TOYOTA Corolla 2024

Very few vehicles are made without interruption for almost 60 years, especially while keeping the same name. This is the case of the Corolla, whose twelfth generation arrived in the country as a 2020 model. The one that stole the title of best-selling compact in Canada from the Honda Civic exists in a hatchback version, in addition to the sedan that we recently tested. Our example combined a hybrid engine with all-wheel drive, an option that reappeared in the Corolla catalog in 2023.

The little Toyota is also one of only three compacts at the moment to offer all-wheel drive, with the Mazda 3 and Subaru Impreza. In the case of the Corolla, the system is only available with the hybrid engine (optional for the LE version and standard for the others). Thus, acquiring an all-wheel drive Corolla requires at least $30,949 (transport, preparation and dealer fees included), or $4,800 more than for a base gasoline version.

For comparison, the cheapest Impreza costs $29,140, and it is the only one of the three rivals with permanent four-wheel drive. The bill climbs to $33,490 for a Mazda 3 with all-wheel drive, since the manufacturer automatically combines this drivetrain with the Luxury group in the GS version.

These amounts may be surprising at first, but they remain approximately $3,000 lower than the price of similarly equipped subcompact SUVs (Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek). The gap easily stretches to $5,000, or even $7,000 when we consider a compact utility vehicle (Toyota RAV4 hybrid, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester). That’s without taking into account savings of 10 to 20% at the pump.

Do you really need the increased ground clearance and driving position of a crossover? In video, our evaluation of the Corolla Hybrid AWD could help you answer this question.

The unit we tested was built in Japan, but Toyota also assembles its sedan in the United States for the North American market.

So, how did the Corolla survive the SUV tidal wave so smoothly? True, its coveted reputation for reliability attracts pragmatic customers, but the car has plenty more to offer. Its broad range is complemented by substantial frugality, proverbial resale value and a drivability that’s more inspiring than ever before—though comfort still takes precedence. Nevertheless, before opting for the hybrid version, be sure to do your math carefully, especially in the case of a lease … that is, unless you’re adamant about all-wheel drive.

Watch our complete video review (in French with English subtitles)

Safety

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Front airbags
• Driver knee airbag
• Airbag in the passenger seat (to prevent sliding under the seatbelt in the event of a frontal impact)
• Front and rear side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front seatbelts with pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints, with the front ones designed to reduce the effect of whiplash in rear impacts
• Tire pressure monitor
• Backup camera
• Auto high beam
• Forward collision warning
• Automatic front emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane departure alert with automatic steering assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring system with automatic steering assist and rear cross-traffic alert (not available on L version, standard on all others)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IInsurance Institute For Highway Safety