Toyota Corolla Facelift Detailed Review - New 5th Gen Hybrid

A detailed review of the 12th generation (E210) Toyota Corolla Facelift with the 5th generation hybrid including a comprehensive overview of the interior and storage space. I drove it in the city, the country and on 70mph roads. I reset the trip computer to see what the efficiency is like on each drive. This particular car is the Excel Estate 1.8 litre Hybrid.
Trim levels:
Icon:
16” Alloys
12.3” Instrument cluster
10.5” Screen
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
Radar cruise control
Auto steering
Front + Rear parking sensors
Auto brake when parking
Reverse camera
Auto high beams
Wireless phone charger
Heated front seats
Pre-condition interior
Dual zone climate control
Design adds:
17” Alloys
Auto wipers
Privacy rear windows with UV filter
Power folding door mirrors
Electric boot with kick sensor (estate)
Ambient interior lighting
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Aluminium roof rails (estate)
GR Sport adds over design:
18” Alloys
Front sports seats cloth/fake leather
Red stitching
GR logos
Black roof rails (estate)
Black mirrors
Different front grill
Excel adds over design:
18” Alloys
Front sports seats real leather
Heads up display
Adaptive lights
Two rear USB type C
Blind spot monitoring
Rear air conditioning vents included on all the Estate models but only the Excel model for the hatchback
Panoramic roof available on the Design and Excel trim levels

[@camilstoenescu]

You're a better, thorough reviewer than most famous car reviewers out there.

[@mixedboi]

The famous car reviewers get cocky really quickly. Richard is a driving instructor and a car nut, the best guy to come to view a thorough review 😊

[@marklewis9638]

Could not agree more!

[@AdrianNelson1507]

You mean no persistent giggling throughout? You know who I mean 🤭

[@notnapoleondotnet]

For real. I've already passed my test and already own a car, but I just like watching Richard's content.

[@revolverocelot8924]

Update! Got a 2019 estate 😊

[@kamilk6807]

Wow. I paused the video just to say that in less than 6 minutes you've covered most of the questions I couldn't find answers to. Thank you. Grest job!

[@belizarius_997]

This must be the best, the most thorough and honest Corolla review I have ever seen. This channel deserves more views.

[@tonypg1204]

Great review! Please keep doing these because it's great to have an enthusiast's point of view on modern day cars. Unfortunately not many reviewers focus on the spirited, sporty and exciting side of driving combined with practicality and comfort. That is what makes your videos unique in my opinion.

[@brickmissing8295]

Great review. Depth, detail, entertaining presentation. 10/10

[@timjenkins8538]

Great review, Richard! I always enjoy your detailed car reviews.

[@geo30197]

One of the best reviews! This week I will receive my toyota TS 1.8

[@marianpopa7823]

Congratulations on such a well thought video! I have an estate Corolla myself and have been checking out reviews for the past two years (before and after delivery) and yours is so well made that I had to take a break and give it my full attention for the remaining 40 minutes. Keep up the good work! Great channel in general as well!

[@BrandonDMorrissey]

These car reveiws are great, you don't miss anything and that's what I like, keep it up! Thanks!

[@ukaszkraszewski4911]

Great, detailed review unlike other generic ones! I'm waiting to get my own 1.8 TS soon. Very excited. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@frazermountford]

I love how you review it from a practical and usability level rather than just marketing spiel

[@aexandereung5686]

I really don't and probably never will understand why North America gets the hatchback instead of the estate when there's a strong preference of space over compactness here. Hatchbacks are quite rare anyways, pickups and SUVs are the majority while sedan and vans take up a big portion of what's left.

[@davewebster1627]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@philipbolton2811]

Bought a new GR sport hatch in March and have done 8000 miles in it, absolutely love it and the main reason for buying it was for the economy. It hasn’t disappointed there with the long term average being 66mpg and a lot of that is on the M60! As a point I swapped a mark 8 Golf GTI for the Corolla and that was very poorly put together in comparison.

[@TangHeyman]

Thank you so much for this extremely organized detail review. This is the best overall estate that I've seen. I couldn't afford it now but I'll keep my old trusty civic to save up for that. Amazing work. Thank you once more.

