Toyota’s Corolla compact sedan now available in a hybrid version
Woman at the Wheel,
For 2020, Toyota introduced the first ever Corolla hybrid with a new system featuring a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with two motor/generators, sending power through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Three drive modes include Normal, Eco, and Power. The total system output of 121 horsepower produces impressive performance, with an EPA-estimated average fuel efficiency rating of 52 mpg. The 13.2-gallon fuel tank ensures up to 600 miles between fill-ups.
The 2021 Corolla hybrid is practically the same, with the addition of Android Auto smartphone capability.
One trim is available: the LE Sedan ($23,400), with six standard colors, and one premium color ($425), two cloth interior colors, and a decent number of standard features for a lot of value at a low price.
Several add-ons are offered, mostly convenience items such as a cargo tote ($51), coin holder/ ashtray cup ($26), Emergency Assistance Kit ($59), universal tablet holder ($99), and protective features such as mud guards ($129), paint protection film ($395, hood/fenders/mirror caps/door cups), and Four Season Floor Mats ($418).
My Corolla Hybrid LE was (dark) Blueprint with Light Gray/ Moonstone Premium cloth seating (light bolsters, dark inserts –
diamond-quilted back and shoulder areas – dark headrests, upper seatbacks).
The large black front grille featured a Sport mesh insert. Bi-LED headlights had LED accent lights and LED daytime running lights, with full LED tail/brake lights in the rear, including a light bar across the trunk lid from side to side. Machined-front 15-inch alloy wheels with covers had five “V” spokes with dark pockets.
A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert ($500) had body-color heated power mirrors to house the monitor.
The carefully designed interior, though not fancy, is user friendly
with easy-to-find, clearly labeled controls and clear sight lines to the instruments. The front seats have plenty of space with 38.3 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom, while the rear is more restricted with 37.1 inches of headroom and 34.8 inches of legroom.
Cushy front seats, comfortable for short trips, didn’t provide enough support and adjustability for my long drives. A generally quiet cabin and smooth ride do make everyday driving pleasant.
Interior design includes tasteful touches of metallic trim with chrome interior door handles, coordinated door-panel piping,
gloss black on the center stack and center console, and Toyota’s signature digital clock.
The instrument cluster featured hybrid-blue speedometer and tachometer and gauges, and the usual customizable Multi-Info Display with readings for odometer, outside temp, fuel economy, cruise range, gear position, warning messages, one touch/three-blink lane change indicator, and hybrid system information such as ecoindicator.
Automatic climate control has a dust and pollen filter and pushbutton controls, including an Eco setting to improve efficiency. A backup camera projected an image