2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid lands in spring 2019 aiming for over 50 mpg

Toyota has pulled the wraps off a first for the US market with the introduction of the 2020 Corolla Hybrid. As with any hybrid model, the big focus for the Corolla Hybrid is fuel economy. Toyota is estimating that the Corolla Hybrid will be capable of at least 50 mpg combined fuel economy.

Toyota says that the Corolla Hybrid will use the latest Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive adapted from the current Prius. That hybrid system is crammed into a much better-looking body than Prius offers. The hybrid will roll on the Toyota TNGA platform that Toyota says provides outstanding agility and comfort.

Standard features will include Entune 3.0 Audio with Wi-Fi Connect, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard with pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steer assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist.

The Corolla Hybrid uses a 1.8L four-cylinder engine with a pair of motor/generators; power is combined via an electronically controlled planetary-type CVT transaxle. The combined system output is 121hp promising decent performance. Batteries are nickel-metal hydride units using a new technology called Hyper-Prime Nickel that allows the batteries to be smaller and lighter.

The battery is placed under the rear seat rather than in the trunk allowing a 60/40 split folding rear seatback for expanded cargo capacity. Corolla Hybrid has three driving modes including Normal, Eco, and Sport. Brakes are electronically controlled and the car has both a regenerative braking system and a hydraulic braking system. Toyota will have the Corolla Hybrid available at dealers in the spring of 2019 at an undisclosed price.