[@wuvis]

Best Corolla review off all! I got mine in September and i love it.

[@user-oj6dx2sy9f]

This is a great review, Richard and I appreciate the longer-term insight and impressions that come from you having used the car for several months, on a range of different trips. You don't get this from other reviews I've watched. Your review wasn't available online when I made the decision to order a Corolla in August but it certainly adds to my confidence that I've made a sensible choice for a good all-rounder. Just waiting for the car to be built now - lead time is 4-5 months!

[@davidlang3625]

Thank you for your real world review of this real world car. Definately a car that I consider on my shortlist when I eventually come to change. I suspect the reason for its lack of popularity is that its not an SUV - a shame when estate cars really offer so much more to most people except maybe ease of gatting in and out. I find all your reviews and tests very interesting and helpful. You base your information on considered facts rather than hearsay. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@rightlanehog3151]

Richard, Thank you for this comprehensive and realistic review of the Corolla Touring Sports. Just about every fault built into the inexplicably cramped Corolla hatch and sedan has been corrected with the spacious Touring Sports. I find it particularly interesting that Toyota stretched the wheelbase for the European version of the Corolla estate in an effort to replace the Auris and Avensis estates which had preceded it. The only thing you are missing in the British-built version is the helpful all wheel drive Hybrid system available in Japanese Corolla estates, hatches and sedans. One of our Canadian reviewers had the chance to experience this car on a visit to Germany and described it as one of the best cars he had ever driven. What a pity we cannot buy them here.🤨

[@thekingdomofostroviainhoe3299]

I'm sure that the Auris Estate replaced the Corolla Estate in the UK when it came out, then it was itself replaced by the Corolla Estate in 2018/9?

[@barrycrosby8602]

Great review your the first presenter to not state that the cvt has a belt drive it's annoying when other channels don't do their homework, I've had my toyota Corolla touring sports estate for a couple of years a great car the fuel economy is unbeatable I've had mid 80s mpg averaging 70 mpg and you don't have to try hard to get this, the changeover from electric to petrol is seamless and the handling is good so are the breaks which are far better than other hybrids and most electric cars, a word of advice don't leave the ignition switched on for any period of time as I found out to my cost that this will drain the 12 v battery and the car won't start as the 12 v battery is required to operate the electronics on the hybrid system also neutral will drain the battery so don't use that either

[@adrianwhitehead1950]

Good review and glad you made the point about the transmission i.e. it’s e-cvt and not the belt and cone type. This powertrain is extremely smooth and very reliable - hence why cab drivers love them - as opposed to a standard cvt. Had a similar powertrain in a Lexus IS300h, made journeys very relaxing.

[@moonsapling]

Love this Corolla. Such an honest vehicle, plus the it is actually quite sporty and beautiful. Also I like the way you do reviews better than Matt from carwow!

[@marcproudfoot]

Just came across this video whilst browsing info on this car - I really like the pov camera views - makes a refreshing change from most reviews where we're looking at someone's face for 99% of the video. You've managed to combine sections where we see you in the car (like how you fit into the front seats etc), with the pov views that more accurately reflects how it would feel to be sitting in those seats - like it!

[@MrTaxidriver50005]

😊In case someone hasn't already said... Hooks in the back seat area are for cargo net which also fits onto the back of the rear bench once the seats have been folded down

[@fritsified5952]

Exactly, same as in the Auris Wagon that came before this one.

[@johnsummers9790]

I have just bought a 1.8 Icon Hatchback so I understood so many of his comments. I found this video excellent and he tells you much more than other videos I have watched.

[@markmartin328]

Thanks very much Richard. I'm planning on getting this exact model, even same colour. This is by far best Corolla review I've seen. Cheers Mate.👍

[@JacekS406]

This is the best Corolla review that I have seen.

[@marjanbatic2913]

I hope you enjoyed my country. Great review👍 Salute from Slovenia 🇸🇮

[@edsmith4268]

Great review as always Richard. I tried a 2.0 one of these the other day and was very impressed. Agree with your conclusion in that it's the everyday car that people should buy. The 2.0 was rather quick up to about 30mph due to the electric motors, but did struggle a bit at motorway speeds (I usually drive cars with a fair bit more power). Very impressed with the fuel economy!

