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October 5, 2022

2023 Toyota Corolla Gets New Dynamic Force Engines, More Powerful Hybrid


Toyota has updated the Corolla in its home market of Japan, indicating that a refresh will soon be underway for global models, including the Philippines. The 2023 Corolla gets a bunch of aesthetic and mechanical changes moving forward.

The JDM version of the Corolla gets revised LED DRLs as well as a revised front bumper. Having said that, since the Philippine model is based off the European Corolla sedan model, it remains to be seen what sort of visual updates the market will get.

The most important aspect is found under the hood where the Corolla receives two Dynamic Force engines: a 1.5-liter and a 2.0-liter.


The 1.5-liter 3-cylinder M15A-FKS serves up 120 horsepower and 145 Nm of torque. Replacing the long-serving 1.6-liter engine, it comes mated to a Super CVT-i system. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter M20A-FKS makes a healthy 170 horsepower and 202 Nm of torque. The only transmission in this guise is a Direct Shift CVT.

In addition to these two normally-aspirated engines, the Corolla comes with hybrid power. The revised setup pairs the same 1.8-liter 2ZR-FXE (98 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque) with a more powerful electric motor that generates 95 horsepower and 185 Nm (up from 53 horsepower and 163 Nm). As always, the hybrid powertrain comes with an e-CVT.

Inside, the Corolla more or less remains the same for 2023, but it does get the option of a bigger infotainment screen (10.5 inches), wireless Apple CarPlay, and a revised instrument cluster.

The Toyota Safety Sense has also been improved with front junction support which detects oncoming vehicles at an intersection as well as pedestrians crossing the road when turning left or right. Proactive Driving Assist also joins the suite to support the driver’s steering and braking to avoid getting too close to pedestrians, bicycles and parked vehicles.

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