Article content The Toyota Corolla sedan has been the butt of more “beige” jokes than you can count, but just like a Big Mac, one can’t argue with numbers. The Corolla has been the best-selling car in Canada, at least for a couple years, and worldwide it’s the top selling nameplate ever, with over 50 million served. This 12 th -gen car, launched in 2019 goes a long way in dashing some of the Corolla’s stigma as being a boring appliance; it’s quite stylish and drives well.
For 2025, the base L model starts just under $24k, but here we’re testing the most expensive Corolla sedan – the Hybrid XSE AWD that carries an MSRP of $36,355, and with fees and taxes will crest $40,000. This top XSE trim gets 18-inch wheels, blacked-out grille treatment, rear diffuser, sport-themed rocker panels, and color-keyed spoiler. The sporty cues continue inside with red stripes on the seats, red stitching, and red seats belts.
On seeing it for the first time, my wife said, “This is a Corolla? It looks like a sports car.” What powers the Toyota Corolla Hybrid? The 2025 Toyota Corolla Hybrid AWD runs with a 1.8L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hooked to a continuously variable transmission.
There’s an electric motor assisting the front wheels and another electric motor driving the rear wheels. Combined output is 138 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. While not exactly a rocket, the Corolla is certainly perky enough around town and it settles into a reasonably quiet cruiser.
Typica.
