity. It also comes with a basic 6-speaker audio sound system with an available USB audio input as well.

As mentioned before, the cabin space showcases a “just get the job done” attitude that is very basic, but fully functional. Everything works, just minus the aesthetics. Take for example the low-resolution infotainment system with a dated UI, and the discrepancy in graphics design between the instrument cluster and infotainment screen.

Test Drive and Final Thoughts

The miniature 1.8L 4-cylinder engine and Hybrid Synergy system doesn’t add much weight to the overall vehicle. That means the Corolla Hybrid still feels very light and nimble on its feet. Steering responsiveness is actually not bad and is predictable for the most part. However, throwing the Corolla into a corner is where limitations in its suspensions start to show. But let’s be fair, that’s just not what the Corolla is meant for, and that rings true for a lot of other cars with primary intentions for fuel economy.

Normal driving feels easy and composed with excellent visibility all around and I particularly like the extended front apex windows that adds a bit more natural light into the cabin space.

But all that doesn’t escape the fact that it’s still a Corolla. Seat comfort is OK, and road bumps and wind noise tends to creep into the cabin space as well especially at higher speeds.

Priced at just $24,675, the Corolla Hybrid is of an exceptional value with impressive fuel economy, plenty of standard safety and tech features and an overall very functional car that’s very difficult to beat for its price point. Although the interior won’t dazzle any fashionistas, and the ride won’t trickle your adrenaline rush, the Corolla Hybrid still has a solid place for the bargain and savvy buyers.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2022 Corolla
• Model : Corolla Hybrid (LE Trim)
• Vehicle Type : Compact Sedan
• Seating Capacity : 2 + 3
• Powertrain Configuration : FWD
• Engine : 1.8L 4-Cylinder Engine + 2 Electric AC Induction Motor
• Power: 121 Horsepower
• Transmission : E-CVT
• Price as Tested: $24,675 (Base MSRP for LE Trim)

Pros

• Impressive Fuel Economy
• Affordable Price Point
• Practical 4-door Compact Sedan
• Easy to drive and light feel

Cons

• Very basic interior
• Semi-comfortable seats
• Lack of noise insulation in cabin space