The Toyota Corolla has been the best-selling car of all time since 1997, having sold its 50
millionth car just a few years ago. It’s the go-to car for those who need a simple, reliable, and affordable small sedan. Nothing exciting and nothing fancy. It’s like the vanilla ice cream of cars. A plain and simple favorite.

Now in its 12th generation, there are a few ways to choose the Corolla. There is a typical
sedan, a hatchback, a hybrid, and even a subcompact crossover SUV. This week, Toyota
sent over the frugalist Corolla of the bunch – the hybrid sedan.

To the casual observer, the Corolla looks handsome and sharp and from some angles like
a smaller version of the current Camry, which is also a good-looking car. Underneath that
sheet metal, the Corolla rides on a sophisticated platform that is very strong and
implements a multilink rear suspension. For the occupants, all this translates into a car
that delivers a smooth ride.

Inside the Corolla Hybrid is a fresh, clean, straightforward cabin and surprisingly looks
more upscale than what one would expect from a Corolla. The seats are comfortable and
hold you in place and there seems to be no shortage of room up front. In the back seat, it’s
a little tighter, but it’s not unexpected for a vehicle in this class.

Powering the Corolla Hybrid is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric
motor (or two motors for the all-wheel drive versions). That makes for a combined power
output of 138 horsepower. The tester, an XLE earns an EPA-rated combined fuel
economy of 50 mpg combined (53 mpg city, 46 mpg highway). A CVT automatic
transmission sends power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive is offered on all but the
XLE.

The 2025 Corolla Hybrid is available in three trim levels, starting with the base LE. It’s
basic with 16-inch steel wheels, but does come with automatic climate control, LED
headlights and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment center. The mid-level SE excites
things up with 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, blackout trim
and sportier seats. If you want to go all out, go with the XLE. It gets heated front seats, a power seat, leather-like interior and a 10-5-inch infotainment screen.

On the road, the Corolla Hybrid provides a smooth, comfortable experience with a
suspension that is set just right to absorb most bumps and road imperfections yet not
totally isolate the driver. The SE trim, which I sampled a few years back, adds some
sportier characteristics to the Corolla Hybrid experience, but don’t expect a dramatic
change. Toyota does hybrid systems best, and that shows in the Corolla Hybrid –
transition from gas engine to electric is smooth and hardly undetected. Power is still on
the low side, but it’s more than adequate and there are no problems keeping up with
traffic.

Pricing for the Corolla Hybrid starts right at $25,000 for the base LE. The tester, an XLE,
carries an MSRP of $30,814.00.

The Corolla Hybrid efficiently takes passengers from point A to point B without
compromise. With a spacious interior, Toyota dependability and trendy styling, it is easy
to see why the Toyota Corolla remains the best-selling car of all-time.

                            -- Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid XLE

Base Price:     $28,190.00 
Price as Tested:    $30,814.00 
Layout:         front-engine / front-wheel drive
Engine:         1.8 liter four-cylinder with electric motor
Transmission:       CVT automatic
      Horsepower:     138 horsepower
EPA Fuel Economy:   53 city / 46 highway mpg    

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