5 Reasons to Buy a 2023 Toyota Corolla (What’s New?)

The Corolla has (almost) always been known as trustworthy, practical transportation. This generation sought to add better handling and refinement to mix, and succeeded. Today I will try to find out if that and the updates for 2023 are enough for it to remain a leader among the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza and many more.
FULL REVIEW
• 2023 Toyota Corolla / ...
Thank you, Royal South Toyota, for letting me test drive a Corolla to make this video possible!
Royalsouthtoyota.com
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[@Realistick]

To give some more info here, this Corolla was built in Japan (VIN and labels confirm this), Hybrid Corollas are also built in Japan, however, most others will be built in Mississippi.

[@Nonlethal106]

how can you verify this?

[@Realistick]

@@Nonlethal106 They put a sticker on every new car that says where that particular one is built and the firstborn letters of the VIN!

[@Curiousever]

I drive my 2009 Corolla matrix until 2022! My granddaughter has a wreck in it and it gave its last breath saving her life. I just replaced that wonderful car with another Corolla.. a2023 hatchback XSE… sweet ride.

[@jbergcosta]

In my personal opinion, I think this car is really nice looking , confortable and roomy inside, thanks for your review

[@EyeofHorus2347]

Just bought a 2023 SE and I love it! If you are expecting a luxury sedan or high end vehicle, you will be disappointed, but if you take it for what it is, you will love this car. It’s not the econobox it once was and performs very well for what it is. If you can, test drive one and you might be impressed.

[@alengreen589]

I had in the past 3 Corolla´s and i must say it´s a good reliable car to drive from A to B. Thanks for the video.

[@stanleysourelis5104]

I really appreciate your comprehensive reviews. I believe I learn more of what is important to make a buying decision.

[@Doc1855]

I drove my 78 Corolla until it died in 02 with a whopping 488K miles on the original 4cyl. It had never been rebuilt. I replaced it with a 02 Camry 4cyl and drove it until my needs changed in 11. That’s when I bought my Rav 4WD Limited with the 269hp 3.5 V6 that I still drive today with only 105K miles. Not bad, I’m in my late 50s and have only had 3 daily drivers in 40+ years of driving. I’m thinking I’ll drive my Rav until I turn 70 and splurge on a Lexus RX hybrid or a Lexus RX EV and drive it until I die

[@Realistick]

That's insane that a car from the 70s could make it that far.

[@Doc1855]

@@Realistick The 78 Corolla was over built. I have 2 friends who put 350K miles on their 78 Corolla and the other one put 425K on his. I knew of an older woman who had a 78 but hers was a 3 spd automatic transmission and she still had just under 300K on hers when it died.

[@volimzbjeg]

@@Realistick With all these useless toys I don't think this model will make it that far.

[@volimzbjeg]

I'm servicing buses and my colleague mechanic drives a 2006 Corolla (E130) with over 600'000 kilometres or 370'000 Miles on the odometer. I own Corolla same model and the same year. My car has only 200'000 kilometres or 124'000 Miles on the odometer. I do oil and oil filters every 5000 kilometres or 3100 Miles or every three months, whichever comes first. Manual transmission, new coolant, brake fluid, every two years. I'm 58 years professional driver and serviceman and I think my car should last for another 20 years.

[@Doc1855]

@@volimzbjeg I’m sure your Corolla will

[@michaelw6277]

I bought a 2024 SE and I’m happy with my purchase. For the money it’s hard to beat even if Honda and Mazda both make pretty good cases for themselves. What’s nice about this segment is how much it’s improved over the last ten years alone, these are all legitimately great cars that don’t feel like penalty boxes.

[@abogoni]

Great car - used a hybrid hatchback for two weeks while our other car was in the panel shop. Pitty the back seats and boot space is the same as our 2016 Toyota Yaris. Aside from that I think its a great car - handles well and hybrid system is pretty good too. Suprising good pickup for a car that gets such good fuel economy. And also the hybrid take off experience is so much smother then these stupid stop and start cars.

