2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan Revs Up Power, Safety, Tech and Value

The Toyota Corolla Sedan rolls into 2023 a changed car and customers are bound to love what they see and drive. The line expands with four new Hybrid grades, including a more powerful hybrid system and available all-wheel drive. The LE, the most popular grade, now has the 169-horsepower 2.0-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine used in all other gas grades. Replacing a 139-hp 1.8-liter engine, it offers much more dynamic performance (0-60 two seconds quicker than with the 1.8L engine). Yet, it is also more efficient, improving on the previous engine fuel economy ratings by nearly two miles per gallon with a manufacturer-estimated 31 city/40 hwy./34 combined MPG.

•LE Gets Performance and Efficiency Boost with 169-HP Engine

•Safety Tech Updated to Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 System

•New 8-inch Touchscreen with Toyota Audio Multimedia Standard for All Models

•Refreshed Front and Rear Styling

•SE and XSE Receive Upgraded Standard Equipment

The Toyota Corolla Sedan rolls into 2023 a much-changed car, bringing major upgrades to performance, safety and multimedia. Just for good measure, Toyota revved up the front and rear styling to give Corolla an even more compelling presence.

It's not often a car offers higher power and efficiency at the same time, but the 2023 Corolla LE Sedan does just that. The most popular Corolla Sedan grade, the 2023 LE gains the 169-horsepower 2.0L Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine used in all other Corolla gas models. Replacing a 139-hp 1.8L engine, the 2.0L offers much more dynamic performance, with 0-60 two seconds quicker. The 2.0L engine also delivers a boost of 25 lb-ft. of torque over the previous 1.8L, now 151 lb-ft.

Yet, this more powerful engine is also more efficient, improving on fuel economy ratings, with 32 city/41 hwy/35 EPA combined MPG in the LE model vs. 30/38/33 for the 2022 version with the 1.8L engine. (The Corolla Hybrid is covered by a separate media release.) The 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine can achieve 40% thermal efficiency, which is a true measure of how well the engine converts fuel to energy.

That's just for starters. All 2023 Corolla models upgrade to new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with new Proactive Driving Assist, including Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist. Next-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia equips all 2023 Corolla models with an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen and added capabilities, including standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. All models add two rear-seat USB-C ports for a total of four in the car.

The wide-ranging enhancements to the 12th-generation Corolla Sedan exemplify Toyota's fervent approach to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction which has sold over 50 million globally since 1966.

Three Model Grades for 2023

The LE becomes the base Corolla Sedan for 2023, with the L grade discontinued. In addition to its more powerful standard engine, the LE has standard 16-inch steel wheels with covers. The sporty SE and XSE grades add standard Smart Key, enhanced Sport driving mode tuning and red interior accents replacing blue. All Corolla models provide the added value of Safety Connect and Service Connect 10-year trial subscriptions. (The XLE grade is now Hybrid-only.)

The XSE also gains a redesigned 7-inch Fully Digital Gauge Cluster. All other grades feature an updated 4.2-inch MID located between the tachometer and speedometer, allowing the driver to view either analog or digital speedometers. Featuring rich graphics, the easy-to-read MIDs can be custom configured by the driver. Intuitive operation allows access to information for the audio and multimedia systems, navigation, vehicle information including fuel efficiency estimates and tire pressure, as well as TSS 3.0 functions.

In all 2023 Corolla gas engine models, the standard Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission gives a distinct performance feel thanks to a gearset used as a 'first' gear for start-off acceleration, before seamlessly handing off to the CVT's pulley system. Synchronization of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed provides a linear acceleration feel. Combined with enhanced Sport mode tuning for 2023, the XSE grade also features paddle shifters to engage 10 pre-set ratios to offer a sportier driving experience.

Sharpened Styling

On 2023 Corolla Sedans, new front fascia styling varies across grades, and all receive LED daytime running lights (DRL). The LE in addition adds an updated rear bumper design, while the sporty SE and XSE feature new 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels.

The revised look is particularly sporty for the SE and XSE gas models, which feature a glossy black mesh-pattern lower grille and more sculptural front fascia, along with a new rear sport diffuser. These sport grades also feature new LED headlights that are more reminiscent of the eyes of a bird of prey.

It wouldn't be a new Toyota model year without some compelling color changes. For the 2023 Corolla Sedan, Midnight Black Metallic replaces Black Sand Pearl, and Underground replaces Blue Cush Metallic. Colors carrying over for 2023 include Ice Cap, Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Blueprint. Wind Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl remain available for extra cost.

