- New Sporty SE and Premium XLE Grades Added
- New Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive Available
- Revised Hybrid System Delivers More Power
- Hybrid SE Infrared Edition Features Unique Appearance
- Safety Tech Updated to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 System
- New 8-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia Standard
- Refreshed Front and Rear Styling
- Starting MSRP $1,250 Lower Than
2022 Corolla Hybrid
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 18,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Toyota Corolla Hybrid enters
the 2023 model year as a thoroughly upgraded model. Make that five,
as the 2023 Corolla Hybrid now offers a choice of five model
grades versus just one before. Debuting a more powerful hybrid
system and available Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, the 2023
Corolla Hybrid also gains new safety and multimedia systems,
updated styling and new paint colors.
The big news starts with the 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE grade
getting a $1,250 price reduction. The
Hybrid LE is now joined by a new LE
AWD grade, sporty SE and SE AWD grades and a premium focused
XLE. The XLE grade is now only available as a hybrid for 2023. All
Corolla Hybrid models upgrade to new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with
new Proactive Driving Assist, including Obstacle Anticipation
Assist and Deceleration Assist.
Next-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia equips all 2023 Corolla
Hybrid models with an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen and added
capabilities, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and
Android Auto™ compatibility. All models add two rear-seat USB-C
ports for a total of four in the car.
The sporty SE gains new standard Smart Key, enhanced Sport
driving mode tuning and red interior accents replacing blue. As an
added value, all 2023 Corolla Hybrid models include Safety Connect
and Service Connect up to 10-year trial subscriptions.
Hybrid SE Infrared Edition
To commemorate the sporty SE grade joining the enlarged Corolla
Hybrid family for 2023, Toyota is offering a special SE Infrared
Edition, with both FWD and AWD versions available. As a bit more
icing on the cake, the sporty new Corolla SE Hybrid grades (FWD and
AWD) inherit the Gas SE's sport suspension and the firmer-feel
Electronic Power Steering. The 2023 Corolla Hybrid SE Infrared
Edition earns its name from the unique red trim accenting the
exterior and interior. The bright red stands out from the available
Ice Cap, Midnight Black Metallic or all-new Underground exterior
colors and 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels that are
standard with the SE for 2023. In the cabin, a red-stitched shift
handle and red-accented floor mats and door trim add a custom
look.
This package is expected later this year.
More Powerful Hybrid
All 2023 Corolla Hybrid models gain a more powerful Toyota
Hybrid System. As before, the system pairs a 1.8-liter
Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators
through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. A new
compact high-output/low-loss drive motor for the transaxle/motor
uses a redesigned magnet and electromagnetic steel plate
configuration, with two additional magnets for increased
output.
The revised hybrid system boosts output to 134 hp (up from 121)
and 156 lb-ft. of torque (up from 146), while EPA-estimated
combined fuel economy reaches 47 MPG. The upgraded hybrid system
improves acceleration and mid-range power.
Hybrid + AWD
The newly available AWD for Corolla Hybrid will help give the
model an even wider appeal, combining two features to deliver added
traction for slippery road conditions and exemplary fuel economy.
The EPA combined fuel economy rating is 44 MPG.
As on other Toyota Hybrids with AWD, 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, preemptively 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.
Sharpened Styling
The 2023 Corolla Hybrid models share the new front fascia
styling with the Corolla gas sedan, which varies across grades. The
look is particularly sporty for the SE models, which feature a
glossy black mesh-pattern lower grille and more sculptural front
fascia and a rear sport diffuser. The SE grades get new 18-inch
graphite-colored alloy wheels and the LE replaces the 15-inch steel
wheels with a16-inch wheel. XLE features an all-new 10-spoke 16-in
alloy wheel with a silver finish. All Corolla Hybrid models get new
LED headlights that are now even more reminiscent of the eyes of a
bird of prey.
On the Corolla color palette, Midnight Black Metallic replaces
Black Sand Pearl, and Underground replaces Blue Cush Metallic.
Colors carrying over for 2023 include Ice Cap (previously Super
White), Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Blueprint. Wind
Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl remain available for extra
cost.
The Strong, Silent Type
Corolla's diverse model variety is made possible by the Toyota
New Global Architecture-C platform (TNGA-C). A super-rigid
structure, low center of gravity and highly refined tuning of the
MacPherson-type strut front suspension and multi-link rear
suspension endow all Corolla Hybrid models with exemplary handling
agility, ride comfort and distinctive driving personality. This
high-strength platform is fortified through the use of
ultra-high-tensile steel as well as the application of structural
adhesive technology for body rigidity and passenger security.
