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2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - Review by Mark Fulmer +VIDEO


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An Efficient and Affordable Hybrid

Mark Fulmer
Senior Producer and Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL


The two year old Corolla Hybrid added a few elements to this years edition. Some SofTex upholstery, drivers seat power adjustments, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel for this popular product from the fertile and eco friendly minds at Toyota.


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Powered by an 1.8-liter four-cylinder that is combined with a pair of electric motors, that trio yields a total of 121 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque. Gas mileage figures are 53/52/52 mpg city/highway/combined.

With good ride quality and comfort, there may be a case made for going back to smaller wheels on non-sporty cars. The suspension tuning and tires mounted on 15-inch wheels make for a surprising smooth and comfortable ride for an economy car.

Quiet is always a feature of hybrid and plug-in vehicles and the Corolla enhances that with effective insulation that cuts out road noise.


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As you can see, the interior design has a simple, clean look that gives you the feeling that you are in a larger car. Premium fabric is the standard and it comes in a choice of Black or Light Gray/Moonstone. You can upgrade to SofTex in Black or Macadamia/Mocha by way of the new-for-2022 Premium Interior Package that adds heated front seats, power adjustability, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.


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The front seats have plenty of head room and leg room.
Front head room 38 "
Front leg room 42.0 "
Front hip room 54 "
Front shoulder room 54 "


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I took the photo above for two reasons. First to show that due to the shovel nose design, you get a view out the front that shows no hood whatsoever. And secondly, if you look a the Sierra Nevada mountain range there in the distance, you can see something we have not seen here in Northern California for a few drought-stricken years. Snow! Thank you, Mother Nature.


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The rear seats lose a bit head and leg room, so your basketball player friends should probably take their own cars. The seats were proclaimed ok by the under six foot passengers, and visibility earned thumbs up.
Rear shoulder room 52 "
Rear head room 37 "
Rear hip room 51 "
Rear leg room 34.8 "


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The trunk capacity is 13.1 cubic feet, and the wide mouth gives easy access.


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Folding down the rear seats will give you a bunch of extra space.


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The touchscreen sits high in the dashboard and its software is clear and straightforward. The Hybrid LE's infotainment system includes includes all the usual digital suspects: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, two USB ports, and of course hands-free phone capability. The audio system has six speakers pretty decent sound quality,


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The Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite includes plethora of smart systems:

• Toyota Safety SenseTM 2.0:
• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and daytime cyclist detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist and Sway Warning System
• Auto High Beams
• Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Lessening (WIL) seats


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As an affordable (base price $23K) entry vehicle into Toyota hybrid efficiency and reliability, this years Corolla Hybrid is a winner, and I hope the folks at the assembly plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi are ready for a very busy year.