Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Toyota Corolla hybrid review

The stylish and efficient Toyota Corolla hybrid is an appealing family hatchback choice, as well as being enjoyable to drive

Toyota Corolla 2023 front tracking
Overall rating

4.0 out of 5

Fuel Type:
Petrol

Pros

  • Drives well
  • Looks great
  • Choice of engines

Cons

  • CVT gearbox
  • Top trims expensive
  • No plug-in hybrid option

Model

Fuel economy

CO2 emissions

0-62mph

1.8-litre

60-64mpg

100-111g/km

9.1s

2.0-litre

61-63mpg

98-108g/km

7.4s

The Toyota Corolla returned to UK roads in 2019, replacing the outgoing and somewhat forgettable Toyota Auris as the brand's Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus rival. Unlike those cars, the Corolla is only available with hybrid power, but it does continue the tradition of hatchback or Touring Sports estate bodystyles. A saloon version was formerly available but axed in 2022 because of slow sales.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Sharing underpinnings with the Toyota C-HR and Lexus UX SUVs, the latest Corolla is built in the UK, near Derby. There's a choice of either 1.8 or more powerful 2.0-litre petrol hybrid engines, while a GR Sport version arrived in 2020. The latter doesn't go faster, but has hot-hatch styling for a more aggressive look.

The Auris was a rather dull car that looked pretty lacklustre next to the likes of the Golf, Focus, Honda Civic and Peugeot 308, but the Corolla moves the game on considerably, with genuinely eye-catching looks, a better driving experience and much-improved interior. It's still not quite as sharp to drive as a Focus (largely due to the hybrid's CVT gearbox), but it's now a genuine contender in the class. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

CO2 emissions as low as 98g/km and fuel economy as high as 64mpg bode well for running costs. Toyota refers to the Corolla, like its other hybrids, as "self-charging", which means its batteries draw power from the engine and regenerative braking rather than being plugged in to charge. The Corolla can cover short distances at low speeds in zero-emissions electric mode, but not nearly as much as plug-in hybrids.

The latest Corolla is well equipped, with a barrage of up-to-date safety equipment standard across the range. Most buyers will want to step up from entry-level Icon to the Design and Excel trims, which are bursting with kit, but start to look quite expensive. GR Sport cars get a sporty cosmetic makeover inside and out plus some extra kit; this trim slots in between Design and Excel in the range.

Inside, there's attractive, high-tech design and a decent amount of space in the front, rear and boot. The Skoda Octavia is still the practicality king among family cars, but the Corolla doesn't disgrace itself in this respect. And for those who regularly carry big loads, there's always the aforementioned Touring Sports estate, available for not much more money.

A 1.8-litre Corolla Design hatchback makes for a great-value family car, although the 2.0-litre's significant power hike is welcome in certain situations, especially given the fact that it’s likely to be no less economical. If you want the (now discontinued) Toyota Prius' clever hybrid technology, but aren't keen on its space-age looks, the Corolla is a great choice. For more on the Toyota Corolla hybrid hatchback, read on for the rest of our in-depth review...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is editor of DrivingElectric, as well as sister site Carbuyer.co.uk, and a regular contributor to Auto Express. An electric and hybrid car advocate, he spent more than five years working on the news and reviews desk at Auto Express and has driven almost every new car currently on sale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Skoda Epiq baby electric SUV to get £22k price point: Simply Clever or epic fail?
Skoda Epiq - header
News

New Skoda Epiq baby electric SUV to get £22k price point: Simply Clever or epic fail?

Skoda’s baby electric SUV will get a bargain starting price and offer a surprising amount of interior space
15 Mar 2024
Hot Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX brings the space and the pace
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX Tourer - front
News

Hot Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer GTX brings the space and the pace

The ID.7 GTX is VW’s new electric flagship. It gets 335bhp and the choice for a hatchback saloon or estate bodystyle
13 Mar 2024
Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a 322bhp electric Golf GTI
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front
News

Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a 322bhp electric Golf GTI

New flagship version of Volkswagen’s electric hatchback gets more power, more range and more touchscreen real estate
13 Mar 2024

More on Corolla

Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2023
Best hybrid hatchbacks
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid hatchbacks 2023

A hybrid hatchback is just as practical as a normal hatchback, but with even lower running costs. These are the best on sale in 2023
2 May 2023
Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2023
Best hybrid estate cars
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid estate cars 2023

The best hybrid estate cars you can buy right now in the UK save you money on fuel, but still have plenty of space inside. Here are our top picks
30 Mar 2023
Updated 2023 Toyota Corolla now available to order
2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
News

Updated 2023 Toyota Corolla now available to order

The latest Toyota Corolla’s order books are now open, with prices starting from £29,610
24 Aug 2022
Skip advert
Advertisement
Toyota Corolla Saloon (2018-2021) review
Toyota Corolla Saloon
In-depth reviews

Toyota Corolla Saloon (2018-2021) review

The hybrid Toyota Corolla Saloon is a well executed car in a class with few rivals
1 Dec 2021
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
In-depth reviews

Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review

The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports hybrid estate adds extra luggage capacity and versatility to the already impressive Corolla hatchback
10 Jun 2021
New Toyota Corolla GR Sport and Trek models added to range
Toyota Corolla GR Sports
News

New Toyota Corolla GR Sport and Trek models added to range

Sporty and rugged variants of hatchback and Touring Sports added to Corolla range
26 Feb 2019