2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE Review – Prius Alternative – The Truth About Cars

Add the Toyota Corolla to the checklist of nameplates that have been accused of dropping the plot in recent times, earlier than being righted — a minimum of partially — by a redesign or refresh.

We’ve talked about this with the Nissan Altima (and Sentra, and Versa), in addition to different automobiles. Now, it’s the Toyota’s flip.

I obtained my grubby mitts on a Corolla Hybrid and put it by its paces round Chicago. I’ve been important of the automotive earlier than – the last-generation mannequin’s steering felt prefer it was always out to lunch, and the seating place was uncomfortable, particularly for a tall, beer-gutted dude like me.

These flaws may’ve been acceptable if the automotive didn’t additionally really feel downmarket, even accounting for its value level. Honda, Hyundai, and others have been providing compact sedans that have been even with (or higher) than the Corolla for comparable cash.

Toyota took a step in the correct course with the Corolla hatch, however did the sedan comply with? Effectively, type of.

It’s higher now – however I don’t assume Honda or Hyundai execs want to begin sweating simply but.

Usually, one of the best comp for Corolla can be Civic and Elantra, however since this one had the hybrid powertrain, Perception and Ioniq come to thoughts. The Perception provides a base value that’s near Corolla Hybrid but additionally trims which might be extra upmarket, and priced accordingly; whereas the Ioniq is comparative when it comes to value, whereas feeling a bit nicer inside.

[Get a price quote for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid here!]

Actually, you’re not shopping for this automotive for energy – you’re solely getting 121 ponies and 105 lb-ft of twist right here. But it surely’s sufficient for comparatively seamless commuting. I say comparatively as a result of most of my driving was within the metropolis – I think about merging onto the freeway is perhaps a tad anxious with that stage of torque on faucet.

The general powertrain expertise is commonplace Toyota hybrid. Which means comparatively easy transitions from fuel to electrical, though not completely unnoticeable. And there’s loads of instrumentation to take a look at when you’re curious as to what’s taking place underneath the pores and skin.

There’s three drive modes to select from: Regular, Eco, and Energy, and like many hybrids, this one has regenerative braking.

Journey is a bit on the stiff aspect, however the steering is way much less watered-down than in Corollas previous. It’s a effective commuter automotive, if not a bit nameless. Driving dynamics are significantly better than earlier than, however the Corolla remains to be tuned for the workplace drone who worries extra about cost than efficiency.

Even the styling is sort of bland, although not ugly. You’ll mix. Anonymity seems to be a theme.

Inside, the Corolla is marred by a slapped-on infotainment system and a few downmarket supplies, however controls are laid out logically and straightforward to make use of. The wonky seating place is gone, and luxury is achieved simply sufficient for most individuals.

The place this specific Corolla shines finest is for many who need a low-cost hybrid with out resorting to Prius weirdness – or driving round with the stigma of Prius possession. EPA-estimated gasoline financial system is within the 50s for all use circumstances, and the Corolla is way much less seen than the well-known Prius. The driving expertise can also be way more typical for a commuter compact.

The hybrid is LE-trim solely, and commonplace options included 15-inch wheels, Toyota SafetySense 2.0 (pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, radar cruise management, lane-departure alert with steering help, lane-tracing help, automated excessive beams, and road-sigh help), LED lighting, Bluetooth, a number of USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and automated local weather management.

Choices have been restricted to mudguards, body-side molding, and carpeted mats. The sticker value was $24,467, together with charges.

The Corolla is best than what it replaces, however it doesn’t have the game/appeal of a Civic, even accounting for this model being a hybrid. Neither is fairly as well-rounded because the Elantra. In comparison with hybrids, it feels a tad cheaper than the Ioniq, and it gained’t stack up nicely towards a loaded Perception (I haven’t hung out with the bottom trim, which is nearer in value).

What it does finest, a minimum of with the hybrid powertrain, is present an alternative choice to Toyota’s personal Prius. The Prius makes the identical energy numbers and is just barely higher on fuel, relying on the trim.

So if you wish to sip gasoline, commute in anonymity, and never be pegged to a stereotype as a Prius proprietor, the Corolla Hybrid may give you the results you want.

Like these different vehicles that misplaced the plot, the Corolla is generally again on observe, with nonetheless a long way to go.

A minimum of it’s no Prius.

[Images © 2020 Tim Healey/TTAC]

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