[@dancooper2072]

Struggle at motorway speeds? What are you talking about? If this is the case (I have the old 1.8), you are either overweight or you are speeding. This car is fine on the motorway,.dont talk nonsense

[@edsmith4268]

​@@dancooper2072 No need to be rude is there? The 2.0 Corolla has peak torque at over 4000rpm, so you get a bit of a dead spot between the electric motor torque tailing off and the combustion engine getting up to speed. This is probably less noticeable in the 1.8 as peak torque for the combustion engine is at a lower rpm. As said in my comment, I am used to higher powered vehicles i.e 600nm of torque from 1300rpm (vs ~120nm at similar engine speed in a corolla). So acceleration between 50-70mph (to me) feels slow. But I still found the car very impressive. In fact, it was impressive enough that I will likely purchase one for a family member in the near future.

[@RedPanda_______]

Fantastic review! Please continue to review cars, your reviews are always great and informative!

[@humbledgentileimage4448]

Best review I’ve seen thank you! You gave me ALL of the information I need to make an important decision. Especially regarding the differences between the older/newer revision. Easily earns a sub from me, thanks again!

[@Marc98338]

Really nice review man. i was considering a 2021 or this new one. This video helped me a lot on making that decision. Cheers!

[@bangi2757]

The best and most detailed review I ever saw. You have a new fan.

[@Chipchase780]

Superb presentation. Clear, informative, detailed. Im very likely picking up one of these tomorrow, a 2019 2.0 excel hybrid sports touring, 27k on the clock. This has pretty much convinced me it’s a good choice. If I get a decent trade in price for my tired Skoda I’ll be coming back in an eye catching Corolla in solar grey.

[@andreitudoroprea9733]

Hey dude! First time watching one of your videos. You did a fantastic job talking about this car! I watch a lot of Toyota videos, specially Corollas. You gotta be the most honest reviewer of this car. I previously owned a 2007 Rav4 and I own a 2022 CX5 and thinking about a second car - a touring/estate model. This one is on my short list! ❤

[@neutralcorner5950]

Great detail on the length, comparable boot sizes etc etc. details I have not seen elsewhere 👍🏻

[@Jimmy510s]

The most detailed review ever!!! Thx :)

[@Leehuss5582]

I drove one 5months ago and WISHED I could trade in my 2018 Auris Hybrid. The car was perfect in every way, the ride cabin space my GOD the MPG just PERFECTION..

[@dmc9487]

A thorough review. First watch of your channel. I am impressed. Everything covered. I didn't know if you had your Toyota serviced just before it's 10th birthday they warranty it until it is virtually 11 years old. My 8 year old Yaris will get its *Relax warranty service the week before. Brilliant bit of news. Thank you.

[@NigelFoster1969]

What a superb reviewer you are 👏

[@revolverocelot8924]

Brilliant and thorough review 😊 I think this just might be my next car.

[@klackon1]

What an excellent review. As a result of watching this, I viewed your RAV 4 review and I have now subscribed.

[@avinashclt]

Someone appreciated the benefit of the wheel type adjuster for seat backrest and how they help to get the perfect position. That's all I need to subscribe 😊. Very detailed and informative review of the car, appreciating many little aspects like the replaceable headlamp outer lens etc.

[@davidr7033]

Good review. We have had a 2.0 litre estate Corolla (Excel model) from new. It’s an excellent car: comfortable, good performance and very pleasant to drive. My wife loves driving it too. You are right to be concerned about corrosion on the brake disks. Both rear disks on our car had to be replaced at the third service. The car encourages smooth driving, so much of any slowing down is done by regen through the hybrid system. This is the only issue we have had with the car: no initial problems and nothing has gone wrong in 26,000 miles. Overall fuel consumption, measured from full to full fuel tank has been just over 53 mpg. This has involved a lot of motorway driving, at 70 mph where possible. Cross-country drives (ie single carriageway roads) and urban driving give better intermediate fuel consumption figures than faster cruising - just like a fully electric car. I’m surprised that Richard managed even 42 mpg on his continental road trip with bicycles on the roof rack.

