Toyota just introduced a brand-new generation for the Corolla this year, with both a head-turning hatchback and a smart sedan making the body style lineup. Now, Toyota is adding yet another model with a new hybrid variant, ushering in an even-greener option for the compact four-door segment. Standout features for the 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid include a comfortable ride, loads of technology and features, and as an added bonus, upwards of 52 mpg combined thanks to the drivetrain that's borrowed from the Toyota Prius.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Exterior Styling

Toyota introduced a brand-new look for the Corolla’s twelfth generational changeover.

Toyota currently offers the Corolla in both a hatchback and standard sedan body style, with the hybrid taking after the latter in terms of shape. And although the powertrain is substantially different, the Corolla hybrid is more or less identical to non-hybrid variants with regards to the exterior styling, save for some distinguishing badges placed on the fenders and a few other minor details.

The fascia, for example, is pretty much exactly the same between the hybrid and non-hybrid models, with the exception of a blue-tinted Toyota badge on the nose. With the Corolla hybrid, you still get J-shaped headlight housings with LED lighting elements, which are drawn rearwards into the front fenders. The main intake remains large and in charge across the front, while a slim upper intake connects the headlights.

Moving to the sides, we find the same silhouette as the standard Corolla, including a blunt nose, a sloping roofline, and a short tail section.

Don’t forget the “Hybrid” badging on the fenders.

Moving to the rear, we find the Corolla sports a simple truck design with several horizontal styling elements to enhance the model’s overall visual width. LED lighting can be found in the angular taillight housings as well, while a second blue-tinted Toyota badge adorns the trunk lid.

Overall, we feel the look is simple and surprisingly understated for a hybrid model - which is perhaps one of the Corolla hybrid’s greater selling points. If flying under the radar is a priority, this thing will definitely get the job done.

The Corolla hybrid also shares the standard model’s new exterior dimensions. The wheelbase remains set at 106.3 inches, but the front track was widened by

an extra 0.47 inches for the 2020 model year, and now sits 60.77 inches. The rear track was widened even more, gaining an extra 0.87 inches for a total of 61.27 inches overall.

Meanwhile, the front overhang is 1.3 inches shorter and the rear overhang is more than half an inch longer. The overall height was also reduced by 0.8 inches and the hood is 1.4 inches lower.

Many of these changes were implemented as a way to increase outward visibility, and come complemented by a lower instrument panel inside the cabin space, a lower outer cowl, and a lower belt line, not to mention repositioned side mirrors.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Exterior Dimensions

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Interior Design

Spicing it up with extra opulence is a selection of high-end trim bits, including silver liners, piano black surrounds, and contrast stitching for the upholstery.

There’s also a noticeable reduction in the number of hard buttons and switches on the center console, which extends down into the digital climate control system. And of course, you can’t forget the cool standup touchscreen display on the dash.

To achieve this, Toyota mounted the battery underneath the rear seat, which still maintains that vital 60/40 split for easy cargo loading and unloading, maximizing rear trunk space as a result.

It’s also worth noting that the sedan body style gets an extra 2.4 inches of wheelbase compared to the Corolla hatchback, which means the rear bench should provide a good amount of space, even for some of the taller, larger passengers out there.

Further updates include an armrest that’s now 0.8 inches longer, and a lower hip point for the driver as well.

Park yourself in the hot seat, and you’ll enjoy the 7.0-inch Multi-Information Display (MID) mounted in the middle of the gauge pod, which comes as standard equipment for the latest Corolla model. On the hybrid model, this screen provides information on how the various onboard systems are working to power the drivetrain. It also includes a speedometer, a tachometer, a hybrid system indicator, a real-time battery charge status indicator, and something called an ECO accelerator guidance system, which is basically a visual indicator that provides feedback on the optimum throttle application required to reach max fuel efficiency.

The Corolla also comes standard with Toyota’s Entune 3.0 Audio system, which includes six speakers for the stereo, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, the Entune 3.0 App Suite Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Scout GPS Link Compatibility, and Siri Eyes Free.

Further infotainment details include an auxiliary audio jack, USB 2.0 support, voice recognition and hands-free control, Bluetooth support, and weather plus traffic info.

One of Toyota’s major technological developments over the last few years is in the realm of automated safety systems. The latest is called Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), which bundles together a full suite of features to keep you and yours out of harm’s way. Standouts include a Pre-Collision System, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. There’s also a standard backup camera.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is added as standard equipment for the 2020 Corolla, and comes as a complement to the model’s standard eight airbags, electronic vehicle stability control, traction control, brake assist, and smart stop technology.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Drivetrain And Performance

Like the rest of the Corolla lineup, the hybrid model comes with a front-engine, FWD drivetrain layout.

The powertrain is from Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive family, and is estimated to return upwards of 52 mpg combined in the Corolla, as well as 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. Figures like that make the Corolla hybrid a leader for the eco-conscious in this segment. It’s also worth noting that the 2020 Toyota Corolla hybrid is the most fuel-efficient model to ever wear the nameplate in its 50+ year history.

That might not sound like a lot, but given a hybrid system’s penchant for really laying on the low-end torque (electric motors create 100 percent of available twist at 0 rpm), it should feel quite a bit beefier than it really is.

As for technical details on the powerplant itself, displacement is rated at 1.8 liters, with an inline four-cylinder setup that’s paired to a duo of electric motor/generators and an electronically controlled planetary-type continuously variable transmission transaxle.

