Toyota Corolla Facelifts Include Bigger Engine, Price Cut

NASHVILLE, TN – Toyota has made several significant updates across the Corolla lineup for the 2023 model year. All ’23 Corolla models now come with an 8-in. (20-cm) touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Updated Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across the line, with some features, including blindspot monitor, available as options.

The various Corolla body style flavors see slightly different changes for the new model year. The Corolla Hatchback gets updated styling around the grille and rear bumper and now can be had in two new colors: Blue Crush Metallic and Inferno. An 800-watt JBL 8-speaker premium audio system is now standard on the XSE grade. New wheels also are available on the SE and XSE.

Toyota Corolla_Hybrid_SE_23

The Corolla Sedan gets minor exterior tweaks to the front fascia and rear bumper. The more significant changes come from Toyota dropping the 1.8L entry-level engine, giving all Corolla Sedans the 2.0L Dynamic Force 4-cyl. that produces 169 hp and 151 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque. The new powerplant makes the most difference in the LE trim, which becomes more powerful and more efficient; its 0-to-60 mph (97 km/h) is also two seconds quicker now.

Finally, the Corolla Hybrid will be available as a new Infrared Edition, which has been made slightly sportier with a more sporty suspension tuning than the gas-powered SE trim and firmer steering feel. Both front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive versions will be available.

The other Hybrid trims also get visual updates, but the big news is that the LE starts at $1,250 less than the ’22 model. That’s true even though all Corolla Hybrids now use a more powerful 134-hp powertrain that produces 156 lb.-ft. (212 Nm) of torque and can be had with available electronic on-demand all-wheel drive. But fuel efficiency is also reduced in the new Corolla Hybrid, dropping from 52 combined mpg in 2022 to just 47 (4.5L/100km to 5.0 L/100km) for 2023.