The new 2023 Toyota Corolla now combines more safety and all-wheel drive.

The Toyota Corolla will arrive in 2023 as a different type of car, and buyers will love what they see and drive. The range is being expanded with a more powerful hybrid system and available all-wheel drive.

They might not look all that great in 2023, but the biggest updates aren't the ones you see. Debuting on Wednesday, the refreshed Corolla lineup includes an updated suite of driver-assistance technologies, as well as an all-wheel-drive option for Corolla Hybrid models, as well as some styling updates.

Hybrids have all-wheel drive

The biggest update for 2023 is a new all-wheel drive option for the Corolla Hybrid sedan. It uses an electronic all-wheel drive setup like the Prius, where a separate electric motor is mounted on the rear axle and only delivers power when needed. This means the driveshaft isn't connected to the rear wheels like traditional XNUMXWD systems, allowing the transmission to work more efficiently.

More hybrids to choose from

There are also more hybrid models to choose from. You can get a front-wheel drive Corolla Hybrid in the LE, SE, and XLE classes; all-wheel drive is an option on the LE and SE. Pricing has yet to be announced, so it's unclear how much the premium all-wheel-drive model will dominate front-wheel-drive models.

As before, the 2023 Corolla Hybrid combines a 1.8-liter petrol inline-four with a lithium-ion battery, the latter now mounted under the rear seat, resulting in a lower center of gravity and more cabin space. trunk. Official EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2023 Corolla Hybrid are not yet available.

More powerful multimedia and security technologies

All 2023 Corollas will come standard with the updated Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance package. This includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and automatic high beams. Additional options include front and rear parking assistance and adaptive front LED lighting.

In terms of multimedia technology, all new Corollas now feature an 8-inch infotainment screen. The basic interface hasn't changed, but the system now supports over-the-air updates to help keep you up-to-date in the future. 

Full connection

Toyota's media software provides dual Bluetooth phone connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity. Finally, Corolla's natural voice assistant lets you wake up the system with the usual "Hey Toyota" prompt, where you can ask for directions, adjust the climate control and more with voice commands.

Style updates and improved standard engine

The rest of the changes for the 2023 Corolla are pretty minor. The standard LED headlights get a new design that brings the sedan and hatchback closer together, while the SE and XSE versions get new 18-inch graphite-colored alloy wheels. Corolla Hybrid SE models (both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive) also get a heavier steering tone than the Corolla Apex.

Speaking of the Apex, it won't be available for the 2023 model year, although it may return to some degree. Toyota will also discontinue the six-speed manual transmission that was previously available on SE and XSE models.

Finally, the best-selling Corolla LE now has the same 4-hp 2.0-liter I169 engine as the other versions, replacing the anemic 1.8-liter 139-hp engine. Toyota says the Corolla LE is now significantly faster than before and also more efficient, with estimated fuel consumption of 31 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined.

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