Toyota is justifiably known for the Prius, which is the most successful mass-produced hybrid (though not the first, since the Honda Insight got to market ahead of it), but that model doesn’t stand alone. The automaker makes hybrid versions of almost all of its vehicles, including my tester, the 2024 Corolla Hybrid. At $34,850, my top-of-the-line XSE all-wheel drive (AWD) tester is a $3,700 step up from its gas-only Corolla trim equivalent; and while the gas version comes only in front-wheel drive (FWD) that’s still a significant chunk-of-change difference. There’s still some pretty smooth performance in the hybrid, along with fuel savings and that AWD, and that may make it worth it for many car shoppers.
What powers the 2024 Toyota Corolla hybrid?
The Corolla Hybrid uses a 1.8L four-cylinder gas engine with electric hybrid system, and the two working together create a combined 138 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the front wheels through an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Once you’re in the Corolla family, only the hybrid offers AWD. That’s because a gas-only model needs a mechanical connection to the rear wheels, which the regular Corolla doesn’t have. In the hybrid, rather than that connection, a second electric motor at the rear drives those wheels fuel-free as needed for extra traction. It’s optional on the base hybrid LE trim, and standard on the SE and XSE.
What’s the Corolla Hybrid like to drive?
The gas-only Corolla uses a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that out-muscles the hybrid with 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, but don’t judge the two based solely on the numbers. The hybrid may be a bit more leisurely on acceleration, and its gasoline engine can get grumbly when you’re hard on the throttle, but overall, it’s very smooth and pleasant to drive. It keeps up with highway traffic; it feels well-balanced and responsive; and the ride is composed and comfortable.
The hybrid system automatically switches between gasoline, electricity, or a combination of them, depending on driving conditions. It generally does it almost seamlessly, as well; this little engine doesn’t make much of a fuss when it starts up.
The Corolla Hybrid doesn’t get plugged in to charge it. Instead, it self-charges its battery through regenerative braking, capturing energy otherwise lost during deceleration. The gearshift lever includes a selectable “B” setting, for Brake, which increases the level of regeneration. It slows the Corolla down, and while it isn’t enough to bring it to a stop as some electric cars can – known as “one-pedal” driving on those models, because you can drive using only the accelerator – it’s handy when you’re going down a steep hill and don’t want to pick up too much speed.
There’s also a button marked “EV Mode,” for “electric vehicle,” but don’t set your expectations too high. The Corolla Hybrid is electrified, but it’s not electric. Push the button and the car will stay on electric-only power at low speeds and at light throttle, such as when you’re cruising through a parking garage. The issue is that it generally does that on its own anyway, and if you pick up speed or are a touch too heavy on the accelerator, the system shuts off. It also doesn’t reactivate if you then slow down again; you have to press the button once more if you want to try again. It does seem rather pointless.
[Jil’s colleague, Matthew Guy, chiming in here – as directed by our fancy-pants Managing Editor since both writers got seat time behind the wheel of this 2024 Corolla Hybrid.
The ‘EV Mode’ button in this car is approximately useful as a snow shovel in Phoenix, particularly since the mode turns itself off if one flexes their right foot’s big toe even a scintilla too strongly. Fortunately, this car’s transition to gasoline power is nearly seamless when the system lights its fires. Instead of futzing with buttons, it is best to simply let the car make the driving mode decisions – as decision we suspect comes naturally to the vast majority of Corolla buyers.]
How is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid for fuel efficiency?
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) officially rates the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid at 4.6 L/100 km in the city, 5.3 highway, and 4.9 in combined driving, and it takes regular-grade gasoline. By comparison, the gas-only Corolla is rated at 6.7 L/100 combined.
Over a year of driving, NRCan estimates that the hybrid costs approximately $435 less to pilot than the gas-only version. That’s a decent amount, but you have to consider the price difference of those models. As I often say, you buy a hybrid with the intention of saving the planet, not your wallet. Moving up to the hybrid involves looking at several factors, including how many kilometres you rack up, and if you prefer the hybrid’s smooth driving characteristics.
[Like-for-like (or LE to LE trim, both with front-wheel drive), the hybrid commands approximately an extra $2,300 for 2024 models. This means it’ll take about six years to break even given NRCan’s fuel economy estimates. If you keep yer Corolla longer than that, and data suggests that most owners do, there seems to be plenty of gravy in the hybrid. Anyone driving more than 20,000 km per year will realize gains even more quickly.]
What’s the Toyota Corolla Hybrid’s cabin like?
The Corolla Hybrid’s cabin looks a bit dated, with its gloss-black plastic and swaths of plain grey plastic and vinyl on the dash – but on the other hand, everything is relatively simple, and that in turn can help reduce distraction. The climate control uses buttons and dials, for example, rather than tapping icons in the screen. That said, while it is automatic temperature control, I expected dual-zone rather than single-zone for my tester’s price.
All trims get an eight-inch centre touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but also stuffed inside is a system called Toyota Multimedia. It comes with trial periods of related services, including ones that let you remotely operate some of the car’s functions with your phone. The Drive Connect feature adds a digital assistant and cloud navigation, and it comes with a three-year trial on the top XSE line – and after that, you’ll have to pay a subscription if you want to continue it. While a trial isn’t included on lower trims, you can plug a paid Drive Connect subscription into those as well.
[Simple is as simple does in the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, with wholly inoffensive switchgear which probably paid for its own tooling back in the Obama era. There’s a pleasing feel provided by the presence of real buttons and switches for features like the heated seats, far more satisfying than scurrying through endless infotainment menus to simply heat yer buns. Score one for old school. The lack of dual-zone climate control at this price point is outrageous.]
What are the Corolla Hybrid’s competitors?
Among the Corolla Hybrid’s closest rivals are gas-electric versions of the Honda Civic, which adds a hybrid for 2025 and which starts at $35,305 and runs to $38,805; and the Hyundai Elantra, where the hybrid comes in a single top-line trim at $30,799 (note that those prices are for the 2025 versions).
Both make a very strong case for cross-shopping. They’re both more powerful than the Corolla – the Elantra’s system makes a combined 195 horsepower, while the Civic makes 200 horses – and they’re virtually tied with the Toyota for combined-driving fuel economy. Both are also slightly longer, with a bit more legroom and with more cargo capacity. The Elantra’s trunk is 402 litres and the Civic is 419 litres, while the Corolla weighs in at 371 litres.
How much does the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid cost in Canada?
The gas-only Corolla comes in four trim levels, with Canadian pricing running from $23,490 to $31,150 before taxes and delivery. The Corolla Hybrid starts out in base LE trim at $26,790 in FWD; it’s another $1,500 to add AWD. The other trims are AWD-only: the SE is $30,450, while the XSE is $34,850. Because it doesn’t get plugged in, the Corolla Hybrid isn’t eligible for any federal or provincial “green” rebates.
Final Thoughts
There are a few things to consider here. The Corolla Hybrid is a comfortable commuter car with excellent fuel efficiency – but it is pricier than its gas-only counterpart. Some of its rivals are more powerful and roomier, but comparing them across the trim lineups, the Corolla costs less. And while its interior isn’t as fancy or tech-heavy as some, it’s refreshingly simple. It’s not perfect, but it does have a lot going for it, and should be on the list when you’re shopping for a compact with some electrification under its hood.
[Ibid. – Matthew]
Pros
✔ Fuel efficiency
✔ Comfortable ride
✔ Simple controls
Cons
✘ Cabin is a bit dated
✘ Rivals have more legroom and cargo space
✘ Could take a while for fuel savings to match the gas-only price difference
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