Browse over 9,000 car reviews

FROM OUR EXPERT TEAM
Explore Articles

Toyota Corolla hybrid 2018 review: snapshot

Toyota Toyota Corolla Toyota Corolla 2018 Urban EV
...
EXPERT RATING
8.0

Likes

  • Class-leading fuel use
  • Broad price range
  • Good spec

Dislikes

  • Petrol offers more performance zest
  • Small boot in all but ZR
  • Back seat room isn't terrific
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
9 Aug 2018
3 min read

The Toyota Corolla 2018 hatchback range is now available with a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain in every variant.

Previously buyers were only able to access a sole hybrid version, but now there's the choice between the Ascent Sport ($25,870), SX ($28,370) or ZR ($31,870).

Every Toyota Corolla hybrid model has a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric drivetrain that combines Toyota's 'e-CVT' automatic transmission with a nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack and an electric motor with maximum outputs of 53kW/163Nm. Combined maximum power is 90kW. Fuel consumption is class-leading, rated at 4.2L/100km.

So, what do you get in each grade of Corolla hybrid? Here's a rundown.

The Ascent Sport has LED headlights (with auto high-beam), LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch touchscreen media system with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, voice recognition, USB/auxiliary connectivity and a six-speaker stereo, push-button start, keyless entry and dual-zone climate control.

Read More: Toyota Corolla 2018 review
Read More: Toyota Corolla SX 2018 review: snapshot
Read More: Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport 2018 review: snapshot
Read More: Toyota Corolla ZR 2018 review: snapshot

All Ascent Sport models come with a plastic steering wheel with audio controls, but at least there's an electric park brake and a 4.2-inch colour info display for the driver.

Safety has been a big focus for Toyota, with every automatic Corolla fitted with auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection (day and night) and bicyclist detection (day), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, speed sign recognition, active cornering control (torque vectoring by braking), a reversing camera and seven airbags (dual front, front side, curtain and driver's knee).

The next step up is the SX, which adds fog-lights, privacy glass, a 'premium steering wheel', a wireless phone charger, DAB+/DAB digital radio and satellite navigation with live traffic updates. The SX has two USB ports (one front, one rear), and blind-spot monitoring is added to this grade and the one above.

Flagship ZR grade versions look the sportiest of the lot, with a set of 18-inch alloy wheels adding some presence. Inside there are heated front sports seats, leather/'ultrasuede' seat trim, driver's lumbar adjustment, a 7.0-inch driver info display, ambient lighting, a head-up display and a JBL sound system with eight speakers. ZR models also gain electro-chromatic (auto-dimming) rear-view mirror and high-grade bi-LED headlamps.

ZR hybrids have the biggest boot capacity of all Corolla hatch models, with 333 litres of cargo space (VDA). The rest of the hybrid models have a space-saver spare wheel, which impacts boot space to the tune of more than a hundred litres (217L).

Toyota Corolla 2018: Ascent

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.8L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 6.1L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $15,400 - $19,800
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$21,886
Based on 634 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$9,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$30,990
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
Matt Campbell has been at the forefront of automotive media for more than a decade, working not only on car reviews and news, but also helping manage automotive outputs across print, online, video and audio. After completing his media degree at Macquarie University, Matt was an intern at a major news organisation as part of the motoring team, where he honed his skills in the online automotive reviews and news space. He did such a good job there they put him on full time, and since then he has worked across different automotive media outlets, before starting with CarsGuide in October 2017. At CarsGuide Matt has helped shape the video output of the business, while also playing a key role in management behind the scenes, and helping in-market new car buyers make the right choice by continually evolving CarsGuide's comparison reviews. Driving more than 100 cars a year seemed like a dream to Matt when he first started out, but now it's all just part of the job - a job he loves and plans to stay in for a long time to come. Matt is also an expert in used car values, as he's always on the hunt for a bargain - be it a project beater or a prime example of the breed. He currently owns a 2001 Audi TT quattro and a 2007 Suzuki Jimny JLX.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$9,990
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2018 Toyota Corolla
See Pricing & Specs

Comments