- 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid now on sale from $24,990 before freight and delivery charges.
- Hybrid powertrain with an output of 121 horsepower nets 4.5 L/100 km in combined driving.
- Android Auto integration and rear cross traffic alert are now for the 2021 model year.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is arriving in Canadian dealerships, receiving only a few subtle changes since the compact sedan was thoroughly redesigned for the 2020 model year.
It’s the first generation of the Corolla to get a hybrid powertrain on North-American soil, which includes an Atkinson-cycle 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and an electronically controlled, continuously variable automatic transmission for a total output of 121 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque. Basically, it’s the same combination found in the Toyota Prius, and in the Corolla, it provides city/highway/combined fuel economy ratings of 4.4/4.5/4.5 L/100 km.
Rivalling the Hyundai Ioniq, the Honda Insight and its corporate sister Prius in the compact-car segment, the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid now features Android Auto integration along with Apple CarPlay. The standard equipment list also includes an eight-inch touchscreen, a smart key with pushbutton start, automatic climate control, heated front seats as well as adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring—with new rear cross traffic alert.
For an extra two grand, a Premium package can be tacked on to the Corolla Hybrid, adding wireless phone charging, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, SofTex simulated leather upholstery and ambient lighting.
The 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid starts at $24,990 before freight and delivery charges, or $200 more than the 2020 model—making it the least-costliest hybrid Toyota as the Prius c subcompact has been canned. In comparison, it’s also more affordable than the Insight ($28,490), the Ioniq ($25,399) and the Prius ($28,550). Unlike the latter, the gas-electric Corolla isn’t available with all-wheel drive.
The Japanese company already had a full lineup of electrified vehicles, as the 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid will join the Prius and the plug-in hybrid Toyota Prius Prime, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The 2021 model year will also introduce the RAV4 Prime PHEV.