The Strong, Silent Type

Corolla's diverse model variety is made possible by the Toyota New Global Architecture-C platform (TNGA-C). A super-rigid structure, low center of gravity and highly refined tuning of the MacPherson-type strut front suspension and available multi-link rear suspension endow all Corolla models with exemplary handling agility, ride comfort and distinctive driving personality. This high-strength platform is fortified through the use of ultra-high-tensile steel as well as the application of structural adhesive technology for enhanced body rigidity and passenger security.

Corolla's cabin is a sanctuary where powertrain and road noise have been minimized thanks to the widespread use of sound-absorbing materials, including Thinsulate®, sealants, foams and silencer pads. The TNGA structure employs additional seals in its body panel gaps to insulate noise penetration and enhance air-sealing performance. As one example, the floor silencer pad is one large piece, instead of many smaller segments.

Comfort for All Aboard

The Corolla cabin provides an engaging cabin design that surrounds the driver while offering a spacious environment for all passengers. High-gloss materials are paired with matte elements – silver accents with Piano Black and available contrasting stitching – contributing to a premium look and feel.

Seating materials include standard cloth or, in higher grades, SofTex® trim. For 2023, choices include Black/Red (black as the main color with red highlights), Light Gray (light gray as the main color with dark gray highlights) and Macadamia (a warm, inviting cream color). Front seats in the SE and XSE grades feature shoulder supports evocative of a competition bucket seat, with overlapping solid and thick side bolsters to help comfortably grip occupants.

For storage, Corolla comes equipped with a console tray and front cupholder. The tray can hold small items, such as a smartphone or wallet. When the XSE is equipped with the JBL Premium Audio Plus Wireless Charger package, it houses the available Qi wireless device charging pad. Terraced cup holders adapt to various-sized beverage containers.

Assembled in the U.S.

Corolla Sedan has been and will continue to be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS), where there are 1,500 Toyota team members. Additionally, the latest Corolla family member, the first-ever Corolla Cross, is assembled at the new joint-venture manufacturing plant with Mazda in Huntsville, Alabama. The new manufacturing facility represents a combined investment of $1.6 billion by the two companies. There are 4,000 team members and an annual assembly capacity of 300,000 vehicles. (Corolla Hybrid is assembled in the Takaoka plant in Japan.)

Upgraded Safety & Vehicle Technology

Toyota became an early leader in equipping its vehicles with safety systems featuring automatic emergency braking. For 2023, Toyota Safety Sense technology in Corolla evolves to version 3.0 and includes enhanced versions of the following:

•Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)

•Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)

•Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)

•Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

•Road Sign Assist (RSA)

•Automatic High Beams (AHB)

The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system is an available option. In addition, the Corolla Sedan is available with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. The latter provides a wider field of light and steers the low beams in the direction of the turn, based on steering angle and vehicle speed. New safety features include Proactive Driving Assist, Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist.

The 2023 Corolla Sedan models feature eight standard airbags and Toyota's Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. All Corolla models come equipped with a backup camera.

Next-Gen Multimedia

All 2023 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid models debut a new standard next-generation 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The multi-talented new system provides a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features and is Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable.

Users can interact with the new system's design through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With Drive Connect, Toyota's latest available Connected Service, users have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. Active Drive Connect trial or subscription required 1.

With Intelligent Assistant, speaking simple phrases like 'Hey Toyota' awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for driving directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperature and more. Cloud Navigation is the available onboard navigation solution that utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information.

To ensure the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate your next destination.

The new Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An available Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the car into an AT&T Hotspot, along with the ability for customers to link their separate Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with the new Integrated Streaming feature. This augments the already robust audio playback ability that includes HD Radio, USB data and a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription.

For the Corolla SE and XSE grades, the audio experience goes to a higher level with the available JBL® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers, including an 800-watt amplifier and 10-in. subwoofer.

All Corolla models come with a host of Connected Services available on all grades, trial or subscription required1. Safety Connect™, now with up to a 10-year trial subscription for 2023, includes an Emergency Assistance Button (SOS), 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and Collision Assistance 1. Service Connect, also with up to a 10-year trial subscription for 2023, offers drivers the capability of receiving Vehicle Health Reports, Maintenance Alerts and reminders. With the Toyota app, users can stay connected to their Toyota with the available Remote Connect service.

Standard Smart Key System with Push Button Start for SE and XSE works on the front doors and trunk and for remote keyless entry with lock, two-stage unlock, panic and trunk-release functions.

14G network dependent. Certain features include a trial period at no additional cost upon original date of new vehicle purchase or lease. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required. More details on trial periods and subscription-based features can be found at https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/.

Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The Corolla Hatchback also comes standard with ToyotaCare, a no additional cost plan that covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.

by Toyota

Over the years a manufacturer that has built a solid reputation for sturdy, reliable vehicles is Toyota, and no car proved that better than the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla name is the oldest in Toyota's current inventory of American products, second only to the Land Cruiser. The most popular car line in history, with over 30 million Corollas sold worldwide, the Corolla is also the first Toyota made in America.

The smallest Toyota sold in America up until that time, the Corolla was introduced in Japan in October of 1966. The first Corolla arrived in the U.S. in the summer of 1968. The newest edition featured a 90-inch wheelbase in two-door coupe, four-door sedan and two-door wagon body styles. The Corolla also featured a 60-horsepower, 1.1-liter overhead valve four-cylinder mounted longitudinally in the engine bay that sent power to a four-speed manual transmission before going to a solid rear axle. Not yet on the options list was an automatic transmission.

There was nothing sophisticated about the first Toyota Corolla and it definitely wasn't pretty, yet it was so simple that there were almost no parts to break. The original Corolla's unibody structure had a strut front suspension and mounted the rear axle on a pair of leaf springs. The worldwide opinion in the early 1960's was that Japanese products were unrefined, Toyota worked hard to overcome this then common perception. Corolla's were priced under $1,700 and that proved that even when Toyota build a smaller, cheaper car, the last thing to suffer was quality.

The first Corolla was too small and underpowered for North American tastes, the second Corolla aimed to fix this problem. Introduced in 1970, the second generation Corolla featured a wheelbase stretched to 91.9 inches with power that came from a new 1.2-liter version of the OHV four that achieved 73 horsepower. The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension was continued. The newest generation of Corolla had very minor styling changes other than the extended wheelbase and was now significantly more comfortable and confident. Its popularity rose when an automatic transmission was offered, and it quickly became the second best-selling car in the world.

For the following year, the car became even more improved as the engine grew to 1.6 liters and output was expanded to 102 horsepower. For1972 the grille was redesigned, though no other changes were made. For the 1973 and 1974 year the only updates were larger bumpers added to accommodate federal regulations along with the introduction of sporty SR5 models with five-speed manual transmissions.

The third generation of Corollas were introduced in 1975 and were styled quite uniquely with a raised center section in the grille, much like a more angular body. Five models were now available for this year, with the priciest one being a two-door sedan that was powered by a 1.2 liter engine. This was joined by a 4-door sedan, a two-door hardtop, a sporty SR5 hardtop and a five-door station wagon, these were all powered by the 1.6 liter four. All models except the SR5 power featured standard transmission. The SR5 featured a four-speed manual. Optional in the other Corollas, a five-speed manual was once again a five-speed manual. Three-speed automatic was also available. During the mid-1970s, emission standards were stiffening and a catalytic converter was included in the 1975 Corolla for the first time.

The ‘Liftback' a new three-door hatchback was added to the Corolla line in 1976 and resembled a sporty two-door station wagon rather than the traditional fastback or economy vehicles. Toyota envisioned that the Liftback would be responsible for 30% of Corolla sales in the U.S., especially with its split fold-down rear seat.

A new Corolla Sport Coupe was introduced in 1976 that shared the front-end styling with the Liftback in both standard and SR5 configurations. Less expensive than the much larger Celica, the new Sport Coupe with its fastback styling gave Toyota a sporty car to feature.

For 1977 the front-end styling of both the sedans and wagons were modified with a more conventional grille. Undistinguished in their shapes, these new vehicles were overdone in their details and were never considered to be particularly attractive cars. But they did last seemingly forever.

Virtually unchanged, the third-generation Corolla had very little updates during the 1978 model year.

The fourth generation of Toyota Corolla's was introduced in 1979 with a whole new chassis. A much more sophisticated car than any other Corolla before, this new generation would become better still. Deleting its primitive leaf spring rear suspension, the 1979 Corolla replaced it with a more compliant coil spring system. The wheelbase was now increased to 94.5 inches and the new unibody above the new suspension was much larger, stronger and more attractive in its own way. The new Corolla was powered with a new 75-horsepower, 1.8-liter version of the OHV four and newly available were four- and five-speed manual along with three-speed automatic transmissions.

The SR5 in Sport Coupe, Hatchback and Liftback semi-wagon configurations were particularly popular during this generation due their effective use of detailing and the fact they looked more expensive than they actually were.

'80 and '81 Corolla lineups continued over from 1979 virtually unchanged, but in 1982 the automatic transmission was upgraded to a four-speed unit. The following year a new 1.6-liter overhead cam engine replaced the previous 1.8 and was both smoother and more powerful than before.

