The Toyota Corolla Sedan rolls into 2023 a much-changed car, bringing major upgrades to performance, safety and multimedia. Just for good measure, Toyota revved up the front and rear styling to give Corolla an even more compelling presence. Yet, this more powerful engine is also more efficient, improving on fuel economy ratings, with 32 city/41 hwy/35 EPA combined MPG in the LE model vs. 30/38/33 for the 2022 version with the 1.8L engine. The 2.0-liter Dynamic Force engine can achieve 40% thermal efficiency, which is a true measure of how well the engine converts fuel to energy. It’s not often a car offers higher power and efficiency at the same time, but the 2023 Corolla LE Sedan does just that. The most popular Corolla Sedan grade, the 2023 LE gains the 169-horsepower 2.0L Dynamic Force four-cylinder engine used in all other Corolla gas models. Replacing a 139-hp 1.8L engine, the 2.0L offers much more dynamic performance, with 0-60 two seconds quicker. The 2.0L engine also delivers a boost of 25 lb-ft. of torque over the previous 1.8L, now 151 lb-ft. That’s just for starters. All 2023 Corolla models upgrade to new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with new Proactive Driving Assist, including Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist.
The LE becomes the base Toyota Corolla Sedan for 2023, with the L grade discontinued. In addition to its more powerful standard engine, the LE has standard 16-inch steel wheels with covers. The sporty SE and XSE grades add standard Smart Key, enhanced Sport driving mode tuning and red interior accents replacing blue. All Corolla models provide the added value of Safety Connect and Service Connect 10-year trial subscriptions. (The XLE grade is now Hybrid-only). In all 2023 Corolla gas engine models, the standard Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission gives a distinct performance feel thanks to a gearset used as a “first” gear for start-off acceleration, before seamlessly handing off to the CVT’s pulley system. Synchronization of the increasing engine revs and vehicle speed provides a linear acceleration feel. Combined with enhanced Sport mode tuning for 2023, the XSE grade also features paddle shifters to engage 10 pre-set ratios to offer a sportier driving experience. The XSE also gains a redesigned 7-inch Fully Digital Gauge Cluster. All other grades feature an updated 4.2-inch MID located between the tachometer and speedometer, allowing the driver to view either analog or digital speedometers. Featuring rich graphics, the easy-to-read MIDs can be custom configured by the driver. Intuitive operation allows access to information for the audio and multimedia systems, navigation, vehicle information including fuel efficiency estimates and tire pressure, as well as TSS 3.0 functions.
On 2023 Corolla Sedans, new front fascia styling varies across grades, and all receive LED daytime running lights (DRL). The LE in addition adds an updated rear bumper design, while the sporty SE and XSE feature new 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels. It wouldn’t be a new Toyota model year without some compelling color changes. For the 2023 Corolla Sedan, Midnight Black Metallic replaces Black Sand Pearl, and Underground replaces Blue Cush Metallic. Colors carrying over for 2023 include Ice Cap, Classic Silver Metallic, Celestite and Blueprint. Wind Chill Pearl and Ruby Flare Pearl remain available for extra cost. The revised look is particularly sporty for the SE and XSE gas models, which feature a glossy black mesh-pattern lower grille and more sculptural front fascia, along with a new rear sport diffuser. These sport grades also feature new LED headlights that are more reminiscent of the eyes of a bird of prey.
The Corolla cabin provides an engaging cabin design that surrounds the driver while offering a spacious environment for all passengers. High-gloss materials are paired with matte elements – silver accents with Piano Black and available contrasting stitching – contributing to a premium look and feel. For storage, Corolla comes equipped with a console tray and front cupholder. The tray can hold small items, such as a smartphone or wallet. When the XSE is equipped with the JBL Premium Audio Plus Wireless Charger package, it houses the available Qi wireless device charging pad. Terraced cup holders adapt to various-sized beverage containers. Seating materials include standard cloth or, in higher grades, SofTex® trim. For 2023, choices include Black/Red (black as the main color with red highlights), Light Gray (light gray as the main color with dark gray highlights) and Macadamia (a warm, inviting cream color). Front seats in the SE and XSE grades feature shoulder supports evocative of a competition bucket seat, with overlapping solid and thick side bolsters to help comfortably grip occupants.
Toyota became an early leader in equipping its vehicles with safety systems featuring automatic emergency braking. The 2023 Corolla Sedan models feature eight standard airbags and Toyota’s Star Safety System, which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, Anti-lock Braking System and Smart Stop Technology. All Corolla models come equipped with a backup camera. For 2023, Toyota Safety Sense technology in Corolla evolves to version 3.0 and includes enhanced versions of the following:
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD)
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA)
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
Road Sign Assist (RSA)
Automatic High Beams (AHB)
The Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system is an available option. In addition, the Corolla Sedan is available with Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. The latter provides a wider field of light and steers the low beams in the direction of the turn, based on steering angle and vehicle speed. New safety features include Proactive Driving Assist, Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist.
All 2023 Corolla and Corolla Hybrid models debut a new standard next-generation 8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system designed and engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The multi-talented new system provides a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features and is Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable. With Intelligent Assistant, speaking simple phrases like “Hey Toyota” awaken the system for voice activated commands to search for driving directions, find Points of Interest (POI), adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperature and more. Cloud Navigation is the available onboard navigation solution that utilizes the cloud to download the latest available map, traffic and routing information. Users can interact with the new system’s design through intuitive touch and voice activation controls. With Drive Connect, Toyota’s latest available Connected Service, users have access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Destination Assist. Active Drive Connect trial or subscription required. To ensure the most up-to-date search capabilities, POI search is provided by Google Points-of-Interest data. Destination Assist also gives access to 24/7 live agent assistance to locate your next destination. For the Corolla SE and XSE grades, the audio experience goes to a higher level with the available JBL® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers, including an 800-watt amplifier and 10-in. subwoofer.
