The Corolla Hybrid AWD is a Distinctly Sensible Choice

It doesn’t hurt to have a Canadian perspective on things when talking about what is sensible and reasonable among automobiles. While crossovers and SUVs are also popular in Canada, this is a car market with a comparably higher percentage of compact sedan and minivan purchases. So, when Canadian automotive website Autopian asks if a certain compact sedan simply makes sense, it is worth reading further, and Valley Hi Toyota passes on their thoughts to you.

Autopian discusses crossovers that try to look like off-road SUVs, off-road SUVs that try to ride like crossovers, and pickup trucks and sports cars that try to be luxury cars before asking the question: “…what if you just want a car that’s good at being a car?” At that point, they turn to the Corolla Hybrid AWD, stating: “The Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD seems laser-targeted towards those who just want a car, and it makes a rather good argument against needing anything more.”

The Corolla Hybrid is a half-step down from the Prius. The models are nearly the same size, but the Corolla Hybrid is mostly smaller. For example, both cars have the same width, but the Corolla is slightly shorter in overall length and wheelbase. Rear legroom is the same, but the Prius has a little more shoulder room. Its more upright stance gives the Corolla a little more headroom in front and rear. As a hatch, the Prius claims more cargo space. The Prius is also significantly more powerful, with 196 horsepower compared to 138 for the Corolla Hybrid.

Fortunately, the Corolla Hybrid’s 138 horsepower is just fine for getting around town and onto the freeway. Getting back to the sensible part, at $24,900, the Corolla Hybrid has a starting MSRP of about $5K less than the Prius.

While it may not be as sleek as its corporate counterpart, the Corolla now features the Prius-inspired front-end styling that has been implemented across all of Toyota’s sedans. This design suits the Corolla nicely and effectively conceals that the model is in its sixth year of the current design generation.

Sensible also epitomizes the cabin design. As Autopian describes it: “You have almost all the physical controls you could want, a slim dashboard fascia, enough soft-touch materials and stitched flourishes to add a little something to the cabin without posturing as premium, and solid build quality. Instead of trying too hard to be minimalist, it’s just pleasantly simple. The learning curve is remarkably shallow if you’re coming from an older car, and that’s an underrated quality in a vehicle.”

The Corolla keeps pace with modern technology, featuring LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and wireless smartphone compatibility. The standard 8-inch center touchscreen and the 10.5-inch display on upper grades are easy to see, while the available 8-speaker JBL audio system enhances your music experience.

The all-wheel-drive system is comprised of a 40-horsepower motor between the rear wheels. It manages snow and wet surfaces quite well. Being sensible, Autopian advises that winter tires are still advisable for any model in regions where snow lingers for an extended period. Overall, with AWD, the system boasts an EPA-estimated MPG rating of 51 in the city, 44 on the highway, and 47 combined. Very sensible indeed.

The Corolla hybrid has quite a long list of all the things you really need in a car. See if sensible works for you by test-driving the affordable and efficient Corolla Hybrid AWD at Valley Hi Toyota.