In 1984 Toyota introduced the front-drive Corolla sedan that now sported front drive. The SR5 Coupe, Liftback and station wagon remained on the previous-generation Corolla's rear drive chassis. Just as conventional in the front-drive as it had been in a rear-driver layout, the same 1.6-liter, SOHC engine was used and sat transversely in the front driver's engine bay feeding either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Coil springs held up the rear drive. A four-cylinder diesel powered a few early fifth-generation front-drive Corollas.

Halfway through the '84 model year, a new dual-overhead cam, 16-valve version of the 1.6-liter four rated at an impressive 124 horsepower was offered on the rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback. This resulted in the Corolla GT-S, a fun-to-drive car that attracted many buyers.

The Corolla lineup remained virtually unchanged through 1985 and 1986. In 1987 the new ‘FX' coupe was introduced; a front-drive Corolla that was produced at the NUMMI joint venture production plant in California. The new coupe was a conventional hatchback in the same body style as the Volkswagen Rabbit, and was available with either the SOHC or DOHC 1.6-liter engine. The new coupe was known as the FX16 when equipped with the DOHC engine. The FX marked the beginning of Corolla production in North America.

The rear-drive Corolla coupe and Liftback were replaced in 1988 with a new front-drive coupe. Enormously more refined, the new Corolla coupe and Corolla GT-S were more refined and capable, just not as fun. The sixth generation sedan was styled more conservatively than the previous generation and was built at both the NUMMI plant in California and in Japan, while the coupes and wagons were only produced in Japan. Available with either front-wheel drive or full-time All-Trac all-wheel drive the station wagon was versatile. The FX hatchback was discontinued after only a year. The base received DX trim, while it was better-equipped LE for the seda, DX and SR5 for the wagon, and SR5 and GT-S for the coupe.

The same 95.6-inch wheelbase was used on the sixth generation of Corolla, though it was almost an inch wider now. The Sprinter was a slightly updated version of the Corolla body that was sold in Japan. Identical mechanical pieces were utilized and were built at the NUMMI plant and branded as the Geo Prism. The All-Trac wagons kept a solid rear axle with coil springs while sedans, coupes and front-drive wagons rode on a full independent strut suspension.

DOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinders were the engine used on all models while the sedans, front-drive wagon and SR5 coupe received a carbureted 90-hp motor. All-Trac wagons received a fuel-injected 100-hp version while the GT-S received a 115-hp EFI version. A standard five-speed manual with the option of either three or four-speed automatic (depending on trim level) were the transmission choices for this generation of Corollas. Standard were thirteen-inch wheels, while the GT-S received 14-inch wheels along with four-wheel disc brakes and a six-way adjustable driver seat with sport bolstering. The sixth-generation of Corolla's did not feature many modern conveniences as standards, such as AC, power steering, stereo or dual outside mirrors.

For 1989 there were no major changes except for the addition of an All-Trac sedan to the Corolla lineup, which lasted only a year. In 1990 all Corollas benefited from fuel injection and the base engine was now rated at 102 hp. The GT-S was now measured at 130 and five additional lb-ft of torque for a total of 105 horsepower. For this year an all- new entry-level sedan was added to the lineup, with all of the basic Corolla equipment including the cloth upholstery.

Following the 1991 model year, coupes were discontinued. The only change for 1992 was the addition of a few new paint colors, and the highline LE sedan could be purchased with the four-speed automatic.

Now riding on a 97.0-inch wheelbase, the seventh generation of Toyota Corollas was introduced in 1993 and the sedan and wagon moved up a size classification from ‘subcompact' to ‘compact' according to the EPA. No more Corolla coupes or all-wheel-drive wagons were available. Sedans were now only offered in standard, DX and LE trim while a front-wheel-drive wagon was available only in DX trim. DX and LE models benefited from an additional stabilizer bar in front while all cars rode on a fully independent suspension.

The basic Corolla sedan featured the same 1.6-liter engine that had been used in the previous generation vehicle, with output at 105 hp, except in Massachusetts, NY, and California where it was rated at only 100 due to stringent emissions requirements. New Corolla DX and LE models featured a new 1.8-liter DOHC, 16-valve four making 115 horsepower. Standard was a five-speed manual with a three-speed autobox optional on the base sedan and a four-speed was optional ono all other models. 14-inch wheels were eatured on all cars along with front disc/rear drum brakes. ABS was an optional feature on all models across the line. Standard in 1993 was height-adjustable seatbelts and driver-side front airbags. Passenger front airbags became standard the following year, along with locking retractor seatbelts in passengers' positions.