The ICE part of the equation is designated as the 2ZR-FXE, and was designed specifically for a hybrid application. Standout features include an Atkinson combustion cycle, a high 13.0:1 compression ratio, and lower friction around the piston skirts, as well as lower friction for the various rotating parts and the oil pump.

On the electric side of things, one motor helps to juice the drivetrain, while both motors take turns in charging the battery pack.

That said, Toyota’s technology development keeps the packs at the cutting edge of the segment all the same. What’s more, the Ni-MH pack is most likely much cheaper to produce than the lithium-ion alternative, which keeps the final MSRP down as a result.

Toyota also points out that its latest hybrid system now includes a new technology dubbed Hyper-Prime Nickel, which boosts the battery’s performance while keeping overall size and weight at a minimum, thus maximizing interior room and keeping the center of gravity close to the ground.

Toyota suggests this mode is best suited for parking lots and indoor parking garages. And even though it might be driving in near silence when set to the EV mode, the Corolla hybrid comes with a Vehicle Proximity Notification to make sure pedestrians are privy to the vehicle’s presence.

The Corolla hybrid also includes a Normal and Eco drive mode, as well as a Sport drive mode that actually boosts power and throttle response. Meanwhile, Normal balances power with economy, while Eco mode prioritizes fuel mileage by limiting power output and softening the throttle response

For example, there’s an electric water pump that helps to cut back on parasitic loss, as well as a high-efficiency air conditioning system that smartly controls airflow based on the current temperature setting, outside temperatures, sunlight intensity, and which seats are actually occupied by passengers.

Low-rolling resistance tires help boost mpg as well.

The Toyota Corolla hybrid also comes with an exhaust heat recirculation system to get the engine up to operating temperature more quickly, therefore reducing fuel consumption and emissions. If you’re in colder climates, you’ll appreciate the electric heating provided by the Positive Temperature Coefficient system.

Extra battery charging is accomplished by the Corolla hybrid’s Electronically Controlled Brake system. This basically syncs the braking force created by the regenerative electric motor with the steel hydraulic brakes in the corners, providing solid stopping power and even more electrons for the battery pack.

Meanwhile, the hydraulic brakes use an active hydraulic brake booster to improve overall pedal feel and feedback for the driver. There’s also a brake hold feature that will keep the vehicle stationary after coming to a stop. The system will then automatically release when you go to the throttle, thereby reducing fatigue in stop-and-go traffic.

Another interesting feature of the Corolla hybrid’s drivetrain is its differential, which comes with a “pre-load” feature that distributes torque between the right and left wheels at low engine loads and low differential rotation, providing enhanced handling. Then at mid-range and high engine loads, the differential acts like an “open” differential.

All this good stuff fits in quite well thanks to the latest Toyota platform under the skin, specifically the Toyota New Global Architecture shared across multiple model lines. To keep it shiny side up, the Corolla features a MacPherson strut suspension setup in front, as well as a new multi-link in the rear, with the latter upgrade helping massively with the overall ride quality and handling.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Pricing

We have yet to hear anything official as far as pricing is concerned, but the 2020 Toyota Corolla is expected to slot in between $22,000 and $25,000 when it finally goes on sale. Look for it in dealers in the Spring of 2019.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid Competition

Honda Insight

Although it may have grown a bit with the latest third-generation changeover, the Honda Insight is still a solid competitor for the more compact Corolla hybrid. Offering loads of space in the cabin, as well as standout tech goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD digital traffic info, and an 8.0-inch infotainment screen that’s mounted flush with the dash, the Honda Insight has everything you’d expect when it comes to comfort and entertainment. It also looks pretty understated outside, which is critical for those hybrid buyers uninterested in announcing their more eco-conscious vehicle choice. Speaking of eco-conscious, the Honda Insight is equipped with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a duo of electric motors, which combine to create a Corolla-beating 151 horsepower. Combined fuel returns sing to the tune of 48 mpg. Pricing starts at $22,830.

Read our full review on the 2019 Honda Insight.

Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid

With a funky hatchback style, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid certainly makes its presence known in a crowd. Optional Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Keep Assist keep it safe, while features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Qi wireless smartphone charger keep you connected on the move. Power is derived from a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder and electric motor combo, with a combined net horsepower rating of 139 ponies. Combined fuel returns range as high as 58 mpg. Pricing starts at $21,650.

Read our full review on the Hyundai Ioniq.

Final Thoughts

Toyota first unveiled the Corolla in 1966, and since then, the nameplate has sold some 46 million units. That makes it the best-selling vehicle of all time, and this latest hybrid model is sure to bolster sales even further.

Indeed, Toyota has been busy bolstering its hybrid offerings quite a bit in the last few years, with notable additions like the RAV4 hybrid and Avalon hybrid adding to the number of green choices, and even occasionally breaking new ground in a given segment.

Much of Toyota’s success in this area can be attributed to the development of the Prius, and now, that technology is making its way into all kinds of vehicles.

Long story short, the 2020 Corolla Hybrid looks like a very solid choice for someone who wants all the goodies you’d expect from an entry-level hybrid, like high-tech features and fantastic fuel mileage, but without the spaceship exterior aesthetic or five-door body style. If it’s a quiet, comfortable, easy-commuting four-door that you’re after, minus several trips to the pump, then give this one a test drive.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2020 Toyota Corolla.

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.

Read our full driven review of the 2019 Toyota RAV4.

Read our full driven review of the 2019 Toyota Avalon.