Toyota has expanded the Corolla Hybrid lineup for 2023, and to commemorate the addition of the new Hybrid SE grade, Toyota has introduced an Infrared Edition. The front and rear fascias of the hatchback and sedan have been slightly redesigned, bringing a sharper look to keep the stylish fresh. There are new colors depending on the body style: Blue Crush Metallic and Blue Flame for the hatch and Midnight Black Metallic and Underground for the sedan. They're joined by 18-inch Gloss Graphite alloy wheels, which are standard on SE trim levels.
The theme continues inside, with red accents on the seats, door panels, shifters, and floor mats. They are joined by standard SE features like the Smart Key, the heavily bolstered front seats, and the 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, which includes an Intelligent Assistant, over-the-air updates, and cloud-based navigation.
The gas-powered five-door Corolla SE has 16-inch alloy wheels with a 10-spoke design, while the XSE grade gets 18-inch, graphite-colored aluminum wheels. Both of these models get new shoes. The SE and XSE trim levels now come with 18-inch gloss graphite-painted alloy wheels for the sedan. The 2023MY will bring updated headlights for both vehicles as well as a lower grille made of glossy black mesh and a new rear diffuser for the Corolla Sedan SE and XSE gas models. LED fog lights with chrome bezels are installed on the hatch in the XSE trim.
The upgraded Toyota Hybrid System, which is comprised of a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, a small lithium-ion battery, and two motor generators, powers the Infrared Edition. The model is now able to generate 134 horsepower and 211 Nm of torque.
Up to 50 mpg in the city, 43 mpg on the highway, and 47 mpg overall are possible with the Corolla Hybrid. The 2023 Corolla Hybrid review has more information on the upgraded hybrid drivetrain and the new all-wheel drive system. The special edition is offered with front- or all-wheel drive.
The updated Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 System, which adds features like Proactive Driving Assist, Obstacle Anticipation Assist, and Deceleration Assist, coincides with the change in the model year.
Later this year, the Corolla Hybrid SE Infrared Edition is expected to go on sale. Pricing has not yet been announced, but anticipate a small increase over the Hybrid SE's $25,200 base price.