[@voltd393]

I love my 2020 Corolla SE. I think it’s a preview of things to come when I’m ready for an xse or a nightshade

[@EdiLyon1]

I purchased my first Corolla back in '15, a 2016 SE model and I haven't had issues with that car whatsoever. I keep up with the maintenance and it's solid, specially if you do a lot of highway miles to and from work. For the price tag, it's really worth it in my opinion.

[@DeadofWinter321]

I had a 2016 Corolla LE. It was one of the worst vehicles I ever had. And getting Toyota to approve warranty work was like pulling teeth.

[@volimzbjeg]

Not anymore! From 2003 (E130) until now, Corolla has been my favourite compact car. Reliable, fuel-efficient, simple and easy to work on. They killed manual transmission and introduced many useless toys. Toyota most likely knows what they are doing and why, but from this point, the new Corolla is dead.

[@braetonwilson4296]

Great review! What really impressed me is that a tall man like yourself could sit behind yourself in the Corolla sedan! That means us average height people and shorter will have plenty of space and rear legroom! Awesome!

[@Realistick]

Thank you, I was definitely impressed by the sedan, quite well packaged!

[@aerochicc]

That's a fair review. As someone who has been test driving these lately, my only real criticism is that I find the high head rests mess with my sightline. I liked the interior look of the 2022 better too.

[@1Springloaded]

Great review. Thanks!

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching!

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Best in class !

[@Where2bub]

good to hear that a 6' 3" person can fit in the back, as an uber driver, that's exactly what I was looking to hear. Ideally it would've kept last years wheels with more sidewall on the tires, for more durability and softer ride, but at least it's a conventional nice looking car, with very good MPG. Does the hybrid ecvt also have that extra first gear? if so, that'd be a bummer.

[@nah3193]

The Corolla is still such a solid car. They really screwed up making the hatchback so small imo

[@Realistick]

I agree but there’s an impractical side of me that loves the look that comes from its compact dimensions, especially on the GR!

[@damilolaakanni]

One could get the Corolla as a wagon in Europe. That offers more space than the sedan and hatchback. Also, for a few years in the 2000's one could get a 7 seat MPV version called the Corolla Verso.

[@toddp7324]

I love that they kept it small. Most of its competitors have gotten way too large. If you have to carry people around, yeah, it might be a problem, but for those of us who drive solo most of the time, it's perfect.

[@Gropmag215]

I hear ya. It's probably because Toyota offers the Corolla Cross now.

[@breakerjohnson5481]

Don't we have enough SUV's on the road to choose from, they all have hatches too if you haven't noticed.🙄

[@raylivengood8040]

Good looking model 👍🏻

[@evolvedape2161]

I just bought one of these - the hybrid awd. Super love it

[@nbatalkz6635]

How much u Pay?

[@evolvedape2161]

@@nbatalkz6635 $30k. Definitely worth it!

[@Riley_1955]

I agree......Just bought me a 2023 Corolla hybrid LE AWD......Dealer in my town says I'm the first to order it with AWD....Estimated to get it in around 6 months.....Fingers crossed.

[@nbatalkz6635]

Total price?

[@Riley_1955]

@@nbatalkz6635 $29,000 OTD bought with LE Convenience package + floor mat package ......Picked it up on 2/25/23

[@MovieJustin]

Did you stick your phone mount on the interior glass of the loaner?

[@TrayCaddyyy]

I went with the 10th gen Civic over the Corolla, mainly because it’s trunk and backseat are bigger. The Corolla’s 2.0l engine and CVT seem superior to the Civic’s though.

[@jbandt]

I had the 2019 hatchback with the manual. Bummer toyota got rid of the manual, but I get it given the new GR.

[@thongtran37]

The new 2023 LE trim is the previous years SE trim...

[@darkrulier]

I'm digging that rear spoiler, is that a JDM part? The spoiler we get in the US is really small.

[@Mangokyaw]

Is the hybrid or the se or le more reliable? cuz

[@iangranados4899]

Is the 2023 se corolla does it’s new headlights work Better or much brighter than 20-22 year models?

