2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid: Choosing the Right Trim

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid looks, drives, and even costs pretty much the same as the gasoline-only Corolla, meaning it delivers superior fuel economy with no tradeoffs. Compared to the Corolla, the hybrid adds about $1,300 to the bottom line, which is easily justified considering how much you’ll save on gas.

Toyota has expanded the Corolla Hybrid’s trim lineup this year, adding an SE and XLE to last year’s LE. LE and SE trims offer the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) but not the top-line XLE. All Corolla Hybrid trims use the same 1.8-liter gas engine and electric motor setup generating 138 horsepower, with AWD models adding a second electric motor at the rear wheels.

However, the Corolla Hybrid isn’t your only option, with better-equipped competitors like the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, Kia Niro, and even its own stablemate, the Toyota Prius. Those needing AWD might also consider the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.

Every Corolla comes standard with ToyotaCare, which includes all scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and two years of Roadside Assistance.

Corolla Hybrid LE
Starts at $22,800 | See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE for Sale

• FWD or AWD
• 8-inch touchscreen
• 6-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• LED headlights and taillights
• Black grille
• 16-inch steel wheels
• Automatic climate control
• 60/40 split-folding rear seat
• Digital clock
• Four USB-C ports (two front, two rear)
• Keyless entry
• Adaptive cruise control
• Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
• See more

Corolla Hybrid SE
Starts at $25,240 | See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE for Sale

• Sport seats
• Leather-trimmed steering wheel
• LED daytime running lights
• Rear spoiler
• Gloss-black grille
• Dual chrome exhaust tips
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• See more

Corolla Hybrid XLE
Starts at $26,600 | See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE for Sale

• FWD only
• SofTex upholstery
• Heated front seats
• 7-inch digital gauge cluster
• Moonroof
• Bodycolor mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Blind-spot monitor
• Rear cross-traffic detection
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• See more

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE: $22,800 (FWD), $24,200 (AWD)

While the LE is the least expensive Corolla Hybrid, Toyota doesn’t shortchange buyers regarding safety, which is why Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist suite comes standard.

Included in the TSS 3.0 bundle are forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane centering, and road-sign recognition.

New this year is Proactive Driving Assist with Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist. These systems work as an extra pair of eyes, using the front camera and radar to gently slow the vehicle as it approaches another car or heads into a sharp curve.

The LE rides on 16-inch steel wheels with plastic covers, which help it attain slightly better fuel economy figures than the other trims with their larger 18-inch wheel/tire combo. LED headlights, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, and power side mirrors round out the exterior highlights.

The LE’s infotainment setup features an 8-inch touchscreen, 6-speaker AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota Connected Services are also available, offering features like remote start, emergency assistance, lost vehicle locator, and a Wi-Fi hot spot.

The 8-inch display also serves as the rearview monitor.

The LE trim isn’t big on opulence, but the interior is comfortable and roomy, with cloth upholstery, manual front seats, one-touch up/down power windows, and single-zone automatic climate control.

The tilt/telescoping steering wheel includes buttons for the cruise, audio, and Bluetooth.

With your passengers’ handheld devices in mind, the LE provides four USB-C ports, two up front and two in the rear.

Optional equipment for the LE includes a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, heated side mirrors, a Smart Key proximity key fob with a push-button start, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a power sunroof.

With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE costs $23,895. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $451. See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE models for sale 

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE includes:

• Lane-departure warning – This critical safety feature alerts the driver when drifting over the white or yellow-painted lane markers and can even gently nudge the car back into its lane.
• One-touch up/down power windows – Not a radical feature but one usually offered only with the driver’s side window. The LE has it on all four windows.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Allows seamless integration between a smartphone and the car’s infotainment system without needing to plug in.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE: $25,240 (FWD), $26,640 (AWD)

The SE adds a few more conveniences to the Corolla Hybrid, as well as a sportier look. It includes dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels, a gloss-black mesh grille, a color-keyed rear spoiler, a single exhaust with dual chrome tips, and the Smart Key keyless entry system.

Inside, the SE adds sport seats with premium sport fabric, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, chrome interior door handles, and metallic dash trim appliques.

SE buyers can opt for an Infrared Edition that adds a sport suspension and steering, exterior red trim accents, red stitching on the shift handle, plus red accented floor mats and door trim. Colors for the Infrared are limited to Ice Cap, Midnight Black, and Underground.

Music lovers will want the available 9-speaker JBL audio upgrade.

The remaining options for the SE mirror LE, minus those features already standard.

With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE costs $26,335. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $497. See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE for sale

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE includes:

• Smart Key – With the proximity key fob on your person, the Corolla recognizes when you are near, allowing the doors and trunk to unlock simply by touching the handle.
• Available blind-spot monitor – This optional feature monitors lanes adjacent to the car, warning the driver of vehicles riding in a blind spot or approaching from behind.
• Available Infrared Edition – This upgrade adds more spice to the SE, including a stiffer suspension and firmer electric-assist power steering.

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE: $26,600

Offered only with front-wheel drive, the XLE is the top-line Corolla Hybrid trim and features most of the SE and LE’s standard and optional equipment.

Building off the SE, the XLE adds heated side mirrors, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a power sunroof.

Up front, the driver gains an 8-way power seat with power lumbar support, and both driver and front passenger enjoy heated seats. The XLE’s standard SofTex synthetic leather upholstery looks convincing and is easier to keep clean than cloth.

An upgraded 7-inch configurable gauge cluster with hybrid-specific meters is another XLE perk.

Along with the available JBL audio system, the XLE offers a wireless charging pad and ambient interior lighting.

With the $1,095 destination charge, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE costs $27,695. On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the monthly payment comes to about $523. See 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE models for sale

2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE includes:

• Rear cross-traffic detection – Using rear sensors, this system can warn of vehicles about to pass behind the car. This is a helpful tool when you’re backing out of a crowded parking spot.
• Heated front seats – With the press of a button, the driver and passenger can quickly warm the seat, allowing occupants to keep comfortable without having to blast the heater.
• SofTex upholstery – With the look and feel of leather, this synthetic copy holds up better and is vegan-friendly.