Historically, drivers wanting to save money at the pump have gone small. Not only are vehicles with trim dimensions inherently more efficient than, say, gargantuan three-row SUVs or heavy-duty trucks, but these vehicles also almost always cost far less, too. Greatly enhanced fuel efficiency, lower upfront costs, simpler serviceability, and likely more affordable insurance are but a few of the benefits small vehicles have over larger offerings.
- Base Trim Engine
-
1.8L Inline-4 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
138 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
156 lb-ft
Taking things to the next level, though, hybrid technology delivers even greater fuel savings. When you throw a battery pack and at least one electric motor into the powertrain mix, magical things happen. Electrification like this can take an already economical drivetrain and improve both efficiency and performance. Clearly illustrating the benefits of small cars with electrified powertrains is the Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which is significantly more economical than the standard version of this highly regarded compact sedan.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including the U.S. EPA, Autoweek, and U.S. News and World Report.
Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid Efficiency
Toyota has built millions and millions of Corollas since the nameplate was introduced in 1966. In fact, as of 2021, the automaker has delivered more than 50 million of these cars around the world, an absolutely staggering figure. The Corolla’s small dimensions and easy maneuverability, versatile interior, enduring quality, and incredible efficiency are but a few reasons why so many of these cars have been sold over the years. The current, 12th-generation model is arguably the best ever, delivering more features and greater safety than ever before, along with incredible efficiency no matter what’s under the hood.
When it comes to fuel economy, the standard Corolla is remarkably efficient. The entry-level LE model is rated at 32 miles per gallon in the city and 41 highway. Combined, this car should return a remarkable 34 mpg. Fancier SE and XSE models are slightly less efficient, stickering at 31, 40, and 34 mpg, respectively.
Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid Fuel Economy
|
Toyota Corolla |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|
|
Fuel Economy (City) |
32 MPG |
50 MPG |
|
Fuel Economy (Highway) |
41 MPG |
43 MPG |
|
Fuel Economy (Combined) |
35 MPG |
47 MPG |
|
EPA-Estimated Range |
462 Miles |
531 Miles |
|
Tank Capacity |
13.2 Gallons |
11.3 Gallons |
Those are some damn-impressive figures for any small car, but the Corolla hybrid is even more efficient. LE and XLE models should return 53 mpg city, 46 highway, and 50 combined. Opting for available all-wheel drive reduces those numbers to 51, 44, and 48 mpg, respectively. The SE trim should deliver 50 city, 43 highway, and 47 mpg combined, while the SE all-wheel-drive model should get you 47, 41, and 44 mpg, respectively.
And as you can see, the Corolla hybrid is far more efficient than the standard gas-powered version of this small sedan. When it comes to combined fuel economy, the hybrid delivers up to five mpg more than the conventional Corolla, and as much as 21 mpg more in city driving, a staggering difference.
Fuel Cost For The Toyota Corolla
When it comes to operating expenses, the EPA estimates the gasoline-powered Corolla will cost owners around $1,400 to fuel each year. That’s based on 15,000 annual miles, 45 percent of which are on the highway and 55 percent in urban conditions. Breaking that down a little further, it should cost as little as $2.29 to drive this car 25 miles, a very affordable price for commuters.
Toyota Corolla vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid Fuel Cost
|
Toyota Corolla |
Toyota Corolla Hybrid |
|
|
Annual Fuel Cost |
$1,400 |
$1,00 |
|
Five-Year Fuel Cost Savings |
$1,500 |
$3,500 |
|
Cost to Drive 25 Miles |
$2.29 |
$1.71 |
|
Cost to Fill The Tank |
$42 |
$36 |
Toyota Corolla Powertrain
So, what motivates the standard Corolla – and delivers such impressive efficiency? Well, the conventional, gas-powered model is hauled around by a thrifty 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is matched to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that boosts efficiency if not driving fun. Overall, the engine cranks out a respectable 169 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque, figures that deliver good, if not outstanding, performance, achieving a 0-to-60 run in around 8.2 seconds.
Toyota Corolla Fuel Cost Breakdown
An annual fuel bill of just $1,400 is supremely low, but the Corolla is even more impressive than that. In fact, according to the U.S. EPA, the standard version of this car is estimated to save owners around $1,500 in fuel costs over five years compared to the average new vehicle sold today. That’s $300 per year, which can go a long way toward paying off debts, helping cover school expenses, or even saving for a much-deserved vacation.
Fuel Cost For The Toyota Corolla Hybrid
As efficient as the standard Corolla is, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. As you might imagine, the hybrid model costs even less to operate; significantly less. In fact, it’s estimated that the annual fuel spend on this electrified small car is just $1,000, a whopping $400 less than the non-hybrid variant. The cost to drive this battery-bolstered machine 25 miles is a mere $1.71, a difference of $0.58 compared to the standard Corolla.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Powertrain
Helping deliver those impressive savings, Corolla hybrids have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder that is rated at just 96 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of twist on its own. But that engine is not working alone. Oh, no. There are motor-generators, too, along with a small lithium-ion battery pack, components that help bolster output, gracing this electrified Toyota with a net combined horsepower rating of 138. That delivers a 0-to-60 time of around 9.6 seconds, pretty slow in 2025 but good enough for everyday use. If you opt for the available all-wheel-drive system, that time does drop to around nine seconds. Similar to the standard Corolla, hybrid models have an electronically controlled CVT instead of a conventional stepped-ratio transmission.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid Fuel Cost Breakdown
Compared to the average new vehicle sold today, the Corolla hybrid is estimated to save drivers a whopping $3,500 in fuel costs over five years. That’s a reduction of $700 annually, a big chunk of change for so many drivers.
Five-Year Cost Comparison And Savings
As outlined above, there’s a big difference between how much it costs to operate these two Toyotas. Both models are impressively economical and supremely affordable, though the hybrid might be the better option for many motorists. When it comes to pricing, the entry-level Corolla LE starts at around $23,920, including $1,195 in destination fees. In comparison, the base LE hybrid model kicks off at roughly $25,770 with delivery, a difference of around $1,850. If you want a hybrid Corolla with all-wheel drive, it costs an extra $1,400.
2025 Toyota Corolla And Corolla Hybrid Trims And MSRP
|
Non-Hybrid |
Hybrid |
|
|
LE |
$22,175 |
$23,825 |
|
SE |
$24,615 |
$26,265 |
|
FX Edition |
$26,500 |
N/A |
|
XSE |
$27,890 |
N/A |
|
XLE |
N/A |
$28,190 |
*MSRP does not include destination fees
Toyota Corolla Vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid Fuel Cost
Comparing the annual fuel costs of these two Corollas is surprising. The standard model is estimated to cost $1,400 to fuel each year, while the hybrid clocks in at just $1,000. That’s a difference of $400 per year, a not-insignificant amount.
The Toyota Corolla Hybrid Could Save You $3,500 Over Five Years
Looking at a five-year window, the hybrid model is estimated to save drivers $3,500 in fuel costs over a half-decade period compared to the average new vehicle sold today, while the standard Corolla clocks in at $1,500. This is a difference of $2,000, or $400 per year. That may not sound like much, but what would you do with an extra $33 and change in your pocket each month?
The Toyota Corolla is a legendary nameplate in the automotive world, and for good reason, or rather, reasons, plural. This small car is versatile, incredibly reliable, and supremely efficient. In 2025, it’s hard to go wrong with any version of the Corolla, though the hybrid model is likely a better choice for many drivers. Not only is the electrified model far more economical, which translates to significant fuel savings, but the car is not hugely more expensive than the standard Corolla, something that allows you to have your cake and eat it, too.
link
About the Author