[@volimzbjeg]

0:58, It is actually an extremely big deal for some of us, real drivers and real enthusiasts and people who like to work on our cars. For me personally, once they killed manual transmission Corolla doesn't exist anymore. Toyota Corolla was always a reliable, fuel-efficient car, and simple car easy to work on for every handy person with common sense.

[@Realistick]

I get it, I've almost exclusively bought manual transmission cars, I just find the addition of the GR Corolla to be a great way to compensate for enthusiasts (just not ideal).

[@toddp7324]

I completely agree. The GR Corolla is great and all, but it's really in a different class (way more money, way more power, etc.). So many small cars are losing their manual transmissions, and the Corolla was one of the last holdouts. I'm really glad I bought a 2022 hatchback 6MT last summer before they discontinued them.

[@FlyingGentile]

No manual going forward 😢. O well. Wanted to trade in my 2020 for this refreshed model Gr is a bit too expensive right now. But after college 👀 we shall see.

[@hondasine]

It is Best, bust not enough space backside seat and dashboard looks big from inside when you drive

[@Kevin83184]

Great!

[@JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk]

My brand new purchased (June 12, 2023) Corolla Hybrid LE was built in Mississippi which is far different from Japan.

[@ladye2818]

How have your first 2 weeks with your new car been?

[@surfinbird71]

Advice...even if you get the low level LE make sure you get the All-weather Floor Mats. Thank me later.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Truly excellent car. It is flat out smooth. There are awful roads in NJ and I sometimes get this car when I get Ubers or Lyfts. Every time I've been in one, especially this newest model, it is smooth and the hybrids even more so. It soaks up horrible roads in a plush but stable manner and feels well screwed together. I'm a Volvo owner and this car impresses me.

[@smh8824]

Anyone knows if the '23 Corolla Hatchback XSE has the moonroof? Is standard or an option? Thanks

[@Realistick]

Brochure will confirm it but it’s an option the last time I checked

[@KawasakiNinjaZX10R26]

How often should you change the CVT fluid?

[@Realistick]

Depends on your driving habits, I'd say 40k miles, Toyota says you can go up to 90k

[@KawasakiNinjaZX10R26]

@@Realistick Thank you for answering. I appreciate it. Great and thorough video.

[@alvinsimba734]

@@Realistick these cars are smooth no need to hit acceleration hard.

[@barrycrosby8602]

Things I don't understand about car manufacturers is why they only allow certain models in certain countries toyota do this an example is my toyota Corolla touring sports which is a great car far better than anything I have had before ie Ford/gm is only available in Europe strange as it would sell well in the US but at the same time we in the UK arnt getting the new Prius which looks great surely it wouldn't be difficult for manufacturers to supply from the UK where the European Corolla touring sports is made to the US and vice versa they seem to be limiting choice after all a road is a road

[@Realistick]

It really confuses me too, I'd love to make friends with the people that make those kind of calls to understand the reasoning.

[@sidneybequo5096]

Well,I live in Brazil, and here Toyota just makes the Corolla sedan, and I’d like the hatch one… :/ tense…

[@JoseRodriguez-ob2ge]

Does anyone know if the base model 2.0 liter is direct injection engine ?? I don't want to deal with that carbon build up later

[@katiecannon8186]

My understanding is that it is both direct & port injection. So the ports keep the valves clean.

[@justsomeone6835]

@@katiecannon8186yes you are correct a big plus when the big miles start adding up

[@drunkindecro]

Full review soon? It says the 9th in the description

[@Realistick]

Yes, next week, that was the date I was originally planning on!

[@drunkindecro]

@@Realistick looking forward to it!

[@markymarc4651]

Does this have auto stop start? Don't like that feature.

[@Brian-rf8hr]

No it doesn’t thank god

[@damilolaakanni]

Some Corollas are built in the US though...can't remember which ones and where in the US they're built though.

[@Realistick]

You're right, though my tester's VIN and stickers showed it was built in Japan, I'll insert a little disclaimer in the full review! I'll try to figure out which ones are the Mississippi cars.

[@alvinsimba734]

@@Realistick the ones from Mississippi start with a 5. I'm Canadian and the ones we gers are from Mississippi.... nothing wrong with them at all

[@benjaminbishop1576]

Reliability=Corolla! Fun to drive+Technology Coolness=Elantra SEL!

