Toyota Corolla hybrid 2021 review: ZR hatch long-term - Can it change your mind about hybrids?

00:00 Intro
02:02 Like #1
03:09 Like #2
06:22 Like #3
09:06 Dislike #1
10:48 Dislike #2
12:44 Dislike #3
14:18 Conclusion
NOTE: An earlier version of this video was removed due to an error. We have corrected this, and uploaded a freshly updated version of this video.
Are you a Toyota Corolla sceptic? CarsGuide journalist Tom White was, but then he spent three months living with the 2021 Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch.
He knew this generation Corolla hatchback - launched in 2018 - was a new beast entirely to the old whitegoods-on-wheels Corolla models of old.
He knew this car had helped bring hybrid technology to the masses in an accessible way, and that it was one of the vehicles that first wowed people with Toyota’s new TNGA chassis philosophy. But Tom wanted to know - and he wanted to tell you - whether it would it really be any good to live with, or just another drab Toyota like the previous Corolla was?
When he was handed the keys to a top-spec Corolla ZR, it came at a good time. He and his partner had been canvassing new hatchback options, and they’d just come out of a long-term loan of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo - a car of the same size, but with a totally different approach.
How did the Corolla stack up? Did it woo Tom and his partner from their previous hot Hyundai? And did it turn this Corolla sceptic into a convert - and should it turn you into one, too?
Read Tom's full review: carsgui.de/2Mdh7R6
Visit our Toyota Corolla hub: carsgui.de/2vqGgJs
Check out our Urban guide: carsgui.de/2Jz14Ig
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[@leadvendor]

Goodness like all car reviews how did we get on before cars where judged by how many cup holders,door bins,soft door trims and such ... all this stuff is just red herring and fluff most people just want to know is this a good reliable fair priced vehicle that they can depend on.

[@muhammadbaqir7472]

Excellent review. Keep up the good job 👍

[@kennethlai1341]

Thanks for Very thorough explanation, thinking to get one for a family car & my kids to practice as they start getting their driving license in Sydney

[@therealjeffg]

Great long term review, heaps to useful detailed information on what it is like to live with. Can’t wait for the hot hatch and I wish Toyota would make the hybrid sedan’s with the increased space less boring.

[@Heavy_Jay]

Brilliant explain.👌🏽 thanks for sharing.

[@joelebloggs7657]

I have owned my Corolla ZR Hybrid here in NZ from new for seven months now and can say this is a perfect review. Only negatives are the lack of storage space, and tyre rumble at speed on highway chip seal roads. Far more positives which are covered well here. I'm getting 4.1 l/100km. on average. The change from engine to electric is seamless. A very relaxing vehicle in crawling traffic as it operates silently.

[@subazealand9158]

How's been the car on road trips? Is it comfortable and economical?

[@Archie6666]

Agree with the higher end speeds, but lower end it’s very good. The instant torque between 0-60 is great, and let’s be honest, that’s most of our driving.

[@Martinko_Pcik]

Isn't that annoying to anyone else when they ask to like and subscribe before they actually show anything useful in the video ?

[@theranjithjay]

I bought an SX Corolla Hatch Hybrid and it’s arriving in Australia in January 2022 this month.

[@giribharath625]

Thank you for your review, I love your reviews, can I request you to explain differences between the three trim levels mainly SX and ZR Hybrid

[@Shado99]

I believe the SX is the same as the base Ascent Sport model, both have the same interior and exterior but the SX adds wireless phone charging and thats pretty much it. The ZR is the game changer with more added features. Leather seats instead of cotton with the option of black or red, 8 speakers for the audio system instead of 6, a blue speedometer instead of white with a customisable HUD, and 18 inch alloy wheels instead of 16. However ive been told that all 3 models (ascent sport, sx and zr) have the same engines so they all have the same performance. I did a test drive in both the petrol and hybrid and ended up ordering the petrol version cause while the hybrid saves you fuel and its quieter, it trades in the performance if you wanted to speed up. The petrol version took roughly 5 seconds to go from 0-80km/hr while the hybrid took double that time (both were done in the test drive on an inclined road btw)

[@martiedoherty5765]

With all those info displays set up , I would worry that they would distract me from texting while driving.

[@randomfootages9120]

Love my Prius AWD 2020 getting 4.1l/100 or 57 mpg only in summer time but in winter 🥶 reduced to 5.5 l/100

[@quinniequinster3180]

Hi! Would be keen to here a review on this model but the petrol version :)

[@johnlloyd5610]

I have a corolla ZR Thanks to your video but can't find how to setup auto door locking when you drive off can you help please

[@MegaMijit]

is this color available in US??? that's a beautiful blue!!