For 1995 the DX sedan received new upholstery while all audio systems received a complete redesign. The 1.8-liter engine lost 10 horsepower in order to comply with stricter emissions regulations. For 1996 the LE model was discontinued. The front grille was updated with a color-keyed frame while the taillight panels were revised while the DX received a full-width treatment. The interior trim was also updated with an integrated child seat added to the options list. The manual transmission was upgraded which yielded shorter throws, newly improved feel and more positive gear engagement.

The DX wagon was deleted in 1997 and replaced with a special CE, Classic Edition sedan. The CE incorporated many popular features in one value-priced package, that included power windows, locks, AC, four-speaker stereo, power steering, manual remote mirrors and special floor mats and exterior badging. Additional side-impact protection to meet new federal standards was added to all models. In 1997, all Corollas sold in the U.S. were for the first time built in North America at the NUMMI plant in California and the TMMC plant in Canada. The Corolla had become the best-selling nameplate in automotive history by the end of the 1997 model year.

For the eighth generation of the Toyota Corolla, the vehicle lost some of its weight and increased its fuel mileage due to a new engine and a more efficient drivetrain. An all-new, all-aluminum 1.8-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine was rated at 120 horsepower. This was exactly twice the engine rating of the first Corolla introduced in 1968. A 10% increase of fuel economy from the previous generation was achieved with the standard five-speed manual. This eighth generation of Corolla could achieve 31 mph in the city, and 38 on the highway.

For this generation, only a sedan was offered, though in three trim levels, the base VE, midlevel CE and the highline LE. An optional three-speed automatic was on the VE, while CE and LE featured the four-speed unit. The equipment levels remained the same as the previous generation, though base models came with power steering and dual exterior mirrors. Optional on all models was ABS while new extra features that included side airbags and a CD player were available.

The 1998 Corolla was considered to have an elegant exterior followed with a handsome interior and a good source of competition to the Honda Civic and the Nissan Sentra. Sales remained strong with the comparatively expensive and short on rear-seat legroom Corolla. For 1998 a total of 248,195 Corollas were sold.

1999 featured very minor changes for the Toyota Corolla. A cassette stereo was added to the VE model, while the LE model came standard with 1998's Touring Package items that included wide 14-inch tires, a front stabilizer bar, a tachometer and other various exterior cosmetic enhancements. For 2000 Toyota added it VVT-i variable valve timing system to the 1.8-liter engine which boosted output to 125 horsepower. This allowed Corolla to achieve low emission vehicle status while making for a larger torque. The following year featured new front and rear fascias, headlights and taillights. A somewhat sporty S version was also introduced in 2001. S model featured unique wheel covers, foglights, intermittent wipers, mudguard, grilles and color-keyed moldings. The upholstery on the interior was sportier with a tachometer and faux leather-wrapped wheel. The base VE model was replaced with the CE. For 2002 the Corolla line remained virtually unchanged though the price was lowered for the optional value packages.

Designed to attract young buyers, the 2003 Corolla Sedan more closely resembled a shrunken Camry. The ninth generation rode on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, five inches longer than the previous generation, and 0.7 inches shorter than the current Honda Civic sedan. The newest Corolla was available as a base CE, luxury LE or somewhat sporty S. Its total length was measured at 178.3 inches, 3.7 inches longer than the Civic. The newest generation shared the exact same wheelbase as the original '83 Camry with just a 2.7 inch increase than that car.

The 03 Sedan featured ordinary strut front and torsion beam rear suspension, but well manufactured front disc/rear drum brakes. The rack-and-pinion steering was also excellent. The ninth generation of Corolla's is as close to a luxury car ride as any small economy sedan has ever offered.

An evolutionary development of the all-aluminum 1.8-liter, DOHC, 1-valve engine from prior models, the engine is now rated at 130 horsepower. The base CE-grade Corolla now features four gears in its optional automatic. Equipment levels were also up now too. The CE comes with air conditioning with micron filtration, power mirrors, 15-inch wheels and a CD player. The LE now came with fake wood accents that can be optioned with leather upholstery.

Toyota Corolla's may not feature as many varieties as in previous years, but they are build to provide many years of trouble free driving, now more comfortable and roomier than ever. Since the launch of the Corolla name in 1996, more than 30 million vehicles have been produced, making it the best selling car of all time. Currently, Corollas are manufactured in Japan, the U.S., the U.K., Canada, South Africa, India, Turkey, Brazil and Thailand.

by Jessican Donaldson