In less than a month after launching the next-gen Corolla, Toyota follows it up by launching a new hybrid version of the popular sedan at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new Corolla Hybrid will be Prius-derived powertrain and is expected to arrive in showrooms in the second quarter of 2019.

What Powers the Corolla Hybrid?

This is the new generation of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive that we have alreaedy seen in the Prius. Toyota claims the Corolla Hybrid sedan will deliver at least 50 miles per gallon of combined fuel economy. The Corolla Hybrid rides on a set of 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires.

The sedan has a nickel-metal hybrid battery that is seen in the new Prius AWD-e. The batteries have been placed below the rear seats as that helps lower the center of gravity and allow for more cargo space. The rear bench offers a 40:60 split ratio to offer more cargo flexibility. The 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid comes with a novel differential that allows it to route torque between the left and right wheels at low powertrain loads. It functions as a traditional open differential at higher engine loads.

A Drive Mode For Every Mood

The new Corolla Hybrid comes with multiple drive modes on offer. Normal mode gives the car permission to balance between power and efficiency based on driver input. Eco mode optimizes the performance to extract maximum efficiency. Sports mode allows for more power available and better performance (if there is such a thing with 120 horsepower, anyway), although it reduces the fuel economy significantly. There is an EV mode as well that allows the car to run on electric power alone if the battery is charged enough.

Interiors and The Electronic Shenanigans

Coming to the features inside the cabin, the new Corolla Hybrid comes with the Entune 3.0 infotainment system and an 8-inch touchscreen as standard. It supports voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The instrument cluster is a 7-inch display that shows the status and charge of the hybrid system and helps in driving more efficiently.

In Terms Of Safety

The Corolla Hybrid, just like the standard Corolla, comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes lane tracing assist pre-collision braking, lane departure alert with steer assist, adaptive cruise control, auto headlights, and road sign recognition. Toyota has claimed a fuel economy of 50 miles per gallon, although the EPA ratings are not yet available.

Our Take

Our impressions, from what we know until now, are positive. It all depends on how the Corolla Hybrid will be priced – does Toyota want it to bring volumes, or earn more profits a pop? We will know that once the prices are disclosed. Anywhere in the ballpark of $25,000 should be a decent price to kick-off sales. What do you think about the new 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Further reading

Toyota Brightens Its 2020 Lineup with a Redesigned Corolla That's More Powerful and Safer Than Ever

Read our full review on the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

Read our full driven review on the 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback.

Read our full review on the previous generation Toyota Corolla.