2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid defines value
Car buyers often maintain brand and style preferences for decades. It’s among the reasons hybrid and all-electric vehicle sales have increased slowly.
As an example, the Toyota Prius is now nearly 22 years old. As the first mass-produced alternative fuel vehicle in the United States, it once dominated the country’s alternative fuel vehicle annual sales. That still represented less than four percent of all car sales.
The Prius’ popularity has waned, but Toyota still maintains its dominance in the hybrid segment. The Toyota RAV4 now reigns with 28 percent of the hybrid market share.
Still, buying a hybrid or electric further polarizes buyers, with Toyota part of the issue. Gas stations are everywhere; Electric charging stations are not. And then there’s the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Buyers during the Corolla Hybrid’s three-year history are purchasing one option in the stable of the best-selling cars in history. The Corolla is rated at 53 and 52 miles per gallon in the city and freeway driving with its gas-electric hybrid. Its overall mileage rating is one less mpg than a Prius, and it has a more mainstream presentation.
While the Toyota Prius family has continued to evolve into numerous areas, the Corolla Hybrid is offered in one variety. It’s competing against vehicles by the same manufacturer, and thus Corolla Hybrid’s short history seems oddly logical.
Regardless, the 2020 Corolla Hybrid is among the country’s best car values.
Sold only in the LE trim, the hybrid model is equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, frontwheel drive and a continuously variable transmission. It’s joined by two electric motors energized with a lithium-ion battery, for a total output of 121 horsepower. The hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. An 8-year/100,000-mile warranty applies to the hybrid drive components.
While accommodating a battery pack, the Corolla Hybrid matches its non-hybrid sibling with a 60/40 split rear seat and a worthy trunk with 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Standard features include LED headlights and
taillights, daytime running lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Keyless entry/start, automatic climate control and cloth upholstery are also standard as is a substantial supply of safety equipment.
Besides 10 airbags, the Corolla Hybrid has forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assistance and radar-based adaptive cruise control.
The infotainment system includes an eight-inch touchscreen which frames a lot. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, Amazon Alexa compatibility, satellite radio, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi plus a six-speaker audio setup further detail the overriding point. Value is defined.
A first for 2022 is the Corolla Hybrid’s optional Premium Interior Package ($1,525). It features simulated leather upholstery, a steering wheel wrapped in real leather, heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support.
The modernized interior includes metallic and black trim accents and soft-touch plastic. It’s not a spacious place, but the new look defines an ambiance of cleanliness. Also optional are blind-spot monitoring ($500) and an upscale exterior paint job ($425).
The Corolla has never been performance-oriented. It’s satisfactory on hilly roads but that’s it. Don’t expect to pass slower traffic on inclines. The hybrid sedan won’t necessarily be part of the slow lane traffic. Its 0-60 miles per hour rating is 7.8 seconds, not the worst hybrid effort. But steady is all that can be expected. The Corolla does it well.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is at its best via a combination of economy, efficiency, durability, reliability and resale value.
It doesn’t get any more expensive than $27,000 or $18,000 less than the average price of a new car in the United States. Enough said.