[@jonharry6293]

Have to say that’s a fantastic review well done young man!

[@jctoyou]

What a fantastic review that was I liked and subscribed brilliant

[@vectracdx01]

thanks for the comments on the steering, that explains everything for me

[@Michalaniol487]

If a certain car model is the most popular among Uber drivers, you need to know that it is the best choice.😊

[@OgechukwuBenedict]

Absolutely great review!

[@billbow7757]

Great review. Subscribed

[@jnspinola]

Well done, great review!

[@chrischisnall6966]

Best car review I've seen, well made, clear, concise and answered all the questions I could have asked. Excellent review, thank you, please do more.

[@flightnorton]

Yes indeed, greetings from germany😀

[@matsboswijk4985]

Great review. Now I want one.

[@Roadrunnerz45]

amazing. visual perspective would tell you the estate is much longer than the hatch but actually less than 30cm! and the boot size is amazing

[@triumf34dante55]

Best channel now. In detail and quick. Could u make video on what they exactly changed for 2023 in detail

[@benlarmour5363]

Nice to see a real world review very helpful indeed.

[@MysteriousDrJ]

1.8 litre engine 2ZR-FXE. 2.0 litre engine M20A-FXS. The 2 litre engines complex cylinder block design, combined with the lazer-clad valve seats, makes this engine a more likely "throw away" engine if it needs any rebuild later in life. The 1.8 has existed forever in varying forms over the years, keep up with servicing and you would never likely have trouble with it.

[@Markoliver2]

Richard, a brilliant review of an excellent car. You seem to know it all off the top of your head and it was so easy to listen to. I own an Icon estate and love it but it has two very minor niggles for me. One the mirrors don't fold when you park and two there are far too few cubby holes to put things like sun glasses or keys or pens except the centre arm rest box or the glove box. I often want these things to hand while I get in and out ofthe car all day long. However I love the styling especially at the front and my 2.0 litre will shift when i ask it to to over take on the motorway. A brilliant car and a brilliant review. Thank-you. 😊

[@mrmattcoombs]

This car is on my radar to replace my diesel A4 2.0, as it's now at 120k miles and is beginning to die slowly. Spent a lot of money on it recently and beginning to think it won't have the Toyota longevity I've had in the past. My old Avensis 2.0 done 200k without a single problem. Nice review, thorough and in-depth, just found your channel and am an instant subscriber.

[@gadois8674]

really useful and comprehensive review

[@jonathanmoller-elm2885]

At 11:13, u say ”this i don’t get”. Same. The only thing i get about it is me hitting my knee so damn hard in it sometimes. Another thing i don’t really enjoy about it is how noisy it gets on highways. Great video!

[@robinjones6999]

Best reviewer out there by a country mile

[@Sheltie1001]

Really enjoyed that as I own a Yaris hybrid. Great stuff.

[@danielgriffiths8754]

Very good description I like the video a lot I might get a hybrid in the future like you to Loughton carrying a good work😂

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

What an excellent choice of car! Congratulations on the buy!

[@RichardFanders]

Thanks Artem.

[@SergioGarcia-jg3yy]

Wow! Impressive review! You covered everything. Good job! This will probably be the car to replace my old 330000 kms. 2G Prius when it decides to fail, but perhaps I'll have to wait until 2030... These things are reliable!

[@scottscottydog]

Great review, Thankyou, may of even changed my mind from a hatchback to the estate. 👍

[@paulking8032]

Great review ..... love my Corrolla hybrid hatch. Only downside boot space.

[@GLooky]

Awesome review thanks

[@audaciousifti]

You're telling me this guy teaches people how to drive, AND reviews cars I can't get in the States? Fantastic, that's a sub

[@flitsertheo]

In the States you can get the hatchback and sedan. We don't get the sedan in Europe.

