Toyota Corolla GR Sport 2023 Review: The best hybrid family car you can buy?

[@thamil1365]

In carplay just press the Toyota icon to go back to the main infotainment screen

[@RavisherDevil]

ikr how simple is that?

[@markl8740]

​@@RavisherDevileverything is easy..... when you know how!

[@mikekelly7550]

And it’s left out the manual - class ! 🎉

[@podge5555]

Still definitely one of the best looking hatches on the market

[@graemewhitehead6233]

B mode utilises engine braking - it doesn’t provide more power into the hybrid battery, it’s only to be used on big hills to protect the brakes (see the manual)

[@harryspeakup8452]

correct - B mode does not harvest power, it throws power overboard

[@toninocars]

B mode it does harvest more power when selected initially but then it wastes this power immediately after that. It’s tricky.

[@graemewhitehead6233]

If you need more legroom in the back and a bigger boot, there is the Touring Sports estate. . . Longer wheelbase & huuuge boot (with loads of features)

[@harryspeakup8452]

That is very much the answer to the Civic. I'm very happy with my 2020 2.0 Touring

[@ynwa3476]

I currently own the Excel 2.0 litre model. I am giving it back to Toyota on Sunday and getting a brand new 23 plate (also 2.0 excel).

[@RussMEagle]

The 2023 version drives really nicely and the new screens are a great upgrade.

[@MrAndinho1]

4:10 The Toyota app takes you back

[@piotrbieda5912]

In terms of getting back to Toyota menu just touch the Toyota icon in apple mode like in any other manufacturer system just press the make icon /logo and you will get back to car system 😉

[@shaunm9928]

Great honest review Chris - reliability normally great - had 3 years worry free motoring from an Aygo - seems a bit small but I am a tiny little man so no worries - 🙂

[@mikem2652]

Good review …. I think people are aware of the shortfalls of space but and it’s a big but for me, excellent build quality, tech for hybrid is 25yrs and proven. Coupled with exceptional reliability and dealers here in UK who can’t do enough to help you, it’s a win win! Oh and 10 yr warranty too! 👍

[@anthonystevens8683]

A great balanced review Chris. For me it's a move forward from the pre-face lift version and dare I say it it's a bit captain sensible, and that's a good thing. Yes there are some shortfalls compared to the other options in the class but as you rightly point out if you look at the complete package of cost and warranty it's definitely worth considering. Other points of consideration for some may be the residual value compared to other options that may sway a purchase decision.

[@steveallsopp4434]

Why would you need or want to send audio to rear speakers only if you have children in the car? Never heard or even thought I would need this function on a car?

[@jacobhall979]

If the kids want pepper pig on repeat you can move the speakers to the back only

[@Ambienfinity]

I think the Estate (or Suzuki Swace) is a much more appealing package, practicality wise.

[@harryspeakup8452]

yep, the estate is the one to have

[@petertysoe3832]

Yes, because apart from the much larger boot it also has more back seat room, because it has a longer wheelbase.

[@marinoint]

If I want a hatchback because of practicality, I'd rather get the wagon version.

[@the6thgate]

Need to replace the 2019 company car Corolla Estate 1.8 after the summer, didn't have 1 issue in 4 years. After test driving some other cars I've chosen another Corolla and ordered the 2023 Estate as I still think it's one of the best in it's class. The CVT is a bit of getting used to in the beginning but now I've driven other models I apreciate the instant torque and linear acceleration more than I realized. With the updated drive train, infotainmentsystem and a higher trim level this time, it ticks nearly all boxes.

[@gregmullins6927]

The Corolla would be better when it comes to parking,nice review mate 👍

[@tavorrulez]

The reason why the boot and rear passenger space is smaller is because this hatchback is the only hatchback out of its rivals in its class to be equipped with double wishbone suspension in the rear

[@Manc-fh5we]

2L is one to go for. Bigger battery, more power, just under 200 bhp and more efficient too. I do a 50 mile round trip every Saturday mainly A roads. I get around 68 mpg every time. Top tip. Use the radar cruise control which makes the car run in economy and regen braking whenever possible. Just dab the break and resume to bring it on and off where you can. With regards to Honda. Toyota is more stylish, a lot cheaper far better dealer network and warranty.

[@user-xi6qs8dz1x]

toyota is a good car

[@peteg8920]

Apart from faster acceleration , would you say there was any other great improvement on the 120 hp 1.8 ?

[@Kxshk9]

Ordered one myself

[@kimcollis9481]

Been driving mine for a week now. The manual is a bit pants, or perhaps better to say the index is pants. Biggest surprise was lack of an emergency wheel and a very complicated description in the manual for instigating the 'get you home' repair. I don't fancy having to read through this section again by the roadside on a wet winter night.

[@darrenmaxwell3103]

The gear change puts me off buying. Wanted that cleared up. Thanks, high revs without changing uo gears puts me off.

[@RussMEagle]

The B mode does not regenerate the battery.

[@davidgibsonphotography]

I have had the 2021 version of the GR Sport in Touring Sports guise with the 1.8l engine. Ideal for urban living.....out on the motorways it performs as a 1.8l petrol would...very little hybrid support. One thing to consider from my experience is the short sevice interval......so if like me you drive a lot you will be paying Toyota premium servicing costs more regularly to maintain your warranty

[@0bzen22]

The regular hatchback makes little sense IMO. The Civic is far better, and yeah, it's bigger. The Estate brings more practicality, so while the Civic is better overall, it's a toss up. I love estates, and I love their hybrid drive train (it's the old Prius system, very clever, reliable and efficient), so Corolla for me. But if you don't care about any of that, the Civic E:Hev is a better buy, even if a little bit more expensive. Either, you'll have to wait months anyway, minimum 6 months. If you don't care about hybrids, then probably a diesel Octavia (for the long roads), or some other (probably still a Skoda in some form).

