Trims, Powertrain, and Fuel Economy

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Sedan is sold in LE, SE, and XSE trim levels. Each gets a brand-new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 169 hp. It’s paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that spins the front wheels. In addition to being more powerful, the 2.0-liter engine is more efficient. Per EPA listings, the LE carries out an estimated 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, while the SE and XSE fulfill 31 city/40 highway.

Equipment by Trim

The LE gets LED exterior lights, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, an updated 4.2-inch multi-information display, four USB-C ports, a 12-volt power outlet, illuminated vanity mirrors, 16-inch wheels, and a 60/40-split fold-down rear seat with a center armrest and two cupholders. The SE expresses its sportier personality with black exterior accents, a gloss-black mesh grille, gray metallic side rocker panels, a color-keyed rear spoiler, graphite-colored 18-inch wheels, a single exhaust with dual chrome tips, synthetic-leather sport seats with fabric inserts, and metallic interior trim. It also gets heated side mirrors, proximity entry for the front doors and trunk (Smart Key), push-button ignition, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The XSE looks similar but is further sweetened by side mirrors with blind-spot indicators, a moonroof, heated front seats with driver’s-side power adjustability, and a customizable 7-inch digital gauge cluster. For added convenience, a wireless phone charger is available.

Toyota Safety Sense Driving Aids

As we alluded to above, the refreshed Corolla welcomes the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active driver-assist technologies. Besides the more familiar features (a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and dynamic radar cruise control), it also has new proactive driving assist with obstacle anticipation and deceleration assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional for the LE and SE and standard in the XSE.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Corolla is issued an entirely new infotainment system for 2023. Instead of the 7-inch touchscreen from the outgoing model, the latest iteration goes with an 8-inch unit with the aforementioned standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming and SiriusXM satellite radio remain standard). While every trim gets a six-speaker audio system, the SE and XSE are eligible for a more enticing nine-speaker JBL system complete with an amplifier and subwoofer.