[@Kacpa2]

​@@flitsertheo EDIT: We have sedan Corolla atleast in Poland, its a bit weird its not offered in some countries, You still could import polish market sedan and use it if you like. Its just its rare as its status buy here, while hatch and especially wagon is bought by majority for utility. Same for business fleets or police, its all wagons.

[@flitsertheo]

@@Kacpa2 In Belgium Toyota doesn't sell the sedan that I am sure and I have seen several videos where they stated the sedan wasn't sold in Europe. Maybe you can get a few through "grey" import but most likely not through official dealers. Anyway, if you check the Toyota websites of each European country it's easy to find out which ones sell the sedan.

[@Kacpa2]

@@flitsertheo I still see it on brochures and on toyota's polish website. Maybe they just removed it from offer in belgium specificly. I heard and seen many unique variants of cara for belgium, maybe its reverse case, they offer Touring as both premium and useable variant or relegate that to Camry. Here we have both so i am not sure why its not sold in your country.

[@flitsertheo]

@@Kacpa2 I checked the Belgian, Dutch, French, Luxembourg, German and Polish websites. Poland is the only one to offer the (2024) sedan.

[@marcusireland5696]

For getting rust off of the disks I would recommend getting up to a decent speed like 60-100 km/h and putting the car in neutral and hitting the breaks moderately, putting the car in neutral disables the hybrid system so the car uses its disk brakes. This is works on the 2022 Toyota Corolla Sedan Australian model and should also work on yours too.

[@planbparadise2046]

I love that you quickly can get the backrest all the way back for a quick nap very fast - those clever Japanese.

[@jazzyb8886]

Great review Richard. One reason the fuel light may come on early is that on most Toyotas the fuel pump is within the fuel tank and so it uses the cold gasoline to keep itself cool. If you run it too low and too often, you risk ruining the fuel pump which means replacing the entire tank. Your final conclusions were spot on - why don't more people drive hybrids? I guess badge has a lot to do with it and the comment you made about the interior...if they spent more money on making the interior plush, then the price would go up or they would need to cut cost elsewhere and with Toyotas and most Japanese brands, the engineering under the bonnet is typically what you're paying for.

[@neilgoddard9613]

Thanks Richard for your excellent review. I ended up buying a 2.0 Excel touring estate on the strength of this review and our satisfaction with our other Toyota hybrid, a Yaris. Your reviews are super detailed and cover everything a potential buyer might like to know. Sadly one feature missing from the 2023 model is the under bumper boot opening sensor to activate with your foot.

[@danielfalin]

wow, you are very good at this also, better than the journalists

[@midinotes]

Best car review I've seen, seriously considering to buy one of these Toyotas now. How does the audio system sound? I see there's no option to upgrade it. Smart looking car, I would probably have the pano roof though as the headlining looks a bit dark.

[@RichardFanders]

The standard sound system seems better than most standard systems I've tried.

[@ElSanti4608]

Extremely useful video, very well presented

[@gingerb36]

A very good review, well done

[@mjcharlton71]

My 2021 TS Trek goes in late March, replaced by a nice new TS Excel... very much one of the best cars I've ever owned. Not at all super exciting, but just really, really, solid and fits our lifestyle perfectly (2 dogs and regular family trips). Love it!

[@Lolingtoner]

Greetings from Slovenia! Hope you enjoyed your travel

[@RichardFanders]

We did thank you!

[@mixedboi]

Toyota always takes a safe approach on what works and has done for a long time, that's why their infotainment systems look a bit behind the times, Lexus (toyota) is one of the most reliable premium brands of all time yet it also uses a bit out of date tech for the interior. Does it mean it's bad? Not in my opinion, they focus on their thing, which is to make owning a vehicle a trouble free experience, reliability isn't boring in my book. E.g 1989 Lexus LS 400, Toyota Land Cruiser, veterans in longevity. Great review Richard, cheerio 👍

[@Yadmeister]

splendid review!

[@wardenstone6021]

Gotta love the ejector seat joke

[@JW-wp8rp]

When you fold the back seats down, you can still put the netting up to stop bags coming forward.

[@e210touring]

Im really happy with my 2023 GR-Sport!

