The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid may be the perfect compact sedan. Its interior comes shockingly close to midsize sedan dimensions, and its list of standard and available equipment keep it current with the competition.
Fuel economy figures of 53 mpg city and 52 mpg highway are darn impressive and better than the Honda Insight, although the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid beats them both by a few mpg. The Elantra also offers more features, such as a Bose premium audio system.
In contrast to the Elantra Hybrid and Insight, the Corolla Hybrid comes in only one trim and with limited options. The Elantra Hybrid has a better standard warranty, and its styling is more modern.
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid comes standard with Toyota Care, a maintenance plan covering scheduled factory maintenance recommendations for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. A 24-hour roadside assistance plan is also standard for two years and unlimited miles.
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE (Starting at $23,650)
The 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE is the only trim available. However, it comes nicely equipped, costing only about $3,000 more than the gasoline-only LE.
Powering the Corolla Hybrid is a 1.8-liter gas engine and two electric motors backed by a 1.3 kWh battery. It’s the same setup as in the Prius, delivering 121 horsepower and a roughly 10-second 0-to-60 mph run. A continuously variable transmission, or CVT, does an excellent job of maintaining maximum power and fuel economy, although some may find the droning noise it makes a bit annoying.
Toyota has a high commitment to the safety of its buyers and nowhere is that more apparent than in the Corolla Hybrid. At this price, we expect to find the usual suspects, such as electronic traction and stability controls and anti-lock brakes. Still, there are no less than ten airbags, including front and rear side-impact airbags and a driver’s knee airbag. Also included are rear child door locks, hill start assist, and a tire pressure monitor.
What’s unexpected is the Corolla Hybrid’s long list of advanced driver assist systems, all part of Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0. The package includes low-speed collision warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as well as lane-departure warning with steering assist that will nudge the vehicle back into its lane.
Also part of Safety System 2.0 are automatic high-beam headlights that dim when sensing oncoming traffic, road sign detection that sees speed limit and other traffic signs and mirrors them in the driver information screen, and full-speed adaptive cruise control that safely maintains a preset distance between the Corolla and the traffic ahead. The adaptive cruise control can even slow or bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Lane tracing assist monitors the white lane markings to keep the vehicle in its lane when using the adaptive cruise control. The system even works when rounding curves.
Unlike the gas-powered LE, the hybrid version gets a few upgrades, such as high-grade LED headlights and 15-inch alloy wheels. Common standard features include LED taillights, variable intermittent wipers, and color-keyed power exterior mirrors.
Creature comforts inside the passenger compartment begin with automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, premium fabric cloth seats with 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat with center armrest and cup holders. The Corolla Hybrid touts a tilt/telescopic steering wheel with controls for Bluetooth phone connectivity, audio, and adaptive cruise control.
One-touch up/down power windows, power door locks, and Toyota’s Smart Key proximity key are also standard. The Smart Key requires only that the key fob is in your pocket to unlock the doors and start the vehicle via a push button on the dash.
The Corolla Hybrid’s instrument cluster is unique, featuring a 7-inch color display and hybrid power meter for monitoring power consumption. There’s a 12-volt outlet up front and two USB ports, one in front and one in the rear seat. Other less-apparent perks include lighted visor vanity mirrors, overhead console, and digital clock.
Standard audio is a 6-speaker stereo connected to an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Along with SiriusXM, the system supports Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, streaming Bluetooth, and several subscription-based Toyota connected services. A rear backup camera integrated into the system projects path guidelines to help when backing up.
Optional equipment for the Corolla Hybrid is limited to a few packages. For instance, $500 gets you a blind-spot monitor, heated side mirrors, and rear cross-traffic alert, while another $1,525 buys SotTex faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, power driver’s seat, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
With the $995 destination fee, the 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE costs $24,645. If putting no money down, a 60-month loan at 3% financing yields a monthly payment of $443. Find a 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE for sale
2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE includes:
Full-speed adaptive cruise control – Can not only maintain a safe distance between the Corolla and traffic ahead, but it can also slow and even stop the car to avoid a collision.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – No need for fancy navigation or upgraded audio. Just plug in your phone, and the infotainment screen mirrors its apps, maps, music, and messages.
Smart Key – Using a proximity key fob, you need only approach the vehicle to unlock the doors. Once inside, a push of a button is all that’s required to start the car.
Auto high-beam headlights – Sense oncoming headlights and automatically dim the high beams.
