Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
This popular Corolla is remembered as a classic car for many of us, but the new Corolla has been completely redesigned with the 2020 model generation. If you remember the previous Corolla, it is time to forget everything you remember about it, as the new generation Corolla has been reborn, it is a new car and it is hybrid too.
I am test-driving the 2022 car year model and I am impressed with how young and trendy this Corolla looks, but more than that it is really efficient, it is hybrid.
The First Corolla Hybrid
The new Corolla offers for the first time, the first-ever Corolla Hybrid, with a very good price of around $23K and a great fuel economy of 52 Miles per Gallon.
The Corolla Hybrid shares the same power train with the Toyota Prius, another successful hybrid for Toyota. Now that the Corolla lineup includes a Hybrid, Toyota should see an increase in sales. Some Toyota buyers who used to buy the Prius, now may switch to the Corolla Hybrid.
The new Toyota Corolla Hybrid is a little bit cheaper than the Prius, what probably indicates a marketing strategy from Toyota to attract more attention to the Corolla Hybrid.
The first-ever Corolla (starting with the 2020 car year model) is available with larger wheels and premium audio in some of the new trim models. Toyota is trying to produce a trendier and more modern Corolla.
The 2022 Corolla Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Corolla model, it delivers a large range of 52 mpg fuel economy.
The new Corolla Hybrid 2022 uses the latest Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive with a gasoline engine and provides a very pleasant driving experience. The hybrid system combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with two motors/generators for a combined system power of 121 hp. gives definitely high performance.
The Corolla Hybrid features the latest advances in comfort, multimedia technology, safety, and attractive styling.
The new Corolla hybrid includes several features standard and optional to attract younger customers before they go to the competition. Toyota is giving even more value than before, including driver’s seat is six-way adjustable and a four-way front passenger seat is standard, while Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard.
Drivers can steer the vehicle with a tilt-telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, multi-information display, Bluetooth hands-free phone, voice commands, dynamic radar cruise control and lane departure warning via steering.
Trims and Pricing for the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- HYBRID LE
$23,650 Starting MSRP
Corolla History
The Corolla is one of the most successful automobiles in the history of Toyota. There have been 12 Corolla generations since 1996, with over 46 Million Corollas sold. Part of the success of Corolla comes from the great value it provides to its buyers. The Corolla has been a great entry-level car into Toyota’s brand through several generations. Consumers know what to expect, great value for a great price, in addition to easy and low-cost maintenance and repairs.
The Toyota Corolla is assembled at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Blue Springs, Mississippi where 1,500 Toyota workers are employed. The Hybrid trim is produced in Takaoka, Japan. In 2021 the new Corolla will start to be produced on the new Toyota plant in a joint-venture with Mazda, the new plant in Huntsville, Alabama. This new plant will be employing about 4,000 workers and producing about 300,000 cars per year.
It is difficult to find a driver who does not recognize the name Corolla, it is such a classic well known brand name.
Efficient Hybrid Transmission
The Corolla Hybrid uses a lithium-ion battery that sits under the rear seat instead of taking up space in the trunk. This allows the rear seat backrest to be folded 60/40 to increase load capacity. The location of the battery also contributes to the vehicle’s lower center of gravity, which is an advantage for maneuverability.
The Corolla’s engine, working in conjunction with the electric motor (MG2), provides high performance, while approximate energy efficiency is achieved by using both electric motors (MG1 and MG2) to charge the hybrid battery.
Toyota is trying to provide more value, better visibility, and more luxury touch to the classic well-known Corolla, but now in a hybrid version.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE Highlights
The new generation Toyota Corolla Hybrid can surprise you with many standard and optional features.
