2023 Toyota Corolla : More dynamic than ever
Slightly retouched aesthetically, the 12th generation Toyota Corolla evolves more deeply on the mechanical and electronic level.
Externally, the modifications are few. In addition to new shades, there is just a pattern of the grille of the grille and redesigned fog light contours, as well as new alloy wheels. Higher versions are equipped with new adaptive LED headlights on some versions.
In the cabin, the atmosphere is more modern and luxurious thanks to new graphics, new trim and new embossed patterns that add depth and tactile appeal to upholstery, surfaces and finishes. The expanded 10.5-inch multimedia display features high-definition graphics, as well as from the mid-range versions, the driver’s instrumentation receives a new 12.3-inch screen with a configurable display.
Note that the Corolla GR Sport also evolves slightly with new 18-inch wheels, a redesigned bumper and rear sill and seats with revised trim.
The vehicles come standard with four-year access to Toyota Smart Connect or Toyota Smart Connect+ (depending on the model category), giving access to cloud navigation with real-time traffic and trip information. The driver can also rely on a new voice agent, while a number of remote services are available via the MyT app.
2023 Toyota Corolla More power
The 1.8-liter hybrid engine now develops 140 hp, which reduces the 0 to 100 km/h by 1.7 s to 9.2 seconds. And even if performance is increasing, CO2 emissions are announced unchanged at 102 g/km. As for the 2.0-liter hybrid engine, its total power was increased to 196 hp and its 0 to 100 km/h was reduced by almost half a second, to 7.5 s. Combined cycle CO2 emissions increase to 107 g/km (-2 g/km).
Often criticized for its “coffee grinder” effect, the hybrid control has been revised for more responsiveness with a reduction in rpm during acceleration. The sound of the powertrain when accelerating has also been attenuated. Without giving more information, Toyota indicates that the capacity of the lithium-ion battery has been increased, while reducing its volume and weight (up to 18 kg less depending on the powertrain).
The new Corolla range will go on sale in the first quarter of 2023.
2023Â Toyota Corolla Review
With a reputation for dependability and affordability, the Corolla compact has been one of Toyota’s best sellers for the past five decades. The 12th generation of the model was new for 2019, and for 2023, the lineup receives a refresh, getting revised exterior styling, more tech, and even a bump in power for its most popular grade. It’s offered in sedan and hatchback varieties with available naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and hybrid powertrain options.
The newest iteration is the GR Corolla, an all-wheel-drive hot hatch that borrows capability from the forbidden-fruit global-market GR Yaris. The Corolla Hybrid line also expands for 2023 with four new trim levels, a more powerful hybrid system, and available all-wheel drive.
What’s New
- GR Corolla and torquier, track-oriented Morizo Edition
- Corolla LE gains 169-hp powertrain
- Corolla L and 1.8-liter engine in gas models retired
- Standard updated 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen across the range
- Refreshed front and rear styling
- Redesigned LED headlights on Corolla SE, XSE, XLE, and all Hatchback models
- Updated rear bumper design on Corolla LE and all Hatchback models
- Rear sport diffuser and 18-inch alloy wheels on Corolla SE and XSE
- Redesigned front grille with chrome-finished accents on Corolla Hatchback
- Available 18-inch alloy wheels for Corolla Hatchback
- Underground and Midnight Black Metallic exterior colors replace Black Sand Pearl on Corolla Sedan
- Inferno and Blue Crush Metallic exterior color options for Corolla Hatchback
- Updated 7.0- and 4.2-inch gauge cluster displays
- Toyota Safety Sense upgraded to version 3.0
What We Think
The current generation Corolla is as reliable, efficient, and affordable as it has ever been. In city driving, the ride is comfortable and communicative. The performance-oriented 2021 Corolla XSE Apex offers lots of features for the money, but the ride is brutal and there are better sporty compacts.
The manual-equipped 2021 Corolla hatchback excels as a comfortable and versatile daily driver that also happens to be an accessible entry point to driving enthusiasm. But it’s far from sporty. That changes with the 2023 GR Corolla. The new all-wheel-drive performance variant joins Toyota’s GR Supra and GR86 and will compete against the Volkswagen Golf R, Veloster N, and Honda Civic Type R.
Corolla Powertrains
All 2023 Corolla gasoline-powered models except the GR hatchback are equipped with a standard 169-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and either a CVT automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The Corolla Hybrid sedan utilizes a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and hybrid system for a total output of 121 hp. Most Corollas are FWD, but for 2023, Corolla Hybrid models are available with all-wheel drive.
New for 2023, the GR Corolla hot hatch uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder that pumps out 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The GR Corolla employs Toyota’s GR-Four AWD system, allowing drivers to choose between 60:40, 50:50, or 30:70 power distribution between the front and rear wheels. A six-speed manual is the only transmission available on this variant.
The GR Corolla
What does “GR” stand for? That’s shorthand for “Gazoo Racing,” Toyota’s motorsports and performance brand. In the U.S., those letters are found on the GR86 sport coupe and GR Supra sports car, but internationally, Toyota also has vehicles like the Mark X GRMN, C-HR GR Sport, and of course, the GR Yaris.
For 2023, Toyota introduces the first-ever GR Corolla. Along with a 300-hp engine, this hotted-up Corolla benefits from a more rigid body, functional air vents in the rear lower bumper cover, and wide tread Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for improved cornering performance. Circuit Edition versions of the Corolla GR receive a more lightweight forged carbon-fiber roof as well as a vented bulged hood. Inside the cabin, look for suede-trim seats with red stitching and special GR-badged headrests.
The hottest version of the GR Corolla might be the limited-run Morizo Edition. Named for the president of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, himself an accomplished race car driver, it’s built to his specifications. It features increased torque to 295 lb-ft, a model-exclusive close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, track-tuned suspension, and Toyota Gazoo Racing-branded 18-inch forged alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Vehicle rigidity is increased with additional braces, spot welds, and structural adhesive, and the special model is estimated to be roughly 100 pounds lighter primarily from the removal of the rear seats. The two-seater’s interior features red and black Ultrasuede and leather sport seats with harness holes, as well as an Ultrasuede wrapped steering wheel with red sightline, shift knob, and boot and parking brake lever. Only 200 2023 GR Corolla Morizo Edition models will be built.
Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is new and standard on all 2023 Corollas. It features enhanced versions of automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, automatic high-beams, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic monitoring, parking sensors, and adaptive headlights are also available.
Technology
Toyota has ditched the base model’s 7.0-inch central touchscreen and now every Corolla gets a standard 8.0-inch display. The infotainment system receives over-the-air updates, and every 2023 Corolla is furnished with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
A JBL Premium Audio system with nine speakers is standard on the 2023 Corolla SE, XSE, and XLE. A wireless charging pad and ambient lighting for the front door trim, console tray, and front cupholder are also optional.
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