Toyota Corolla 1.8 Hybrid Excel 5dr CVT

Ten Second Review

The twelfth generation Corolla hatch and Touring Sports estate models have gained many friends for Toyota amongst family hatch customers wanting full-Hybrid power. Constant updates have kept this 'E210'-series design current and these include detail improvements for the 2026 model year. It's still a strong contender.

Background

Toyota was aiming to enter fresh territory with this 12th generation Corolla back in 2018 at its original launch. For one thing, it needed to make Hybrids more universally acceptable in this segment - that's why there are two of them with this current model, a 1.8 and a 2.0-litre unit, both of the 'self-charging' non-plug-in variety. This Corolla also aimed to change customer perceptions of Toyota in this sector, which tend to centre around expectations of drab interior quality, forgettable looks and boring drive dynamics. This 'E210'-series model turned out to be a huge step forward from its Auris predecessor in all these areas. But that wasn't quite enough to at last make this Japanese maker competitive at the sharp end of this class amongst Astras and Golfs. The brand is getting closer though, after a big update for this MK12 model in 2023 followed by detail enhancements for the Model Year 2026 design we look at here. As it's always been, this current model is underpinned by the 'TNGA' 'Toyota New Global Architecture' platform and builds on world record sales of more than 50 million Corollas over twelve generations since 1966. As usual, there's a choice of hatch and 'Touring Sports' estate body shapesh. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

This current Corolla features the fifth generation of Toyota's full-Hybrid self-charging powerplant and remains available in both 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol forms. The smaller capacity 1.8-litre unit has more power these days (138bhp) and makes the 0-62mph sprint in 9.1s. Toyota's helped that in recent times by reducing the weight of the hybrid system's lithium-ion battery. In the most recent major update, the engineers improved driveability too by redesigning the power control unit and the transaxle motor. They also recalibrated the hybrid control to provide acceleration feel closer to throttle pedal use, with less of the previous 'rubber band' effect. As before, it all works via CVT auto gearbox with six speeds. Whichever powerplant you prefer, you should find this Toyota dynamically able - far more so than some of its segment predecessors. Throw the car into a corner and you'll find that though this Corolla is no Golf, it far from disgraces itself, with a decent level of front end grip and steering that's predictable and accurate, though rather light. The 2.0-litre variant's obviously the one to choose if you want a little extra performance, this version (with 176bhp) making rest to 62mph in 7.4s (around a second faster than a VW Golf 2.0 TDI). More relevant is the rapid 30-50mph overtaking increment that makes the car feel flexible and spontaneously powerful on faster roads. Don't misunderstand us: a 2.0-litre Hybrid Corolla is still way down on the level of pulling power a black pump-fuelled engine would produce, with a 190Nm figure that's almost 50% less than a comparable 2.0-litre diesel. But you notice the shortfall much less than you do with the 1.8-litre Hybrid.

Design and Build

There aren't any exterior updates to this Model Year 2026 Corolla; Toyota introduced those as part of the mid-term update in 2023. But there are some striking fresh paint choices. As usual, there's a choice of hatchback or Touring Sports estate body shapes. Higher grades gain smarter bi-LED headlights with an Adaptive High-beam System. Size-wise, this car is pitched plumb in the centre of its segment, and is quite a bit longer than a Golf. Inside this latest model, Toyota is making more use of its Samara upholstery, a hard-wearing but pleasingly tactile fabric made from recycled materials. The brand's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in leather alternatives being used for the steering wheel and shift lever trims. Otherwise, things are as before, with a 10.5-inch central infotainment monitor and a 12.3-inch instrument combimeter display (now standard on all versions). The latter screen can be customised to preference across four different modes - 'Casual', 'Smart', 'Sport' and 'Tough'. The driver can also make use of an on-board voice agent that recognises natural, conversational requests to operate the multimedia, or vehicle functions such as opening or closing windows. The cabin's of decent quality too, with smart graphics, trims and embossed patterns that add three-dimensional depth and tactile appeal to the upholsteries, surfaces and finishes. The trim and seat upholstery combinations follow smarter Dark and Light Harmony themes with co-ordinated colours and finishes to give the interior a contemporary, elegant feel. Rear seat space isn't hugely generous, but two adults will fit OK. Boot space for the 1.8-litre models is rated at 361-litres for the hatch and 596-litres for the Touring Sports estate. Bear in mind that these figures are slightly reduced if you choose the 2.0-litre version.

Market and Model

Toyota isn't bothering here to try and provide an affordable entry-level model, prices across the all-Hybrid, all-automatic range starting from around £31,000. There's a premium of around £1,300 to go from the five-door hatch body shape to the 'Touring Sports' estate. There are four main trim levels - 'Icon', 'Design', 'GR Sport' and 'Excel'. All of these spec levels deliver plenty of kit for the latest model year, with fresh colours that include a new Dark Grey metallic and, for the 'GR Sport' an eye-catching grey matt finish. As before, as standard customers get the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense package with its wide portfolio of active driving and parking assistance features. These include Acceleration Suppression, which reacts to sudden use of the accelerator when travelling at low speed; collision avoidance support when making a turn at an intersection; Emergency Steering Assist that can react to oncoming vehicles; lateral collision avoidance and curve speed reduction. There's also a 'Safe Exit Assist' system, which stops doors being opened in the face on oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians. And a 'Rear Seat Reminder', which alerts the driver to look at the rear seats as they leave the car.

Cost of Ownership

Toyota has decided that all Corolla buyers should have a Hybrid engine - and a look at the efficiency stats reveals why. The stats are still pretty eye-catching, a typical 1.8-litre Hybrid Corolla Hatch with 'Icon' trim managing up to 64.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 100g/km of CO2. That's further helped, Toyota expects, by the fact that for typical customers, up to 50% of typical commuting journeys will be accomplished in all-electric drive. For the 2.0-litre Hybrid hatch, the best stats are much the same. The Japanese maker describes the Corolla's Hybrid technology as being of the 'self-charging' variety, which means that it isn't of the currently popular Plug-in variety. The brand of course has PHEV technology (it's available on top versions of its Prius model) but currently feels it isn't necessary for the Corolla line-up. What else? Well, the five year 100,000 mile warranty is extremely good and even after that runs out, you'll find that you can extend it for nothing up to a maximum of ten years, providing you have the car regularly serviced at a Toyota dealer. There's also three years warranty against rust and 12 years of anti-corrosion protection.

Summary

So what do we have here? A name from the past which packages up technology very much of the present. Very soon, all family hatchback-class models will feature model line-ups that are primarily electrified. But Toyota brought us that first. In a car its volume brand competitors still have to take very seriously indeed. If you're going the Hybrid route with a model in this sector, it makes sense to buy into the brand that has most experience in producing this kind of powertrain - and that's unquestionably Toyota. But this contender also has other things to recommend it, with levels of safety and media connectivity that rivals struggle to better. Overall, if you're looking for a car in this segment, a Corolla may not currently be on your shopping list. We think it ought to be.