Toyota Boosts 2023 Corolla with Four New Hybrid Models, AWD, New Multimedia and Safety Tech, and Freshened Styling

• Three New Hybrid Grades Added, with New All-Wheel Drive Available


• Hybrid System Upgraded with a Reengineered Drive Motor and Lithium-Ion Battery


• Safety Tech Updated to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 System


• Gets a Power Boost with 169-hp Engine


• New 8-in. Toyota Multimedia Standard for All Models


• Refreshed Front and Rear Styling

TORONTO, Ontario – June 1st, 2022 - The Toyota Corolla rolls into 2023 a changed car, and customers are bound to love what they see and drive. The line expands with three new Hybrid grades, including a more powerful hybrid system and available all-wheel drive.

There’s big news on the gas side of the Corolla family, too. The LE, the most popular grade, now receives the 169-horsepower 2.0-litre Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine used in all S-line grades. Replacing the 139-hp 1.8-litre engine, it offers much more dynamic performance (The 0-100 km/h time is two seconds quicker than with the 1.8L engine). Yet, it is also more efficient, improving on the previous engine fuel economy ratings with a manufacturer-estimated fuel consumption of 7.6/5.9/6.8 L/100 km (City/highway/combined).

And that’s just for starters. All 2023 Corolla models gain next-generation Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, next-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia and are topped off with updated front and rear styling.

The wide-ranging enhancements to the 12^th generation Corolla exemplify Toyota’s fervent approach to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. That’s a big reason why Corolla, which has sold over 50 million globally since 1966, has become the world’s top-selling model.

In all 2023 Corolla gas engine models, the Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission gives a distinct performance feel thanks to a gearset used as a “first” gear for start-off acceleration, before seamlessly handing off to the CVT’s pulley system. Synchronization of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed provides a linear acceleration feel. This combined with the enhanced sport mode provides a more engaging driving experience for the 2023 Corolla. Additionally, in the SE and XSE grades, the transmission features paddle shifters to engage 10 pre-set ratios to offer a sportier driving experience.

Hybrid All-Wheel Drive

Following other Toyota Hybrids, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid now offers the option of all-wheel drive, but this is AWD with a big advantage. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed.

The system works seamlessly and transparently, pre-emptively distributing driving force to the rear wheels to help suppress front wheel slip during off-the-line starts. It also engages the rear motor in response to slippage at the front wheels and enhances cornering agility by helping to reduce understeer. The driver can view torque distribution on the Multi-information Display and audio system screen.

The 2023 Corolla Hybrids also offer enhanced brake control, while the SE AWD and XSE AWD grades inherit the firmer-feel Electronic Power Steering from the Corolla Apex Edition performance model.

Hybrid Leader, of Course

Toyota remains the world’s hybrid leader, and the operative word for the 2023 Corolla Hybrid is “more.” There’s more power, there’s more traction, with Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD), as used in other Toyota Hybrids. And there are more model choices, with the Corolla Hybrid LE FWD gaining three new siblings: the LE AWD grade, sporty SE AWD grades and a premium-focused XSE AWD grade.

All 2023 Corolla Hybrid models gain a more powerful Toyota Hybrid System. As before, the system pairs a 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A compact high-output/low-loss drive motor has been newly developed for the transaxle/motor, which includes a redesigned magnet and electromagnetic steel plate configuration with two additional magnets for increased output. The new hybrid system also includes a newly developed lithium-ion battery that’s now located under the rear seat to lower the centre of gravity and maximize trunk cargo capacity.

Notably, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid is the only compact hybrid passenger car available with all-wheel drive. For buyers, that means getting the best of both worlds: added traction for slippery road conditions and efficient fuel economy.

Enhanced Style

On 2023 Corolla Sedans, new front fascia styling varies across grades, and all receive LED daytime driving lights (DRL), with the SE and XSE grades also featuring redesigned LED headlights. The LE adds an updated rear bumper design, while the sporty SE and XSE get an all-new rear sport diffuser and feature new 18-inch Gloss Graphite-coloured alloy wheels.

The Corolla Hatchback features a redesigned front grille with chrome-finished accents, along with revised LED headlights. The rear bumper is updated with a combination of body colour and added chrome-finished accents. The new 18-inch Gloss Graphite-coloured alloy wheels are also available for the Hatchback.

It just wouldn’t be a new Toyota model year without some compelling colour changes. Corolla Sedan offers elegant new Underground and Midnight Black Metallic, which replaces Black Sand Pearl. The Hatchback shows off its wild side with new Inferno and Blue Crush Metallic choices. (Blue Crush was formerly only on the 2022 Sedan.)

Other Sedan colours for 2023 include White, Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Blueprint. Wind Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl are available for extra cost. The Hatchback offers a similar palette and also allows extra-cost duo-colour options pairing the body colour with a Midnight Black Metallic roof.

Standard on Corolla XSE is a redesigned 7-inch multi-information display (MID). All other grades feature an updated 4.2-inch MID located between the tachometer and speedometer allowing the driver to view either analog or digital speedometers. Featuring rich graphics, the easy-to-read MIDs can be custom configured by the driver. It offers intuitive operation to access information for the audio and multimedia systems, navigation, vehicle information including fuel efficiency estimates and tire pressure, as well as TSS 3.0 functions.

Upgraded Safety Tech: TSS 3.0

Toyota became an early leader in equipping its vehicles with safety systems featuring automatic emergency braking and, for 2023, Toyota Safety Sense technology in Corolla evolves to version 3.0 and includes enhanced versions of the following:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)
• Automatic High Beams (AHB)

In addition, Corolla is available with Parking Assist with Parking Support Braking and Adaptive Front Lighting. The latter provides a wider field of light and steers the low beam lights in the direction of the turn, based on steering angle and vehicle speed.

Next-Gen Multimedia

The 2023 Corolla comes equipped with a standard next generation 8-inch Toyota Multimedia system, designed and engineered in North America by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team, providing a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. Users can interact with the system through intuitive touch and voice activation controls.

With the available Drive Connect, drivers and passengers have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. With Intelligent Assistant, simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for natural voice commands to search for directions, find Points of Interest (POI), dictate free-form text messages and more. Cloud Navigation, the available navigation solution, utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. To ensure users have the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to a 24/7 live agent to help you locate your next destination and send directions straight to your Cloud Navigation.

The new Toyota Multimedia allows for dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity and supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.

For those looking for an enhanced audio experience, a JBL® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers including an 800-watt amplifier and 10-in. subwoofer is standard on the Corolla XSE grade.

Each Corolla comes with a host of Connected Services available on all grades (trial or subscription required). Remote Connect allows you to remotely start/stop your vehicle, lock/unlock your doors, check your vehicle’s status and more through the Toyota App. Safety Connect™ includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Locator. Service Connect (up to 5-year trial included on all grades) offers Vehicle Health Reports and Warning Light Notifications.