The age of the current Corolla lineup suggests a new one is on its way
Expect to see the same eye-popping fuel economy numbers with a new emphasis on style
Could kick off the 13th Corolla generation for 2026
The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling vehicle of all time. With over 50 million units moved over its 55-year-plus history, the Corolla has cemented itself as one of the most affordable and value-rich compact vehicles on the road, making it a go-to choice for shoppers on a budget. While the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is more expensive than the non-hybrid, the money you save at the pump narrows the price gap after just a few years. Given the current model's advanced age, we expect to see a brand-new Corolla Hybrid in the near future.
Edmunds spotlight: Educated guesses and expectations
As of this writing, there is no official information from Toyota on what to expect for 2026. Based on past Corolla generations, we wouldn't be surprised to see today's hybrid powertrain carry over, though perhaps with enhancements to increase power or efficiency. We're less sold on the idea of a plug-in hybrid variant; Toyota already has the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and it doesn't make a lot of sense to produce two vehicles that occupy a similar place in this price bracket. We do expect the next-gen Corolla Hybrid's styling to be sleek and modern, fitting in with the latest Prius and Camry models.
Competitors to consider
Based on the current crop of hybrids, the hybrid version of the Honda Civic is our favorite. It may cost a few thousand more than the Corolla Hybrid, but the cost is well worth it when you consider how much better the Civic drives and how much more interior space you get. Likewise, Toyota's own Prius is a decidedly better choice if your budget allows. The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is the most competitive pricewise, and it ekes out a better fuel economy score from the EPA.
Edmunds says
We expect the next Toyota Corolla Hybrid to uphold the model's reputation as a sensible and efficient choice, though perhaps with a more attractive exterior and newer technology inside.
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I am going to give you the "No Nonsense" review on this vehicle. This is my forth Hybrid....Previously had 2013 Avalon Hybrid - Good....2015 Lexus ES300H Hybrid - Good....2019 Accord Hybrid- Also good.....When I say good I am talking about the fuel milage....When it comes to the 2023 Corolla the fuel milage is off the charts FANTASTIC! I have not dropped below 50 MPG since I started … driving this car....Now I have to say I am a very conservative driver and that has a lot to do with it......I am going to gove you the true pros and cons of this vehicle......
First of all, If you are looking for something exciting to drive this is not the car for you. If you want a reliable fuel efficient car this is it.
PRO'S
Comfortable when you are in it. Getting in and out is somewhat challenging but better than expected as I am a big guy, 5'11" 245lb. The fuel milage is excellent as I said before. I have the LE model (Base Model) so not too many extras. It rides pretty good for a compact car. The sound system is decent. It's crisp but can use a little more strength.
CON'S
Not a speed demon and engine when getting on highway is a bit loud but thats to be expected. The base model comes with wheel covers, not rims which may not matter to some people but I hate that! However, I purchased this vehicle as a commuter car so I'll live with it. The LE model also has an ignition key! When was the last time you seen that?? They could have sprung for the push button on the LE model but thats just my opinion. The upgraded trims have rims and push button start if you want to spend the $3500 option.
All in all if you are looking for a greatr car that does not break the bank this is the car for you
Wow!
5 out of 5 stars
Bill G, Bowling Green, VA, 04/05/2023
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I'm only 2 weeks into ownership of a Corolla LE Hybrid. We don't need all the fancy stuff for a car that we figured would be our daily driver. Having said that I don't really miss some of the upmarket features. Certainly power seats are nice, but I can get enough adjustment with the manual seat just fine. I am 5'11", 240 lbs and my wife is 5'4" and we both find very comfortable … seating positions. Again haven't taken the car on any long trips, but I have had quite a bit of seat time waiting on my wife during her shopping outings and I haven't been uncomfortable. Ingress and egress is not that difficult either for an old guy with stiff joints. It doesn't sit up quite like my Outback but it shouldn't, so this is not a comparison. Bottom line it's a class leader in the comfort department. It is a bit noisy as road noise intrudes a bit more than I'm used to in Toyota's and I've owned several, but I attribute that to the tires more than anything - Yokohama LRR's. The doors shut with a good quality sounding thud. The fit and finish is first rate and I am extremely picky. I have found nothing to fault. One thing to note is we didn't have an opportunity to see an actual car before we ordered ours. The Toyota website does not have good pictures of the interiors of the Corolla, especially the light gray interior, which ours has. It shows the seats in two tone which is accurate, it does not show that the bottom half of the dash and the upper doors are trimmed in light gray. We are very pleased with the interior, but to see what the interior actually looks like, click on the Macadamia color and you will see how the light gray interior will truly look, except of course for the color. The back seat has enough room for me to sit behind the driver's seat adjusted for me,although we don't usually have anyone in the back seat. The back seat folds down to give even more cargo room to the very spacious trunk.