[@TheEmperorOfTheWorld]

I don't get the criticism about the fuel economy at motorway speeds. Is he saying that it's disappointing that it's "only" just as frugal on the motorway as in town or that it's not very frugal at all on the motorway?

[@terenceting26]

I hypermile just like you do, my long term average is 4.3L/100km, it's been 5000km.

[@AkhonaNgquba]

This is impressive

[@uriulrich4918]

I did a one hour test drive. I brought back to the dealer with 3.6l/100km economy. That was with the Estate/Wagon tho.

[@Clove_Parma]

@@uriulrich4918 the wagon has a different chassis than this though it must be noted. The hatch is wider and likely less aerodynamic as a result. The sedan can get 3.5L/100km which is pretty impressive as well, while having the wider body like the hatch

[@mikesanders5433]

Great review, it’s a shame you guys don’t get the 2.0 (185bhp) over there. It’s a superb unit that has significantly improved refinement especially out of town and had a big leap in performance over the 1.8 setup for only a small trade off in outright mpg. I have average mid 50’s mpg without trying. I have a 2.0 GR and it’s superb as a frugal, nippy, quiet daily driver.

[@danny1191]

I'm also very happy with my 2.0 hybrid.

[@Clove_Parma]

We are getting a facelift shortly, we can only hope that the 2.0L arrives with it!

[@theranjithjay]

Do we need to press B in the gear shift when coming down a hill ?

[@adz5936]

I wish they would put the 2.0 litre hybrid in like they get in the Euro market. 135 kw would be pretty sweet combo of more power plus frugal fuel economy.

[@uriulrich4918]

I drove the 1.8l it's fast enough for me. If you floor it constantly it will also not get that good in terms of fuel economy. I drove it one the Autobahn with 180km/h (Which is it's top speed).

[@aaronb6390]

​@@uriulrich4918 The idea behind all these hybrid cars is to save money and fuel, and emissions. Having driven both the 1.8 and 2.0, I prefer the 2.0, but that is also because I live in an area with lots of hills. The 1.8 always felt like it was pushing hard, the 2.0 is easy and effortless.

[@danny1191]

@@aaronb6390 I have also the 2.0 hybrid. Very good car.

[@Roadrunnerz45]

yeah thats something to take note of - the back door not opening very far. quite bizarre

[@rickadrian2675]

Great review, however I am a bit disappointed in the fuel consumption. I am driving a 2010 Camry Hybrid (120k) and was thinking of moving to a Corolla as I don't need all the space and would like to save on fuel. Problem is that I am currently getting 5.7l/100km in my Camry. Given the $10-$15k I would need to add to get into a newer Corolla it would take about 500,000km to get my money back. New is nicer, but the numbers just done add up.

[@Clove_Parma]

If you want the best fuel economy go for the Corolla hybrid sedan. It’s more aerodynamic so gets 3.5L/100Km. That’s about the lowest it’ll be possible to get on a non plug-in hybrid

[@adifferentangle7064]

I don't think fuel economy by itself is enough reason to upgrade from your car. If yours doesn't play the economy game and score your driving, and you would like driving like a nanny to be a lot more fun, and a little less practical, then it might make more sense.

[@MrrNacho]

I agree with everything you said. Ive had my 2020 ZR hybrid for about 3 months now and the whole hybrid thing is so addictive! (My 1st ever hybrid car) i love the looks, the interior, the digital displays showing you everything thats going on with the engine and batteries etc. Love that is a toyota, the reliability and fuel economy amazing. Yes i domt like the cvt that much but im used to it now and yes i dont like how gutless it is going up hill but other than that perfect car for me

[@neilleggoe8647]

So will this be a great car to travel from Gold Coast to Brisbane 5 days a week ?? In peak hour traffic ??

[@carsguide]

For a single or couple, certainly. This car is at its best in peak hour traffic. That's also where it will save you the most fuel. Thanks for watching, TW.

[@FritschBenjamin]

How many smurfs had to die for the color of the car? 😂

[@rahusphere]

What's happening? Is this a reupload ? I am sure watching this previously.

[@carsguide]

You're correct this is a re-upload. There was a small mistake to do with the media screen size in an earlier version of this video, we chopped it out. Thanks for watching, TW.

