~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

Hybrid vehicles, which combine gasoline engines with electric motors to deliver outstanding gasoline mileage and sometimes superior overall performance, have matured to the point where, like the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD sedan, they can claim superiority over their brethren gassers.

It’s especially the case with new hyper-car hybrids designed for racing, some of which can nail zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration in the two-second range.

That’s not the strength of the 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD four-door sedan tested for this review. This is an economical family hauler that does not shred wallet or purse but nevertheless delivers a pleasant driving experience, a suite of safety and convenience features, and the promise of long-term reliability.

Its main claim to fame is its heritage. The Corolla is a Toyota, with all that entails, including the fact that the Japanese company is now the world’s biggest vehicle manufacturer. It also has extensive experience with hybrids. It has sold something like six million of its Prius hybrids, which date back to the turn of the last century, as well as another 14 million of other hybrid models.

On paper, the 2024 Corolla Hybrid driven for this review doesn’t impress as awe-full. It combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors to deliver 134 horsepower and 157 pound-feet of torque, or twisting force, to all four wheels through a smooth electronic continuously variable automatic transmission.

It’s enough to enable zero to 60 miles an hour acceleration in the eight-second range. That’s respectable though not outstanding in this era of rocket shots off the line, especially from all-electric vehicles with strong motors.

Electrics get their moxie from the fact that they produce maximum torque, or twisting force, as soon as they are switched on, unlike gasoline engines, which need to build rpms, or revs, to achieve top horsepower and torque.

Together, however, the gasoline engine delivers long-distance range because of easy fueling at a multitude of service stations, while the electric motors sending power to the pavement provide instant response to the driver’s decision to mash the accelerator pedal.

On a long trip, the Corolla Hybrid does not need to stop frequently for gassing up. It has a city/highway/combined fuel economy rating from the Environmental Protection Agency of 47/41/33 miles per gallon equivalent MPGe. Range on a full tank is 497 miles. The EPA lists its annual fuel cost at $1,250, which translates into savings of $3,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle..

The Corolla Hybrid comes with a base price of $28,235, including the $1,095 destination and handling charge. With a premium package of options that included blind-spot monitoring, power outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators, rear cross-traffic alert, power glass sunroof with sliding sun shade, and wireless device charging, the suggested delivered price came to $29,530.

Standard equipment included a sport suspension system, 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic on-demand all-wheel drive, Safety Sense system with pre-collision braking, an eight-inch center touch screen with wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto, automatic LED headlights, automatic climate control, Sirius XM satellite radio, sport seats with fabric trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Dual chrome exhaust tips poke out beneath the rear bumper, suggesting high performance. But they connect to a single exhaust pipe. Nevertheless, the Corolla Hybrid is no slouch in the cut and thrust of daily urban and suburban traffic on city streets, highways and freeways.

While not the fastest people mover, this unobtrusive machine delivers quick responses to driver inputs for acceleration, braking and steering. Yet it also performs steadily and quietly in long stretches of straight-line cruising.

Should there be an incident or accident, the owner has the comfort of knowing that the U.S. government has awarded the Corolla Hybrid the maximum five stars in its Five-Star Safety Ratings. That includes ratings for frontal and side crashes for driver and passengers in the front and rear seats.

Of half a dozen specific ratings, only one did not receive five stars. That one is based on the risk of a rollover in a single vehicle crash. The Corolla Hybrid received four stars.

The Corolla is offered both as a four-door sedan and as a four-door with a hatchback. However, the Hybrid power train is only available on the model tested here.

Specifications

  • Model: 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid SE AWD four-door sedan.
  • Engine/motors: 1.8-liter four-cylinder gasoline w/ three electric motors. Combined horsepower and torque: 134 hp, 156 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Continuously variable automatic with manual shift mode and all-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 15 feet 2 inches.
  • Height: 4 feet 9 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/trunk volume: 89/13 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 3,220 pounds.
  • Towing capability: Estimated 1,300 to 1,500 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 47/41/44 mpg.
  • Base price, including destination charge: $28,235.
  • Price as tested: $29,530.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Toyota