Let’s get started! 2023 is the first refresh of the Toyota Corolla and the version we will be reviewing is a gas edition and it’s the SE trim, which is the entry-level in the sports edition for the Corolla. In this review we will a few of the bigger changes on the exterior, and for the interior we will link over to our YouTube video so you can “see” all of the various enhancements and changes.
Exterior Refresh
When it comes to styling and the finer points of the Corolla’s exterior, Toyota has done a really nice job of incorporating practical, yet impactful, design elements giving the Corolla a refined look and feel, starting with a new exterior color choice.
Icecap
New for 2023, Toyota has added the color Icecap to the Corolla line-up. Unlike Wind Chill Pearl, which is white with shine, Icecap is a flat white paint job and in our opinion, really looks nice especially on the SE trim level we reviewed with the gloss black trim. If white (either Wind Chill Pearl or Icecap) is not your color, you still have six additional color combinations to choose; from Midnight Black Metallic and Rube Flare Pear (red), to Blueprint and Classic Silver Metallic. To see the full color spectrum available, see the 2023 Toyota Corolla brochure.
Upfront Headlights & Grill
Head on, the first thing you will notice is the new headlight assembly complete with all LED lights. Instead of the “J-curve style” headlight, new for 2023 the daytime running light is a strip that runs along the hood line, then down through the assembly. The turn signal is also integrated into this assembly, making it overall a much smaller, sleek design. There is also small LED strip accent lighting integrated in the new front bumper design and a large mess grill. Just above the mesh grill is a much narrower gloss panel which houses many of the sensors for Toyota Safety Sense including dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure and sign detection. A small subtle change are the sensors in the front windshield, behind the rear view mirror, for lane tracing and pedestrian detection. It’s slightly bigger than in prior years, but not something you will even notice.
Tires & Suspension
The wheels on the 2023 model are the same exact same wheels and tires that were on the 2022 in terms of size. They’re 18-inch cast aluminum wheel, but on the SE trim we were reviewing, the wheel is all metallic gray. It almost looks black. Tires are the same size (225-40 series) 18-inch all-season tires with independent front suspension, four-wheel disk brakes, anti-lock brakes, and traction control – all come standard.
Side Profile & Rear
The SE edition does have collapsible, folding/breakaway mirrors. The model we had included Blind Spot Monitoring (which is integrated into both side mirrors) which is part of the premium upgrade package. That’s an extra $1200 plus charge and includes the power sliding moonroof. Also, LED turn signals are integrated in both mirrors as well.
As you move along the side you will notice, or maybe not, the color to match door handles and a matte black finish around the doors and windows; which is a an ABS, scratch resistant coating. A great feature that helps cut down on small scratches from your rings when closing the doors. The bottom rocker-panel is also a nice accent piece which is that metallic gray to match the front grill and wheels.
When you look to the rear of the 2023 Corolla we still have the “shark-fin” colored to match antenna, rear window defrost, 3rd brake light (LED) just above the trunk line, back up camera tucked up above the license plate frame and the rear taillight assembly, which are carried over from the 2022 model year.
Two Engine Choices
Under the hood for 2023, Toyota is offering two engines on this SE edition. The one we reviewed was the gas engine, so it’s the larger of the two engines. It’s a two-liter, 16 valve with a VVT-i gasoline engine. It’s connected to a CVT automatic transmission which has an adjustable transmission. With the push of a button you can select eco, normal or sport mode. Of course, the 2023 Corolla is front-wheel drive on the standard SE edition. Now, for 2023, you can also choose the 1.8-liter hybrid engine, and Toyota is also offering this vehicle in all-wheel drive.
Interior Overview
To do this portion of the review, we really need visuals. We tried to sum it up in words, but really, the best way to show and explain all of the ins and outs of the 2023 Corolla SE interior, video does it best. Check out our YouTube interior overview.
About Smart Motors Toyota
Smart Motors was founded in 1908 by O.D. Smart and is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships, is the mid-west’s largest hybrid dealer and one of Wisconsin’s largest volume Toyota dealers. Located at 5901 Odana Road, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service & sales volume. Company History.
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