[@mjkmob]

The availability of the Civic is poor and its not available as a stationwagon. So I went for the Corolla TS.

[@andreiarama8745]

In all areas this car screams - THIS IS GOOD ENOUGH, PEOPLE WILL BUY IT ANYWAY! In Toyota they said : we have the best hybrid power unit on the market, everything else could be $hit - the dials, infotainment system,boot capacity (specially for the 2.0l), design of the interior

[@graemewhitehead6233]

They have made the shape & styling more appealing, at the consequence of practicality. Estate version is bigger in the back and the boot (obviously)

[@robtt997]

All our local taxi drivers have them on lease . They like the fact they are easy to clean inside after people vomit in them . They charge £50 to the miscreant

[@Manc-fh5we]

Very disingenuous comment. People can choose to spend their money on whatever they want. It’s no coincidence the Corolla is the best selling car in the world. I’ve just had a test drive in the 2023 GR sport and it’s great. Customer service, warranties and reliability are ail first class. Why do you think so many taxi drivers use them? I’ll be swapping my Porsche Macan for one asap.

[@barrycrosby8602]

Don't understand the hype around the civic it looks like it has been haphazardly put together is massively overpriced and despite the claim in the video its hybrid system is nowhere near as good as toyota which is and always has been the king of hybrids, I have had a Corolla for a few years and can't find any faults with it a great car

[@adilkhan-of9pw]

where can i get them wheels from any help

[@bigicar8007]

you have to tap Toyota app to home screen

[@forevered4270]

Small boot you say, a couple of times. So why not do what all other good car reviews do, and actually tell us what capacity it is ?

[@NotNowCato1254]

For someone like me who keeps a car for many years it would be one of these over any other make as it's very likely to not break and therefore cost less over time. The Honda would no doubt be good but as a long term prospect? Toyota hybrid tech is a couple of generations ahead of Honda and is less complex and better packaged I believe. Also the Toyota CVT is as mechanical and simple as poss - the Honda's is far more complex - would worry me 5 - 7 years down the line. I just wish all this nannying active safety stuff was optional. The European brands: all very nice until the cars age - then it's time to sell a kidney...

[@petermartin4675]

What about a spare wheel.

[@ewaf88]

It's the design of the rest that lets it down

[@marktaylor9166]

It’s one big drawback is it’s too small and cramped

[@pfernandes6578]

Hello, the Civic is a hatchback?? Thanks

[@harryspeakup8452]

yes

[@chitpaul]

The touring / estate is better but that much bigger.. makes this look small.

[@toyotaprius79]

No reason why the Corolla (the wagon especially) can't come as a plug-in hybrid

[@KarlkEst]

No reason to have it as a plug-in-hybrid? Very good fuel consumption as is and adding weight/complexity wouldn’t make it better. New Corolla really drives very good (not driven the GR version) even compared with much more expensive cars. Simply usable interior, only gripe is the CVT but as a commuter car for most people it is good enough.

[@harryspeakup8452]

@@KarlkEst I;d prefer mine as a plug-in

[@stevencampbell1150]

Wouldn't have one about me as I hate CVT gearboxes for a start.

[@khalidlatif6200]

Even Toyota Corolla is good car, it feels dated. Great Shame, very good car, I would buy the Honda every time.

[@evostu]

It's a great car, but the Civic beats it in every area except the warranty.

[@Andy-zi1wj]

It doesn't beat the corolla for refinement having driven both the civic has to much road noise also noted on other reviews

[@Goku-sm4pc]

Toyota think everyone outside of japan is 5 Ft nothing and size 6 skinny women

[@Benzknees]

Why are so many manufacturers only fitting auto gearboxes now? It's a guaranteed no-no for many like myself,

[@harryspeakup8452]

Better prepare to start walking then. The market has made its judgement: the overwhelming majority of sales are for two-pedal cars now, as a matter of consumer choice

[@Benzknees]

@@harryspeakup8452 - I know someone who specialises in rebuilding auto gearboxes & he says he would never buy an auto! Like EVs, they're for mugs.

[@davidjackson7217]

@@Benzknees they have been driving them in the USA for years with 200k + miles. ZF auto boxes and Toyotas are extremely reliable. The main reason they are now auto is due to the lane keep assist and auto distance cruise control

[@jesoby]

Because using a clutch in stop start creeping city traffic is a drag and can cause strain.

[@stevebarila9917]

The Corolla has always been a shoebox on wheels. Now its just an expensive shoebox on wheels.

[@rasherbasher8203]

We want gr Corolla not this nonsense...💤

[@chriswright4252]

Boring

[@davidjackson7217]

Having owned Alfa Romeo, Mercedes, BMW. I tell you what is boring waiting for the recovery truck with 2 kids in the back of the car on the A1. Give me a ‘boring’ Toyota any day!

[@chriswright4252]

@@davidjackson7217 boring boring boring

[@davidjackson7217]

@@chriswright4252 inarticulate

[@bloodynorahvan2203]

How awful sounding is that engine, revving away for no particular reason when you accelerate? Bears no relation to what's expected. Give me an EV any day - total silence, or a full ICE car. Hybrids really are the worst of all worlds, especially Toyotas