[@jacksemenoff2148]

Isnt there a new model out as of now ? as this model has been running since 2018 .

[@loneventhorizon]

Where's this holo display?

[@johnmartin7158]

Hi ya Aussie mate ! I am hoping NZ will get the RAV4 Prime. Any news in Australia about the RAV4 Prime ? Auckland. NZ. Regard.

[@Tonystarkes888]

the seats are awesome but the car feels to small for me i like suv and 4wd

[@user-rs6uu4by7s]

When you stop at a traffic light or in a traffic jam. When you take off the gas, the car automatically turns off the engine. Is there an option where the motor will continue to run until you change this yourself?

[@lowkeyconvert8971]

i've driven what i believe is the lowest spec of this car and the drive really is impeccable. very quiet and smooth. the petrol gage also didn't seem to move at all which means super fuel efficiency. only thing i don't like was it seemed too cheap plasticky with the interior (although that can be rectified if you spec up) and the fact that with these regular, lower cars (hatches, sedans), they seem more prone to getting scratched from below and hitting bumps. the clearance is too low for me. but that's also part of the reason they're so fast and manoeuvre around quickly. choose ya poison, i guess.

[@theranjithjay]

I’m getting an ZR in February and bought an SX yesterday from Melbourne Dealer. Why is it so important to have bottle holders in the front? I have been driving for sixty years and never used a bottle holder. But that’s me for others it may be relevant.

[@charliemaron5866]

Is it worth it? I am buying one soon

[@introvertideas333]

@@charliemaron5866 their is a facelift coming later this year so I would hold off for that and it is rumoured to come with the newer 1.5litre engine from the new Yaris.

[@introvertideas333]

@@charliemaron5866 I think it is worth depending on what you are looking for. It has great fuel economy. The only gripes I have is the small boot and outdated infotainment system and a bit of loud road noise.

[@turdbomitch9007]

We get the wagon version in nz. It's not available as a hybrid and only comes in one model. It's being marketed as a rep or company car. Nothing flash, not very well specd and not as attractive in the front as the hatch.

[@nicholascannon5001]

Phone and wallet what's wrong with the centre consol ?

[@alanclarkeau]

PRIUS is a far more practical package, huge hatch area, great back seat space, temporary spare (the Corolla ZR has none) - but Corolla front seats are dramatically more comfortable.

[@AkhonaNgquba]

I do 4.9 on my diesel Audi A4 al the time. I wonder what you would get if someone made a diesel hybrid. Not sure why those don't exist.

[@filipedias3484]

DPF and complexity maybe.

[@AkhonaNgquba]

Thanks@@filipedias3484

[@leochan7554]

I doubt an A4 can achieve that 4.9 in city driving, that’s where a hybrid comes in handy Diesel hybrid doesn’t make sense: Most hybrids, especially those from market leaders Toyota and Ford, use gasoline engines specially tuned to run on what's called the Atkinson Cycle. This highly efficient tuning gives them maximum power output at the top of their range, but almost no torque at lower speeds. That is perfectly complemented by a hybrid's electric traction motor, which develops peak torque at 0 rpm, neatly compensating for the gutless gas engine until it runs up to speed. A diesel, on the other hand, produces all its torque down low--as does an electric motor. That means a diesel hybrid should have boatloads of torque off the line, but may require extensive gearing to ensure highly efficient running at speed.

[@AkhonaNgquba]

@@leochan7554 best answer. Now I understand why they don't make diesel hybrids. Thanks

[@AkhonaNgquba]

@@leochan7554 Thanks Leo. Yes. My Audi cannot achieve 4.9 in city driving. More like 6. Most of my driving is highway driving though so I get below that (I wish I could show you). Your response is really good and now I understand why there are no diesel powered hybrids. I thought it was stupid butI see the thinking behind it and it makes perfect sense. Again, thanks.

[@wongkampungdiaustralia]

Good

[@Argentinosalx]

nice review. there is no dislike for space cause there is also a sedan version. My friend got the hatch and i got the sedan when he saw the back passengers space and the 470 lt boot he regret it instantly .

[@Clove_Parma]

And the sedan gets even lower fuel economy at 3.5L/100km

[@adifferentangle7064]

Does the sedan have lowering back seats? If so then there is literally no point to the hatch.

[@taeukha2835]

I got corolla ascent sport with built in NO APPS!!!😵‍💫😵🥴 what the hell???

[@iluvmjalotful]

What is the colour of this car in the video if I may ask?

