The 2023 Corolla Hatchback and Hybrid sedan are the exciting new models to Toyota’s lineup of compact cars. With sleek and sporty designs, advanced features and technology, and excellent fuel efficiency, these cars are sure to turn heads on the road.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll take a closer look at the key features of the 2023 Corolla Hybrid versus the Hatchback. This will compare the specs, safety features, trim levels, cost to own, and vehicle design.
Vehicle Specs
| Corolla Hybrid | Corolla Hatchback |
| MPGe: 51 city / 44 highway / 48 combined | MPG: 32 city / 41 highway / 35 combined |
| Torque: 105 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm | Torque: 151 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm |
| Horsepower: 138 horsepower at 5,200 rpm | Horsepower: 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm |
| Drivetrain: Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence | Drivetrain: front wheel drive |
| Wheel Size: 16 inches | Wheel Size: 16 to 18 inches |
| Vehicle Size: 182.3 inches | Vehicle Size: 172 inches |
| Cabin Space: 96.5 cubic feet | Cabin Space: 96 cubic feet |
Let’s start with the vehicle specs of these two vehicles. The 2023 Hybrid Corolla comes with a CVT, known as continuously variable transmission, that helps to optimize fuel efficiency.
Toyota’s 2023 Corolla Hybrid model is powered by a 1.8 liter four cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, which delivers an impressive 138 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. This combination provides a smooth and efficient ride, with an EPA estimate of 48 mpg-e combined fuel economy rating.
The gas-powered Hatchback is powered by a 2.0 liter and four cylinder engine that delivers 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides excellent performance and fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined fuel economy rating.
In terms of dimensions, the 2023 Corolla Hatchback and Hybrid are very similar. The Hybrid has a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, while the Hatchback has a wheelbase of 13.9 inches. The Hybrid is slightly slimmer and shorter than the Hatchback, but both models offer plenty of headroom and legroom for passengers. The Hybrid has a trunk capacity of 17.8 cubic feet, while the Hatchback has a trunk capacity of 20.8 cubic feet.
Corolla Exterior Design
Exterior design for the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Hatchback is certainly sleek, compact, and modern. It has a sporty and aerodynamic body style, with a sloping roofline and smooth curves. The front of the car is characterized by a bold grille and angular headlights, while the rear features angular taillights and a spoiler for improved aerodynamics.
Corolla’s 2023 Hatchback has a similar design to the Hybrid, but with a hatchback-style trunk space and a more aggressively sporty exterior. Both the Corolla Hybrid and Hatchback are available in a range of exterior colors, including classic options like silver, black, and white. For those interested in more vibrant shades, the Corollas are also offered in bright red, blue, and green.
Compact and Plush Interior
In terms of interior design, Corollas are compact, practical, and stylish all in one. These cars are designed to be both functional and comfortable, perfect for a commuter driver or a small family. The Corolla features high-quality materials and finishes, as well as a range of advanced dashboard technology and convenience features to fit with the times.
The front of the car has supportive seats with adjustable lumbar support for certain trim levels. Of course, the rear seats have ample legroom for passengers. The Toyota Corolla Hybrid has more cabin room by .5 feet compared to the Hatchback model. For specifics, the Corolla Hybrid has 96.5 cubic feet of room, while the Corolla Hatchback has 96 cubic feet.
The dashboard is easy to use, with a center console that houses a display screen for the 8-inch infotainment system, as well as physical buttons for the audio and climate system. These are easy to use, which is perfect for commuting drivers in the Pheonix AZ area. Each model of the Corolla also has Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, and a satellite radio as the standard.
In terms of storage, the Corolla Hybrid and Hatchback have a great amount of space for everyday items. The trunk can easily hold a few small suitcases or bags of groceries. The Hatchback model has a slightly larger trunk than the Hybrid due to its upright trunk design. Additionally, the rear seats of the Hatchback model can be folded down to provide additional storage space for those long road trips.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the 2023 Corolla Hatchback and Hybrid. Both models come standard with a suite of advanced driver assist systems that help to prevent accidents and keep passengers safe. These systems include a pre-collision feature with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, and adaptive cruise control.
In addition to these advanced assist systems, the 2023 Corolla Hatchback and Hybrid also come with several other safety features, such as traction control, stability control, and hill start assist. Both models also have a strong and durable body structure that helps to absorb and distribute crash energy, and they are equipped with front and rear crumple zones that help to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Trim Levels
The 2023 Corolla Hatchback and Hybrid available in different trim levels, each with its own unique features and amenities. The Hybrid trims are LE, SE, and XLE. The Hatchback has two different trim choices including the SE and XSE.
The base trim level for the Hybrid is the LE, which includes similar features as well as an ECO driving mode and an ECO driving display. The base trim level for the Hatchback is the SE, which comes with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a six-speaker audio system.
Higher trim levels for the Hybrid include the XLE and the Nightshade Edition, which offer similar upgrades as well as a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and a panoramic moon roof. For the Hatchback, the highest trim level is the XSE, which offers additional features such as the premium JBL audio system and a wireless charging pad.
Cost to Own
In general, the Toyota Corolla Hybrid prices have higher upfront costs than its traditional gasoline-powered counterpart because of how expensive it is to make hybrid technology. However, hybrid Corollas cost less over time due to their excellent efficiency, which is cheaper to charge than filling up your gas vehicle with fuel.
Other factors that affect the cost of owning a Corolla Hybrid include the price of insurance, taxes, and registration fees. It is important to do thorough research and consider all these costs if you’re looking to stay in-budget.
In terms of repair, every new Toyota vehicle comes with warranty. For the Basic Coverage, this lasts for 36 months or up to 36,000 miles. Powertrain Coverage lasts for 60 months of 60,000 miles, Rust-through Coverage lasts for 60 months with unlimited miles, and Emissions Coverage for the first 10 years since purchase, or 150,000 miles of use. This does not cover normal wear and tear, which will come out of pocket.
For those interested in going electric – now is the time to buy! All electric and hybrid vehicles purchased after 2010 may be eligible for a tax credit up to $7,500, depending on the battery capability, state of purchase, and income.
Test Drive Today
Schedule a test drive at a Toyota dealership today, or with your local Earnhardt Toyota, and discover why the Corolla is a top choice for drivers across the nation.
Whether you’re commuting to work or hitting the open road, the Corolla Hybrid and Hatchback offer an excellent collaboration of style, performance, efficiency, and options. Utilize our online chat for questions or click here to schedule a test drive.
Isabelle Justice 