2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedan debuts with Infrared Edition

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As you probably know, the ‘Corolla’ brand comes in multiple flavors depending on where you live. There’s a regular hatch, a hot hatch, a station wagon, a sedan, and for reasons beyond our understanding, an SUV as well. In the U.S. market, the Corolla Hybrid sedan is sold as a separate model as opposed to simply offering a hybrid powertrain option under the Corolla sedan. Well, Toyota has updated the Corolla Hybrid sedan for 2023 with an Infrared Edition, more output figures, and AWD options. Also, the buyers would be pleased to know that the 2023 Corolla Hybrid LE trim gets a $1,250 price cut. The Hybrid LE is now joined by LE AWD, SE, SE AWD and a premium-focused XLE. The XLE trim is now only available as a FWD hybrid.

Trim	FWD	AWD
Hybrid LE	$22,800	$24,200
Hybrid SE	$25,200	$26,600
Hybrid XLE	$26,600	–

The starting MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee of $1,095.

2023 #Toyota #CorollaHybrid #ToyotaCorollaHybrid pic.twitter.com/pTDKKoULxQ

— Sagar (@autodevot) October 23, 2022

For 2023, the Corolla Hybrid models share a subtly refreshed front fascia with the Corolla gas sedan, which varies across grades. The look is particularly sporty for the SE trims. The SE trims get new 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels and the LE replaces the 15-inch steel wheels with 16-inch ones. The XLE features new 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with a silver finish. As for the color palette, Midnight Black Metallic replaces Black Sand Pearl, and Underground replaces Blue Cush Metallic.

The Infrared Edition will be available on the sporty SE trim later this year. It gets contrast red accents both on the exterior and interior. Inside, it gets red contrast stitching on the shift lever, and red-accented floor mats and door panel inserts. As a bit more icing on the cake, the sporty SE trims inherit the gas SE’s sport suspension and the firmer-feel Electronic Power Steering.

All 2023 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid models get an 8-inch central touchscreen as standard. Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity also comes standard. All models add two rear-seat USB-C ports for a total of four in the car. The sporty SE gains a new standard Smart Key, enhanced Sport driving mode, and red interior accents replacing blue. As an added value, all 2023 Corolla Hybrid models include Safety Connect and Service Connect up to 10-year trial subscriptions. The upgraded Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety and driver assistance systems comes standard on all Corolla Hybrid models.

As for other upgrades, the hybrid powertrain offers more figures now. The 1.8-litre Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder gas engine with two motor-generators through a planetary-type CVT offer 100 kW (134 bhp/136 metric hp), up from 90 kW (121 bhp/122 metric hp), and 211 Nm (156 lb-ft), up from 198 Nm (146 lb-ft). As with other Toyota Hybrids with AWD, the electronic on-demand AWD employs a separate rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when needed.