2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

For shoppers interested in hybrids, they now have another option from Toyota, with the introduction of the hybrid version of its compact 2020 Corolla.

The Corolla Hybrid’s styling has a lot in common with the non-hybrid 2020 Corolla, with the same aggressive J-shaped headlights, simplified window arrangement, stalk-mounted mirrors, and elegant rear end. That said, it gets a unique, smoother front bumper with a slightly curvier grille. The interior, meanwhile, comes from the recently released 2019 Corolla Hatchback, which focuses on minimalism and artful, upscale presentation. The Corolla Hybrid has ample room for five people.

All Corolla Hybrids are motivated by a 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, coupled to an electric motor and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), putting out a combined 121 horsepower. Aside from the efficient powertrain, there are a number of technologies onboard that boost fuel economy further. Regenerative braking, which recaptures kinetic energy while decelerating and converts it to battery power, comes standard along with low-rolling-resistance tires, and S-FLOW, which optimizes airflow throughout the cabin to lessen the reliance on the air-conditioning system. The Corolla Hybrid provides three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. Like the Prius, the Corolla also features an EV mode that lets you operate the car using only electric power for a short distance. The Corolla Hybrid has fuel-economy estimates of 53 city, 52 highway, and 53 combined.

The Corolla Hybrid comes in one trim, Hybrid LE. Standard technology equipment includes LED daytime-running lights, 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, Amazon Alexa connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Entune 3.0 and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, satellite radio, and Siri Eyes Free.

Like other Toyota models, the level of standard equipment is generous, thanks to the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 system. Every Corolla Hybrid gets forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping and lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and traffic-sign recognition. While the 2020 Corolla Hybrid hasn't yet been tested, the 2019 Corolla earned a 5-star rating from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The new 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid promises Prius-like fuel economy in a conventionally styled package, similar to the Honda Insight.