Toyota is bringing new updates to the beloved Corolla for the 2023 model year. This practical and fuel-efficient car has a strong history of reliability and high safety ratings, so these updates make it even more appealing.
Available as a sedan or hatchback, the Corolla can comfortably seat five passengers. Whether you’re a budget-conscious buyer, a commuter, or an efficiency buff, it’s an attractive option. You can choose between a gas or hybrid powertrain and a front-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive configuration. It’s also a safe and well-equipped vehicle for its class, with good standard safety tech and an intuitive infotainment system.
The 2023 Corolla is worth considering whether you’re an entry-level buyer looking for an affordable commuter car or someone wanting value-balanced efficiency and convenience who isn’t keen on the styling of the Prius. Read below as our team at Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida, takes an in-depth look at the most notable updates Toyota has made to this perennial favorite.
Trim Options

The 2023 Toyota Corolla sedan comes in three trim levels, the LE, SE, and XSE, which is an upgrade from the single configuration of previous models. Each trim has unique features and options, giving you more choices when customizing your ride. Here’s a quick rundown of the three trims:
The LE
At an MSRP of $21,550, the LE trim is the most affordable entry-level option. It offers many features, including 16-inch steel wheels fitted with wheel covers and energy-efficient LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights. An 8-inch touch-screen display allows for connectivity to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker AM/FM radio comes with SiriusXM satellite radio.
The SE
With a starting MSRP of $23,990, the SE trim adds a sportier look to the Corolla with sleek 18-inch alloy wheels, a sport mesh gloss-black grille, gray side rocker panels, and a color-keyed rear spoiler. The interior has premium sports seats with fabric inserts and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. An optional JBL audio system with eight speakers and a powered subwoofer is also available.
The XSE
The range-topping XSE has a starting price of $26,700. It’s the fanciest of the Corolla line and comes standard with many LE and SE optional features, including Toyota Smart Key, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection, and a power sunroof. It also rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and adds a gray metallic rear spoiler, heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, and SofTex synthetic leather upholstery.
Engine Upgrades
Under the hood of the 2023 Corolla, Toyota has significantly upgraded its powertrain lineup. The hybrid model now features a revised system with a four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission that generates 138 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, which is an increase from the previous model’s 121 hp and 146 lb-ft of torque.
The most popular Corolla LE now comes standard with the more efficient and powerful 2.0-liter engine that was previously only available on the SE and XLE trims. All-wheel drive is now an option for the Hybrid SE and LE trims. An automatic transmission is now the only option for the hybrid and sedan trims, with the six-speed manual transmission no longer available.
Sharper Styling
For 2023, the Toyota Corolla has an eye-catching all-LED headlight assembly. Instead of the conventional J-curve style headlights, the new model features a sleek design with a strip running along the hood line and down through the assembly. Integrated turn signals have the same design. The updated front bumper has a small strip of LED accent lighting. The result is a sharper, more aggressive look for the Corolla.
Next-Level Comfort
The 2023 Toyota Corolla provides a welcoming cabin with comfort for all aboard. It features high-gloss materials and contrasting stitching to give the interior a premium feel. The front seats in the SE and XSE trims have shoulder supports for comfort and overlapping solid side bolsters to grip passengers securely. You can choose from standard cloth or SofTex trim in Black/Red, Light Gray, and Macadamia.
Interior Updates
Once again, Toyota is pushing the bar for in-vehicle technology with the 2023 Corolla. The new multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has a Wi-Fi hotspot, over-the-air updates, cloud navigation, dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, and an intelligent voice assistant.
This system, unveiled in 2021 and first launched on the Tundra pickup, supports touch-screen displays up to 14 inches; however, the standard size for all Corolla models is 8 inches. Also noteworthy is a cabin air filter with pollen and odor removal capability and a Smart Key system with a push-button start.
Exterior Refresh
The 2023 Corolla has a sleeker, more modern look than its predecessor, giving it an almost alien-like appearance. With the addition of Ice Cap to its color lineup, Toyota has given the Corolla a refined look. An array of color options remains, including Midnight Black Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, Blueprint, and Classic Silver Metallic. Toyota has also added new wheel designs and slightly more sculpted bumpers for a sporty and sophisticated look.
Next-Generation Safety Systems
Safety has always been a priority for the Toyota Corolla, and the 2023 model year takes that commitment to new heights. Every 2023 Corolla now comes with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0, the automaker’s most advanced suite of driver assistance features. Along with the elements previously included with TSS 2.0, TSS 3.0 also adds a new proactive driving assist feature. This system uses upgraded detection capabilities to anticipate any potential obstacles or deceleration events from further away, enabling the car’s systems to more gradually and effectively slow down.
The 2022 Corolla was already one of the safest vehicles in its segment, and these advanced features ensure that the 2023 model will be even safer. The Corolla Hybrid earned a 2022 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration overall safety rating, so you can rest assured that the 2023 Corolla will offer top-tier safety protection.
That about wraps up the 2023 Toyota Corolla updates. These subtle changes give the Corolla a refreshed yet familiar feel. It’s the perfect blend of practical and impactful design elements. Keith Pierson Toyota in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a great selection of new and pre-owned Toyota models, along with competitive financing and leasing deals. Contact us today to schedule a test drive and experience the 2023 Corolla for yourself.


