2020 Corolla Hybrid

October 1, 2019

John Dinkel

Will Americans purchase a small, affordable, normal-looking hybrid? That appears to be Toyota’s mission with this new Corolla, which borrows liberally from its world-beating cousin.

The Corolla shares the Prius’s architecture, wheelbase and propulsion system with a long-stroke 1.8-L 4-cylinder that employs the Atkinson combustion cycle. Boasting 40% brake thermal efficiency, the ICE and the two motor-generators make a total 121 hp, driving the front wheels through an electronically-controlled, planetary-type continuously variable transmission (CVT). The battery pack, borrowed from the Prius C, remains comprised of proven nickel-metal hydride cells.

Along with ‘Normal’ and ‘Eco’ drive modes, a CVT ‘Sport’ setting allows for stronger acceleration when desired. Corolla Hybrid also has EV mode, which allows the car to be operated as a pure EV for about .6 miles (.96 km) under certain conditions. And there’s enhanced brake regeneration by sliding the hybrid PRNDB shift pattern into ‘B’ — quite handy.

On the road the Hybrid feels sporty and responsive. And what’s not to love about the 53/52/52 city/highway/combined mpg? Ballparking the math, the $3,000 price difference between Corolla LE gasoline and LE hybrid models is paid back in about two years, based on the Hybrid’s almost 20-mpg (combined) advantage, fuel at $4 per gallon and driving 12,000 miles annually.

Offered only in LE trim, the Corolla Hybrid may prove its mission accomplished.