Corolla Hybrid's cabin is a sanctuary where powertrain and road
noise have been minimized thanks to the widespread use of
sound-absorbing materials, including Thinsulate®,
sealants, foams and silencer pads. The TNGA structure employs
additional seals in its body panel gaps to insulate noise
penetration and enhance air-sealing performance. As one example,
the floor silencer pad is one large piece, instead of many smaller
segments.
Comfort for All Aboard
The Corolla cabin provides an engaging interior space that
surrounds the driver while offering a spacious environment for all
passengers. High-gloss materials are paired with matte elements –
silver accents with Piano Black and available contrasting stitching
– contributing to a premium look and feel.
Seating materials include standard cloth or, in higher grades,
SofTex® trim. For 2023, choices include Black/Red
(black as the main color with red highlights), Moonstone (light
gray as the main color with dark gray highlights) and Macadamia (a
warm, inviting cream color). On front seats in the SE grade,
shoulder supports, evocative of a competition bucket seat, overlap
solid and thick side bolsters to help comfortably grip
occupants.
For storage, Corolla comes equipped with a console tray and
front cupholder. The tray can hold small items, such as a
smartphone or wallet. When the XLE is equipped with the JBL Premium
Audio Plus Wireless Charger package, it houses the available Qi
wireless device charging pad. Terraced cup holders adapt to
various-sized beverage containers.
Driving the Corolla Hybrid
Thanks to the smart layout of the TNGA-C platform, there is no
compromise in cabin roominess, for example, when choosing the
Corolla Hybrid versus a gas model. Corolla Hybrid uses a
lithium-ion battery pack placed under the rear seat, allowing a
60/40 split folding rear seatback to expand cargo capacity. The
battery location also contributes to the vehicle's lower center of
gravity, a boon to agility.
The engine, working in concert with the electric motor (MG2),
assures responsive performance, while exemplary energy efficiency
is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) for hybrid
battery charging.
When pulling away from a stop in the Corolla Hybrid, the battery
provides a subtle power boost in order to put less strain on the
engine and eliminate the "rubber band" effect experienced with some
hybrids. A preload differential adds to the confident acceleration
feel. During low loads and low differential rotation,
differential-limited torque is distributed to the left and right
wheels, yielding excellent handling stability.
Corolla Hybrids offer EV mode, which allows the vehicle to be
operated as a pure electric vehicle for short distances, depending
upon certain conditions, such as battery charge level. This mode is
useful for operating the vehicle in parking lots or indoor parking
garages, for example. The Vehicle Proximity Notification feature
alerts pedestrians of the vehicle's presence when running in
battery mode. Drive modes include:
- NORMAL: Allows the hybrid system to achieve an ideal
combination of fuel economy and vehicle acceleration. The
accelerator opening amount changes linearly in response to
accelerator pedal operation.
- ECO: Improves hybrid system efficiency by limiting power in
response to light to moderate accelerator pedal input.
- SPORT: Enhances dynamic performance and acceleration.
Smart Brakes
Another boost to Corolla Hybrid's fuel efficiency comes from the
Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system, which coordinates
operation between the regenerative braking force of the electric
motors and the hydraulic braking system force to provide optimal
stopping power. By proactively using the electric motors to recover
as much electrical energy as possible from the regenerative braking
system, this extremely efficient cooperative control helps to
maximize fuel economy.
An active hydraulic booster on the conventional
(non-regenerative) braking system improves pedal feel and feedback
for the driver. Brake Hold also comes standard, when engaged it is
a convenient technology that reduces driver effort while waiting at
a traffic light or while driving in heavy traffic. When the driver
presses the accelerator, Brake Hold releases instantly.
Super-Efficient Throughout
The other half of the hybrid system, the gas engine, is no less
impressive than the electric side. The 2ZR-FXE 1.8-liter inline
four-cylinder engine was designed specifically for a hybrid
application. The long-stroke configuration employs the Atkinson
cycle, which uses a very high compression ratio (13.0:1) along with
a shorter intake stroke and longer expansion stroke than the Otto
cycle. The Atkinson cycle extracts more energy from the fuel, and
the electric motors compensate for reduced low-end power (versus
the Otto cycle).
Internal friction is minimized, and an electric water pump
eliminates the parasitic losses caused by a conventional
belt-driven pump. Toyota sought efficiency gains in every system.
The highly efficient air conditioning system, for example, uses
S-FLOW control, which automatically optimizes airflow throughout
the cabin according to the temperature setting, actual cabin and
outside temperatures, sunlight intensity and occupied seats.
Getting the engine up to operating temperature quickly is
critical to conserving fuel and reducing emissions at start-up. In
the Corolla Hybrid, an exhaust heat recirculation system speeds up
engine coolant warm-up. That in turn allows the hybrid system to
stop the gas engine earlier and more often in the driving cycle
when it's not needed, for example in low-power-demand city driving
conditions. The PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater
quickly provides cabin heat electrically in cold temperatures.