[@ladye2818]

What, no way! What happened?! Where were you driving 65mph?

[@saadtheman1]

1. Hyundai Recalls 239,000 Accent, Elantra Cars over Exploding Seatbelts 2. Hyundai and Kia Will Lose $2 Billion on Fixing Bad Engines This Quarter More than half of Hyundai's 3. The automakers reported 25 fires or melting incidents in the two countries caused by the problem, but no crashes or injuries. The recalls cover more than 245,000 Hyundai Palisade and over 36,000 Kia Telluride SUVs from the 2020 through 2022 model years. 4. Hyundai recalls over 53,000 vehicles due to faulty oil pump

[@kylebradley8963]

Pretty sure the 23 corolla does come in a manual

[@Realistick]

Not in the US unless it’s a GR

[@andreygareev1394]

reviewers need to stop complaining about hatchback cargo room. lets face it, if some1 needs a car with big cargo capacity, they should look at SUV and trucks. aside from that nice review. short, on point, well done.

[@Realistick]

Thank you, but to be fair, I used to sell cars and people care about the back seat and cargo in a hatch. I personally like the size and proportions, but it's a tradeoff that does turn away people and should be mentioned if you want to be objective!

[@mountainhobo]

"if some1 needs a car with big cargo capacity, they should look at SUV and trucks." -- There is a chasm between "tiny" and "big", and "usable" fits right in.

[@CMRinehart]

I just paid off my 19 Cruze LS I bought new with 29K, and there is no car in the world that would entice me to have payments for a long time

[@matrix-fh9tn]

Maybe last year but not this year. I'll buy the new Prius. Now the Corolla is uglier than the new Prius.

[@FrostbitexP]

Well the Prius is a more expensive car. And who knows how easily you will be able to get one.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

@@FrostbitexP True. But wouldn't you pay few grand more and get the better in almost everything, Prius? And agree on supply issue. Toyota better not fool around this time or many will leave to electric and won't come back.

[@DeadofWinter321]

It's not the best anymore ever since Hyundai/Kia revamped the Elantra/Forte. And Mazda redid the Mazda3 (which we can all agree has the most premium interior of any car in the class). The Corollas interior is rental car quality (cheap). The CVT causes very poor acceleration, they barely get out of their own way.

[@Realistick]

Id personally never buy a new kia or Hyundai after doing research on just their recent history of issues. The mazda3 is objectively great but not as spacious (talking sedans), as comfortable on bad roads, or as fuel efficient. The jetta feels like a rental car, the corolla is fine. It’s a matter of priorities but it does outsell everything shy of the Civic and there’s still a few good reasons why.

[@katiecannon8186]

@@Realistick. I’m getting ready to buy my new driver son a car. I’m torn between this and the Honda civic sedan (hatchback has too much of a blind spot). Which do you think is better for a new driver?

[@Realistick]

@@katiecannon8186 It depends on what your son likes. I have very limited experience with the Civic but the new HR-V (based on the Civic) handles super well and should be a little more entertaining the corolla. The corolla still wins when it comes to running cost though. I'd probably go with a Corolla if I was buying a car for a new driver but both are great options!

[@jimj2683]

Great reviews, but I think you would get more views if you reviewed more interesting and expensive cars. Making youtube shorts videos showing interesting features is a shortcut to gain subscribers.

[@Realistick]

Thank you! I've definitely tried my hand with various types of cars (with many more to explore), but I've found them to actually perform worse in most scenarios than your more average cars. I'm actually about to get more into shorts but only because they monetized. There's not a real shortcut to subs outside of high click thru rate and viewer retention.

[@netimage10s]

they should’ve never discontinued the 1.8 engine and replace it with that overengineered 2.0 pos

[@Realistick]

I’m pretty sure the 1.8 has had more problems than the 2.0 and could not find any evidence suggesting the 2.0 is remotely problematic.

[@lickpants69]

This car horrible almost got kill it lost control after 65 mph once losses control your on your own.

[@marshmower]

Stick or nothing. Done with Toyotas