Car enthusiasts are quick to sneer at cars like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid. These cars are meant for everyday people, people who don’t care about the driving experience and just need something to get to work as efficiently and cheaply as possible. But once you’ve driven one, it’s hard to ignore it.
There’s a reason Toyota sells over 20,000 Corollas every month. While it may not be the most exciting thing, there’s no other car on the road that combines such high levels of efficiency and affordability into one fun, inoffensive package. For most people, the Corolla Hybrid is all they need.
| Brief Specifications | 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
| Machine | 1.8 Liter Four Cylinder Hybrid Engine |
| Transmission | Continuous Variable |
| Output | 134 Horsepower / 156 Pound-Feet |
| Speed 0-60 mph | 9.5 Seconds (estimated) |
| Base Price / Assay Price | Rp. 27,140/Rp. 29,530 |
The Corolla Hybrid is a no-nonsense car. It’s small, sleek, and simple. It has everything you need for a casual commute to work or a weekend getaway. Nothing more. Inside, you’re greeted by a simple interior with comfortable cloth seats, a mostly analog gauge cluster, and a screen affixed to the dashboard for infotainment.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, so there’s no complaints about navigation or infotainment. The buttons on the steering wheel are real buttons, not useless capacitive touch buttons. The same goes for the single-zone climate control, which uses two knobs to control temperature and fan speed. It’s refreshingly simple.
As for the materials, don't expect luxurious hand-stitched leather and wood trim. There's a lot of hard plastic here, but that doesn't bother me too much considering the as-tested price is under $30,000.
Motor1.com
Pros: Very fuel efficient, as comfortable as cars costing twice as much, very affordable
The lack of lumbar support is the only thing I miss about the Corolla Hybrid’s cabin. If I were spending more than an hour in the car, I would want it. Also, the wireless charger in the center console only works about 60 percent of the time. But that’s industry-wide standard.
It’s equally uncomplicated with the Corolla on the road. Put the analog gear selector in drive, hit the accelerator, and the hybrid system kicks into gear with instant, satisfying torque. Power comes from three electric motors—two up front connected to a 1.8-liter inline-four, and a third at the back driving the rear wheels.
That forward momentum is lost as speeds increase, of course. The 'Rolla Hybrid has just 134 hp, enough for a 0-60 time of less than 10 seconds. That sounds awfully slow compared to modern performance cars, but it's still acceptable in real-world situations like stoplights and driveways. Don't be afraid to push the accelerator all the way, and you'll be fine.
Motor1.com
Motor1.com
The Corolla’s hybrid setup is an interesting device; it requires no external charging and routinely switches between full electric propulsion and ICE assistance to move the car along the road, without any input or mode selection from the driver. In stop-and-go traffic at city speeds, the switch feels nearly seamless, with the only difference being the sound of the engine revving as you press the accelerator. When it reverts to full EV mode, a small green light illuminates in the gauge cluster.
The transition is more pronounced at highway speeds, where the car sometimes sends a slight body vibration as it shifts into full EV mode. At times, the drivetrain seems unsure of itself, switching back and forth between hybrid and EV modes, trying to gauge your power needs depending on your inputs. That’s a small price to pay for 47 miles per gallon on the highway. Even while driving like an idiot through mostly stop-and-go city streets, I managed to get 43 mpg over 300 miles, according to the onboard computer. That’s impressive.
The rest of the Corolla Hybrid is a pleasant, forgettable experience. The steering is light and compact, making it easy enough for your great-grandmother to operate. So are the brakes, which require an equally light touch. Toyota says the Corolla Hybrid is equipped with a “sport suspension,” though I’m not sure what that means, because the ride is about as plush and comfortable as some luxury SUVs I’ve driven. It floats over small bumps with ease and only shows its primitiveness over major imperfections in the road. Even then, it never jars.
Motor1.com
Cons: Slow, Unorganized, Anonymous
Let’s review: The Corolla Hybrid is cheap to buy, easy to drive, fuel efficient, and as bulletproof as any other Toyota. The problem, of course, is that it’s not exciting. You won’t get any driving pleasure out of a Corolla Hybrid, at least not right away. No one will give you a second glance or be impressed by it. You’ll see dozens of identical Corollas on the road every time you get behind the wheel.
However, the flip side is the satisfaction you get from going full throttle anywhere and pushing the car to its (very low) limits. Absolutely no one on the road will notice or care, and you can do it without worrying about the Corolla lasting a long time. All the while, you’ll still get over 40 mpg.
After driving so many cars, this Corolla is a refreshing reminder that most people don’t need anything more than a vehicle like this. Aside from a few very minor complaints, it ticks all the boxes for a reliable, fun, and inexpensive commuter. So the next time you’re considering heading to a fancy dealership in search of a flashy brand, remember that the Corolla exists. You may lose a few style points, sure, but the money saved will be worth it.
Motor1.com