[@comeonman7423]

Amazing review, I think this is as close as it gets to driving the car itself. Thank you! Do you reckon this would be a good vehicle to teach driving in? You think it would hold up well against the seat?

[@nllewellin]

I have 2020 1.8 Hatchback. I get 74mpg (fill to click method) and 78MPG (car trip computer) on motorway journeys in UK, travelling at 58 indicated (55mph actual) in cruise on eco mode. Windows closed, no aircon. I get an estimated range of 660mi when filling up (42l tank) on E10.

[@greeksilversheep1603]

Hey, I really liked the review. I know you've done the mazda 2, but could you also try out the toyota yaris? Ive seen lots of tests and I'm very inconclusive. Some are saying the average consumption is early 3 to 4 litres /100km while others are saying 4.5-5.5 l / kmh. Id also love your input in other aspects of the car that differ from the mazda 2. Thanks!

[@BigBadBalrog]

That thing seems like a spaceship next to my '06 Corolla S 😅 Makes me look forward to the day that an upgrade is in the cards that much more

[@the6thgate]

Exchanged my 2019 for a 2023 1.8 model, find it much better then expected! ACC is more nervous but keeps a shorter distance en reacts sooner as well, lane assist works much better. Drivetrain is less noisy (it’s still a CVT). Better infotainment system. Overall much more refined and now packed with options (BP model). Btw, I have to use the kick sensor with kicking straight ahead😂 from side to side doesn’t open my trunk.

[@kubek555]

Nice car and a very informative video. I am wondering what sort of audio system you get in these cars and how it sounds.That's also quite important for potential buyers.

[@RichardFanders]

All get 6 speakers, I forgot to mention it. Better than most standard systems I've tried but I wouldn't call it special.

[@0bzen22]

I want to put a JBL BassHub where the spare wheel should be (and maybe a rear spare wheel if there is room). With the battery in the boot (2.0L), that looks feasible. And upgrade the speakers later I guess, this is easy to do. I don't expect fireworks from the base system.

[@spamfremail]

Had ours since July. Love it in general. We do mostly short trips and a few longer 2-3 hour return trips every few months. Getting 63mpg. There are quibbles. One thing drives me nuts is the excess of bongs and bings, especially when you get out. It can bong at you with no obvious reason why. Also, proactive drive assist is kind of an amazing feature but in reality is too intrusive. It does brake you a LOT. My Mrs hates it! I only use it in particular circumstances like being on unfamiliar roads. I very deliberately got the base model because I don’t want 17inch alloys that are less comfortable, negatively impact fuel consumption, and my Mrs (and me!) will scuff up and make me nervous every time I park. Also the base model has all the kit you want really: heated seats, keyless, all the same tech toys just not the ambient lighting or the electric tailgate. I can confirm the base model has auto headlights as well and that they are super bright. Just not the fancy DRLs around the headlight edges that do look good. But for me the extras on design over icon are not really worth it.

[@welshrecon]

Really nice review mate - you should do this for a living.

[@sadnanmamun]

Feels refreshing to see someone love great normal cars so much. Good lad

[@yoonkongloke7388]

Very informative review, thank you! Couldn't help but notice though that there was more background road noise in the Corolla than the Mazda 3 you tested on the dual carriageways. Perhaps Mazda has better sound insulation against tyre roar?

[@RichardFanders]

That is a particularly noisy road but the Mazda probably has more sound insulation.

[@vasts1479]

This is one of the best car reviews I have ever watched. Well done!

[@AD_EL_]

here before 1M subscribers , hope you all well

[@andrewgay7529]

Excellent video.

[@rad1sh480]

Excellent review, very informative. Can I ask what colour red that is please? I'm considering the Scarlet Flare, but yours looks different? Many thanks.

[@swyles64]

Because of this video I have brought a 2024 Excel 1800 140 bhp I pick it up around the 20th March here in UK @ £33k (with extras) I got a good discount, so thank you for doing the video

[@tortozza]

You mean you've bought, not brought

[@clyde34]

You actually can turn off Lane Tracing Assist without fiddling with menus. Just hold the LTA/LCA toggle button until the icon disappears from the dash. Many of the wheel buttons have secondary hold functions.