[@coopermcklellan3533]

The paint color is called Blue Flame

[@iluvmjalotful]

Thnks mate

[@fazeelmohammed7238]

Its called papa smurf blu

[@lukelawrence6007]

That color

[@graemecouch5010]

Economy doesnt come without sacrifices !

[@shauntukuafu924]

They heard your cry for a performance model with the GR Corolla announced.

[@vladbuhociu6108]

What engine it is 1.8 or 2.0 ?

[@coopermcklellan3533]

2.0

[@introvertideas333]

@@coopermcklellan3533 1.8 don’t get the 2.0 hybrid in Australia

[@Ben-bs4od]

150 torque. Compared to Civic hybrid at 220 total torque.

[@mvnorsel6354]

I wonder how economical the 6 speed manual would be, but manuals are seldom tested due to demand?

[@j.r.arnolli7494]

The only hybrid with a MT I know of is the Honda CR-Z

[@callumsmith338]

@@j.r.arnolli7494 they weren’t asking about a manual hybrid, they were asking about a review of the 6 speed model of the car

[@Benderswe1]

LOL storage is not so great (pulls out a 2L bottle).......omg

[@adifferentangle7064]

We got a ZR for the wife, and the first I drove it, she asked what I thought and I said it was terrible. She was shocked and asked why. I said, "You won't believe this. After I turned the engine off it gave me a rating out of 100 for my driving and told me to do better next time!" But yes, it actually adds a level to driving economically which is quite fun.

[@lijojake]

Good car for retirees.

[@nikolagrgic4782]

Just change the bottle.

[@j.r.arnolli7494]

The only practical and much more fun Corrola is the 2.0L Hybrid Stationwagon we have over here in Europe.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed, this hatch is far too cramped.

[@theranjithjay]

I own this car ZR HYBRID

[@fxlouise6344]

9

[@davidrome6066]

The only like I’d give it is the blue 👍🏻. No manual gearbox, quiet I’d rather hear my car and as for fuel economy I don’t give a flying continental. That’s why I bought a Mazda 3 G25 Astina hatch as they offered three pedal STILL.

[@ThatPerthFan]

Apart from the holographic HUD, it looks like it has the same interior comforts as my entry level 2021 i30 that was $10k less... minus the wireless charger, but even then, not worth the 10k bump. Cool, it’s a hybrid, but it’s only about $600 per 10000km it saves on petrol. It just seems like Toyota is no longer really an option when Hyundai feels so much better

[@psychiatry-is-eugenics]

.

[@junxianzhang1161]

Its quite a noisy car to be honest, soundproofing is horrendous especially during highway drive

[@carsguide]

We did find the refinement dropped noticeably over 80km/h, this car is best around town. Thanks for watching, TW.

[@Bambotb]

@@carsguide is bmw1 116d better ?

[@miroslawdworakowski7816]

Very bad review

[@avaliacarros7739]

Hybrid cars? No thank you! I prefer my Camaro V8, it pollutes less! Hybrids were considered an Environmental Disaster in Europe because they pollute 400 times more than reported by automakers!

[@nikitonchev]

you're not a good dude .... 8-cylinder Camaro more environmentally friendly than 4-cylinder Hybrid! I laughed a lot.....take your pills boy.😂 😂 😂

[@avaliacarros7739]

@@nikitonchev Traveling at less than 80 km/h the Camaro shuts off 4 cylinders, didn't you know?

[@nikitonchev]

@@avaliacarros7739 And all 4 cylinders burn 4 liters per 100 km? I currently have 2 cars BMW 330e and a Corolla 2 liter Hybrid. They both burn a little of your Camaro together. I also love 8 cylinders but the reality and the future are different!

[@avaliacarros7739]

@@nikitonchev But there is the problem. It has nothing to do with consumption. The tested hybrid cars polluted 400% more than reported by the factory. As I understand it, the hybrid car's engine is not from the Otto cycle but from the Atkinson cycle and is programmed for energy efficiency, but not for power and to move the car's wheels. When such an engine is required in full it pollutes much more than a normal Otto cycle engine.

[@nikitonchev]

@@avaliacarros7739 By this logic, power is environmental friendliness! This is simply not true. My BMW burns 2 liters per 100 km. When burning 2 liters of gasoline, the pollution cannot be more than burning 8 liters of gasoline. Simple math and chemistry. And in fact, only Toyota cars are in the Atkinson cycle!....

[@deanriley5690]

Why tf are bottle holders a point of measure? How many bottles you trying to smuggle?😂