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Eco and Power driving modes
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High-grade LED headlights with LED accent lights
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15-in. alloy wheels
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Premium fabric-trimmed seats
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7-in. color TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)
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Available SofTex -trimmed seats
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Available heated front seats
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Smart Key System with Push Button Start
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Audio includes 8-in. touchscreen
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Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0)
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Android Auto & Apple CarPlay & Amazon Alexa compatibility
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Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
- Black front grille with sport mesh insert
- Color-keyed power outside mirrors
- Variable intermittent windshield wipers
- Color-keyed roof-mounted shark-fin antenna
- Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, and push-button controls
- Automatic engine shutoff
- Power door locks with automatic locking feature
- Day/night rearview mirror
- Passenger-side glove compartment
Many of the features that I love of the new Corolla are big differences in the new Corolla generation.
Expansive Visibility
Behind the wheel the new 2020 corolla sedan feels more premium than previous ones. One of the reasons why I like the new Corolla so much is because it has much better exterior view from the cabin. Toyota engineers and architects put serious work into creating a better extensive view from the inside.
As I test drive the Corolla through the historic and picturesque streets of savannah Georgia, I enjoy the great visibility on the new Corolla. Visibility is a winner point when I compare the new Corolla with other cars in its segment. Better view means a fresh and more enjoyable driving experience.
Toyota has been able to optimize the internal cabin and the position of the driver. New improved interior space and view, by positioning the driver’s hip point 0.91-in. lower and 1.57-in. Resulting in lower vehicle’s center of gravity by 0.39 in., and better weight distribution. The height of the new Corolla has been reduced 0.8 in., and the hood lowered by 1.4 in. producing much better forward visibility. To accomplish this goal, the engine had to be mounted lower. As a result of these engineering enhancements, a reconfigured lower beltline, slimmer instrument panel and A-pillars, and repositioned side view mirrors in a better position have resulted in a wider more extensive visibility.
Alexa Standard
One of the features that will attract a lot of young car buyers to the Corolla is the standard Audio with Wi-Fi Connect, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay Compatibility. According to Toyota executives the idea is that while driving your Corolla you will be able to do all the same you can do at home with Alexa. This will make the ride more enjoyable for the driver and its passengers. I think this is a big plus on the new Corolla by having all these connectivity standard. Imagine how nice that you can turn on and off your new Corolla using Alexa? and much more functionality.
TNGA Platform
The 12th Toyota Corolla generation started to enter the US market with the all-new Corolla Hatchback arriving last summer, followed by the regular sedan trims and the first-ever Corolla Hybrid. The three models are based on Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is much more than a new body structure and brings together new approaches to engineering, design, assembly and materials. The new TNGA platform transforms the Corolla and gives much more possibilities to the development of the new Corolla generation.
The new Corolla 2020 sedan is becoming more premium focused on comfort and refinement. The new Corolla is completely new, from bumpers to bumper. The new TNGA platform allows for a new engine that produces more power than its predecessor and offers better efficiency in fuel consumption. The TNGA also produces higher quality in all materials and surfaces, switches and controls.
Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is Standard
The TNGA platform brings more safety by using the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 package of active safety systems, which is standard on all Corolla sedan models. This Safety package is a great value into the new Corolla, as every sedan receives about $2,000 in safety features, all standard, free of charge.
JBL Premium Sound System Available
The new 2020 Corolla has a great audio system standard, it sounds very good. You can hear low and high frequencies with great definition and a very good volume. However, for those who want something more premium, the new 2020 Corolla offers for the first time premium optional audio by JBL. The quality of this JBL audio is just great! It will make your new Corolla rock through the streets. Combining this JBL premium with Alexa functionality will impress any of your guests onboard.
Toyota is getting closer to competitors like Kia and Hyundai that offer too many standard features. I think this is a very good step and strategy for Corolla, as car buyers prefer to buy a fully-loaded car without having to buy several additional packages and options. The Corolla usually satisfies its customers that become Toyota repeated buyers. About 65% of previous Corolla owners return to the brand, they buy Corollas again. This is huge! Corolla drivers are very satisfied with the Corolla and keep coming back to buy a newer model.
