This is the first time U.S. buyers have the option to purchase a Toyota Corolla hybrid. Built on a reputation for reliability and value, the Corolla is the best-selling vehicle of all time. The 2020 Corolla Hybrid takes the sharp, new redesign of the model and adds the incredibly efficient powertrain from the Toyota Prius. The result is an attractive compact sedan with excellent fuel economy.

The Corolla Hybrid comes powered by the same 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 and pair of electric motors that drives the Prius. There’s also a 1.3-kWh battery stored beneath the rear seats. The system as a whole produces 121 horsepower and 105 lb.-ft. of torque, which means that it is not a spritely vehicle, reaching 60 mph in 10.7 and needing 18.0 seconds to cross the quarter-mile mark. Sure, the vehicle may indeed have its shortcomings when it comes to speed, but it excels in the only task it needs to do very well: delivering exceptional fuel efficiency. The Corolla Hybrid is EPA-rated 53/52/52 mpg city/highway/combined, a little lower than the base Prius’ rating of 58/53/56 mpg.

The hybrid drives as you would expect like its siblings in the lineup, acceptable, with improved ride and handling compared to previous models. We did notice some reduced sharpness relative to the non-hybrid Corolla; however, the switch between battery and gas propulsion is exceptionally smooth. Like the regular Corolla, it utilizes the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform and has a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension, replacing the torsion beam. Ride quality is smooth and quiet thanks to the Yokohama Avid GT tires (195/65R15) absorbing the bumps and providing little road noise. The redesign means the body's shape keeps wind noise low too, which is handy when the engine falls silent.

In regards to safety it was no surprise to see the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-aid suite standard. It's surprisingly stout at this price point, offering full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams and road-sign recognition.

The interior feels much larger than you’d expect in a car this small, with well placed spots to hold both items as well as enough cup holders to keep you and your passengers hydrated. The Corolla Hybrid only comes in a single trim, LE, and it offers no options, so what you see is what you get. The infotainment system is an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay is included, but Android Auto is not, despite other 2020-model-year Toyotas picking it up.

The Corolla's second row is plenty spacious, with ample headroom and legroom for tall passengers sitting behind equally tall drivers. Although the car lacks a sunroof, the cabin stays nice and bright by virtue of its plentiful glass, which confers good visibility on all sides of the car.

The hybrid battery doesn't eat into trunk space, which is good, because at 13.1 cubic feet, and while it is not the largest in this class, it’s more than adequate for day-to-day tasks. This battery placement also allows the backseat to fold in a 60/40 split, something some other hybrids are unable to do.

Shoppers looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient compact sedan will want to add it to their list. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is less expensive than the Prius, starting at $23,880—a base 2019 Prius starts at $24,700. Priced at only $3,000 more than the Corolla sedan and $1,200 less than a similarly equipped Honda Insight (EX trim), it is the perfectly practical, around-town car. Our test car came with the Frameless Homelink Mirror, wheel locks, floor mats, paint protection and the Body Protection package, bringing the total to $25,233. All in all, the Corolla Hybrid is a huge step in the right direction, adding even more justification for its best-seller status.

Highlights	Description
Engine	1.8-liter inline-4 + Electric motor
Horsepower	121 hp @ 5200rpm
Torque	105 lb-ft @ 3600rpm
Transmission	Electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission
Suspension, F/R	Independent MacPherson strut / multilink
Brakes, F/R	10.8-in. solid disc brakes / 10.2-in. with (ECB) system
Wheels and Tires	15-in. alloy, P195/65R15
Curb weight	3,050 lb
Overall length	182.5 in.
Overall width	70.1 in.
Overall height	56.5 in.
Wheelbase	106.3 in.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE

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