Next-Gen Multimedia
All 2023 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid models debut a new standard
next-generation 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and
engineered by Toyota's Texas-based
Connected Technologies team. This new system provides a wide range
of enhanced connectivity and convenience features and is
Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable.
Users can interact with the new system's design through
intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With the latest
available Connected Service, Drive Connect, users have access to
Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist.
(Active Drive Connect trial or subscription required.)
With Intelligent Assistant, speaking simple phrases like "Hey
Toyota" awaken the system for voice activated commands to search
for driving directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio
controls, change the cabin temperature and more. Cloud Navigation
is the available onboard navigation solution that utilizes the
cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing
information.
To ensure the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is
provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also
gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate your next
destination.
The new Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows dual
Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard
wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility.
An available Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for
up to five devices, turning the car into an AT&T Hotspot, along
with the ability to link customers separate Apple Music®
and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with the new
Integrated Streaming feature. This augments the already robust
audio playback ability that includes HD Radio, USB data and a
SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription.
For the Corolla Hybrid SE and XLE grades, the audio experience
goes to a higher level with the available JBL® Premium Audio system
with 9 speakers, including an 800-watt amplifier and 10-in.
subwoofer.
All Corolla models offer a host of Connected Services available
on all grades (trial or subscription required 1).
Safety Connect™, now with up to a 10-year trial subscription for
2023, includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced
Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen
Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance. Service Connect, also
with up to a 10-year trial subscription for 2023, offers drivers
the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance
Alerts and reminders. With the Toyota app, users can stay connected
to their Toyota with the available Remote Connect service.
Standard Smart Key System with Push Button Start for Corolla
Hybrid SE and XLE grades works on the front doors and trunk and for
remote keyless entry with lock, two-stage unlock, panic and
trunk-release functions.
14G network dependent. Certain features include a
trial period at no additional cost upon original date of new
vehicle purchase or lease. After the trial period ends, a paid
subscription is required. More details on trial periods and
subscription-based features can be found at
https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/.
Upgraded Safety Tech: TSS 3.0
All Corolla Hybrid models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense
3.0 (TSS 3.0), which includes enhancements made possible by system
sensors with advanced detection capability. The Pre-Collision
System with Pedestrian Detection is also capable of detecting
motorcyclists and bicyclists in certain conditions. When making a
turn or approaching an intersection, the system is designed to
detect forward or laterally approaching oncoming vehicles and
provides audio/visual alerts and automatic braking in certain
conditions.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist is designed to notify
the driver via audible and visual alerts and slight steering force
if it senses the vehicle is leaving the lane without engaging a
turn signal. Corolla hybrid will be equipped with Dynamic Radar
Cruise Control (DRCC), which is designed to detect the preceding
vehicle and adjust speed in order to maintain a preset distance.
And when DRCC is set and engaged, and Lane Tracing Assist is
activated, this system uses sensors to detect the lane or a
preceding vehicle and provides steering support to help keep the
vehicle centered in its lane while improved lane recognition
delivers refined performance of Lane Departure Alert with Steering
Assist and Lane Tracing Assist.
Automatic High Beams are designed to detect preceding or
oncoming vehicles and automatically switch between high beam and
low beam headlights. Road Sign Assist is designed to recognize
certain road sign information using a forward-facing camera and
display them on the multi-information display (MID).
In addition to the TSS 3.0 system, other available safety
features on the Corolla Hybrid include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM),
which is designed to help detect and warn when vehicles are
approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes. Rear Cross Traffic
Alert (RCTA) helps detect vehicles approaching from either side
while backing out and provides a visual and audible warning.
Toyota's Rear Seat Reminder comes standard on the Corolla Hybrid.
The feature can note whether a rear door was opened within 10
minutes of the vehicle being turned on, or at any time after the
vehicle has been turned on, with a reminder message in the
instrument cluster after the engine is turned off, accompanied by
multitone chimes.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies
to all components other than normal wear and maintenance
items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for
60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage
limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs
needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered
for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date
of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10
years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferrable
across ownership.
The Corolla Hybrid models also come with ToyotaCare, a no
additional cost plan that covers normal factory-scheduled
maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first,
and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited
mileage.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing
sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus
brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S.
who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of
nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants.
By 2025, Toyota's 10th plant in North
Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for
electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road
than any other automaker, a quarter of the company's 2021 U.S.
sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in
STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual
education hub at www.TourToyota.com with an immersive
experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S.
manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free
STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips
and more. For more information about Toyota,
visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
Media Contacts:
Paul Hogard
469-292-6791
paul.hogard@toyota.com
Note to Editors: Photos and b-roll can be found on
ToyotaNewsroom.com
For customer inquiries, please call: 800-331-4331.
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America