2023 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Alongside today’s earlier reveal of performance-oriented vehicles, Toyota announced some important updates for their longrunning commuter: the Corolla.

The humble Toyota Corolla will receive four new hybrid models and all-wheel drive options for the 2023 model year. The utility-spinoff Corolla Cross has also, for the first time, gained a hybrid powertrain option, along with additional trims.

The 2023 Corolla Cross will be available with the fifth generation of Toyota’s Hybrid System, configured as an all-wheel drive only model using Toyota’s Electronic All-Wheel Drive system. The new Cross will produce 194 horsepower, achieving a manufacturer-estimated 0-60 mph time of 8-seconds-- tethered to an estimated 37 combined mpg.

Additional grades include the all-new S, SE and XSE levels, joining the previously-available LE and XLE. Each grade adds different levels of tech, aesthetic choices, and safety features; however, all Corolla Cross models will come with the new Toyota Multimedia System, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB-C charging, and standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Some of the features in this latest safety suite are a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Many of these safety features are also making their way to the regular Corolla, along with a new hybrid powertrain, AWD configurability and slight appearance revisions.  In total, the Corolla Hybrid corral is gaining four new grades: LE AWD, SE and SE AWD, and XLE. 

All Corolla Hybrids still incorporate the 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with two electric-motor generators; Toyota claims the updated system to be more powerful, but to what extent is unclear. Models outfitted with the all-wheel drive option are equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor, supplying power when needed. 

There’s news on the gasoline-only front, too. All internal combustion Corollas, including the LE grade, will now be factory-fitted with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, bumping power up from 139 horsepower to 169 horsepower. Fuel economy is also improved by nearly 2 mpg, now estimated at 31 city/40 highway/34 combined.

We expect both the 2023 Corolla and Corolla Cross Hybrid to launch later this year; however, no specifics on pricing and availability have been confirmed.