Now about the driving experience. I read reviews before we bought about how the car is slow. My driving has been a combination of city, rural and four lane roads so I have a good idea how the car performs all around. It is quick off the line, surprisingly quick - not Mustang GT quick but more than 138 horsepower quick. Now admittedly it starts lacking juice around 45-50, but the electric motor assist keeps the acceleration going up to highway speeds. Understand that my car is not fully broken in, so I have not really put my foot in it so it's performance has not been fully tested for maximum thrust but it definitely gets out of it's own way.
What we all want to know is what kind of mileage do I get. I didn't drive it today, but yesterday it indicated 55.0mpg combination city/highway. I've had it 2 weeks and 500 miles and just filled it up from 1/4 tank. So judge for yourself.
The wireless Android Auto works very well. There are times that it won't automatically connect, but that's usually because I have interrupted the pairing process. Sometime when you put it in gear before the pairing is completed - especially reverse, I think there is just too much going on with the backup camera, etc, and pairing gets pushed out of the queue. But it has never failed to connect manually. Once connected it has never dropped and I use Maps, Waze, Amazon Music or Spotify every time I'm in the car.
Don't really know much else to say about our little blue bug except my wife and I really like it. This is not the first hybrid we've owned, but things sure have changed since 2015 - all for the better. We've always had good luck with Toyota and Joe Davis at Mechanicsville Toyota served us well. I'll update when we get some more time and mileage on the car.
Great car
5 out of 5 stars
bernie, 05/05/2023
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
1) The car gets approx 50+ MPG
2) Handles very nice. Love the rack and pinion-like turning ability
3) The defensive electronics are very nice, the cruise adapter is a pleasure to use
4) On long trips, the seating seems uncomfortable on our backs, that might be us only
5) On the highway, the noise level is not ideal, but i can't expect it for the price of this … wonderful car
6) And i do wish the free maintenance was a year longer then 2yrs. The price to get extended warranties was complicated, and rather expensive, i thought.
7) Excellent car though, and the interior is well thought out.
Brake problems with 2023 Corolla Hybrid
3 out of 5 stars
ToyotaTommy, 04/16/2023
2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Purchased a new 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Electronic Brake System Malfunction error displayed within the first 200 miles. Per dealer, the Brake Booster System needs to be replaced - part not available from manufacturer yet. Loaner vehicle (not comparable) provided. Will update review when this safety issue is resolved. Two weeks have passed so far.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, so we've included reviews for other years of the Corolla Hybrid since its last redesign.
Kia K4 vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid vs. Honda Civic Hybrid: Which Compact Sedan Is Best?
NOTE: This video is about the 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, but since the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla have long dominated the compact sedan segment, but Kia is hoping to challenge that with the new K4, the renamed replacement for the Kia Forte. But does the K4 have what it takes to keep up with the segment leaders, especially when both offer hybrid powertrains? Edmunds’ Brian Wong puts all three vehicles to the test in this comparison… video.
Key safety features on the Corolla Hybrid include:
Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
FAQ
Is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Corolla Hybrid both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Corolla Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Corolla Hybrid has 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Learn more
Is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid reliable?
To determine whether the Toyota Corolla Hybrid is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Corolla Hybrid. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Corolla Hybrid's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Corolla Hybrid gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 27 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Corolla Hybrid is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid?
The least-expensive 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,575.
Other versions include:
LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $24,575
LE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $25,975
SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $27,015
SE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $28,415
XLE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $28,940
What are the different models of Toyota Corolla Hybrid?
If you're interested in the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, the next question is, which Corolla Hybrid model is right for you? Corolla Hybrid variants include LE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), LE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), SE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and SE 4dr Sedan AWD (1.8L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of Corolla Hybrid models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more