Used 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid

The humble Toyota Corolla puts its toe in the hybrid water with a single, entry-level trim, the LE Hybrid.

This puts the 2021 Corolla Hybrid at a disadvantage compared to its primary rival, the 2021 Honda Insight. The Honda hybrid has three trim levels and offers more upscale features than the Corolla, albeit at higher price points.

What’s more, the Honda Insight provides superior rear legroom and, to some extent, a better driving experience than the Corolla Hybrid.

That said, the Corolla Hybrid makes a strong case for itself. Its fuel economy is outstanding, with real-world consumption figures of more than 50 miles per gallon (mpg) attainable.

The Corolla Hybrid rides fairly smoothly for a small car, and its power delivery is relatively refined – aside from excessive engine noise at times. Speedy acceleration, however, is not on the Corolla Hybrid’s agenda.

One of the Corolla Hybrid’s most pleasing aspects is the design and quality of its cabin. Even at the lowly LE trim level, the Toyota impresses with its fit and finish, large infotainment touchscreen, and comfortable seats.

Although Toyota has introduced a newer version of its safety features suite, Toyota Safety Sense, on other models, the system on the Corolla is still impressive and includes most driver aids as standard.

All in all, the Corolla stands as a worthy entry-level contender in the hybrid arena. If your budget or your spirit sway you in a more mainstream direction, you can still rely on a non-hybrid Toyota Corolla or the so-fun Toyota Corolla Hatchback to deliver the goods.

The 2021 Corolla Hybrid will put a smile on your face as you reflect on the big intervals between visits to a gas station. But like most small, economy-focused cars, the Toyota is far from thrilling to drive.

On the plus side, the ride quality is composed, nicely balanced between being too cushy or too choppy over challenging road surfaces.

The steering responds well enough to driver inputs, but it is devoid of much feedback.

In terms of braking, the Corolla Hybrid suffers from a familiar hybrid problem. The brakes tend to grab on initial application. This is a function of the regenerative braking system, which recoups energy for the battery. Some other hybrids, including the Honda Insight, do a better job of smoothing out the braking action.

If you are determined to wring every last mpg out of the Corolla Hybrid using the Eco drive mode, be prepared for glacial acceleration.

We are impressed by the cabin aesthetics of the 2021 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid.

The seats are cloth trimmed, but they are comfortable and supportive. The rear compartment is roomy enough for adults and has a useful 60/40 folding feature.

Most impressive is the dashboard layout, which provides a 7.0-inch digital instrument display and an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. The latter is perched above the climate controls in the center of the dash for easy viewing by the driver.

Liberal use of metallic trim, soft-touch plastic upper surfaces, and piano black finish around the touchscreen lends an upscale aura to the dashboard.

We think the Corolla Hybrid’s profile and rear are its best visual aspects. We like the coupe-like roofline, which gives the Corolla a dynamic appearance.

The car’s front is dominated by the oversized grille design, which Toyota’s designers have inflicted on other models as well. It looks out of proportion on the diminutive Corolla.

On the plus side, the LED headlight and daytime running lights array is impressive and suitably technical looking for a hybrid model. Similarly, the rear of the Corolla Hybrid sports a cleanly styled and integrated taillight design.

TOYOTA SAFETY
For 2021, the Corolla Hybrid features Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 system, with a slew of driver aids as standard.

CABIN REFINEMENT
Even at the LE level, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid delivers a quality interior above what you might expect.

The only grade offered on the 2021 Corolla Hybrid is the entry-level LE trim. This features LED headlights and taillights, 15-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and 4-way manually adjustable front seats.

Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.0 system with a suite of driver aids is standard.

As with other Toyota hybrid models, the Corolla Hybrid comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid-related component coverage, plus 10-year/150,000-mile battery coverage.

The only optional equipment is a blind-spot monitoring system, which is combined with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Corolla Hybrid powertrain comprises a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors, which power the front wheels via a continuously variable (CVT) transmission.

The Corolla Hybrid’s combined output is 121-horsepower, which is down on the 251-horsepower developed by the Honda Insight.

1.8-liter 4-cylinder, dual electric motors
121-horsepower total output
EPA city/highway/combined fuel economy: 53/52/52