Toyota Corolla strives to remain competitive in the crossover boom
Toyota has been producing compact Corollas for half a century, and during that time, it has become one of the most popular compact cars on the market. While crossovers and SUVs are growing in popularity, the Corolla has learned some tricks to stand out from the crowd.
The Corolla adapts to changing environments by offering all-wheel drive, something that many compact cars don't have. The Corolla Hybrid I drove performed very confidently on slippery roads and still provided a smooth, relaxed driving experience. It can easily handle most bumps and does not make the people in the car feel uncomfortable. The hybrid system allows for economical cruising, with several small motors and a gasoline engine working well together. Whether it's stop-and-go or driving in the city, this Toyota car has a fuel consumption of close to 50 MPG. Just don't rush: when you hit the gas, this Toyota Corolla Hybrid is laid-back at best. Also, when cruising at higher speeds on the highway, the cabin was a bit noisier than I would have liked.
The Corolla Hybrid SE features an 8-inch touchscreen with optional premium sound for ease of use and great graphics. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can be connected wirelessly. The front passenger has comfortable, aesthetically pleasing sports seats for long journeys. But compared to some competitors, rear passengers may find that there is not enough legroom in the rear. The cargo space is also affected by the hybrid powertrain, with the trunk having less depth than the non-hybrid version of the Corolla.
The styling of the Corolla Hybrid SE is bolder than you might think. LED lights, a black front grille and other trim pieces, flared fenders, body curves, and interesting lines will make this compact sedan eye-catching. The styling of the SE version has been enhanced with dark 18-inch aluminum wheels and a rear spoiler to maintain a sporty look that looks higher than it actually is.
Cost: $27,140; Tested at $29,530
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection; full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; lane following assist; Blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert
Option: SE Premium package for $1,295
NEED: The 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD offers the formula of a rugged compact sedan that is economically capable of year-round driving and comes with an AWD.
Merit:
- A stylish small sedan that finally stands out from the crowd
- The hybrid version is fuel-efficient
- In an era when crossovers are expensive, an all-wheel drive hybrid compact sedan can cost less than $30,000
Shortcoming:
- The rear seat legroom isn't as spacious as some other small sedans
- The carriages on the highway were noisier than I would have liked
- The acceleration is slower and the power is weaker than some of its competitors
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE is a sleek small sedan that stands out from the crowd.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE is fuel-efficient.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE accelerates slowly and is less powerful than some of its competitors.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE comes with an 8-inch touchscreen with optional premium audio for ease of use and excellent graphics. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can be connected wirelessly.
The front seats of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE are comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, making them suitable for long journeys.
Rear seat passengers on the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE may find a lack of legroom in the rear seat compared to some of its competitors.
The cargo space of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE is affected by the hybrid system, and the trunk depth is smaller than that of the non-hybrid version of the Corolla.